Dear Campus Community,
Today, I write to share the bittersweet news of significant leadership changes at Sonoma State University, effective July 1, 2025. The transitions have been brought on by unique personal opportunities and circumstances that are positive for the individuals directly involved, but together, they represent a profound moment of change for our campus community.
These transitions are not easy, as each of these leaders brought heart, wisdom, and an unwavering commitment that helped shape Sonoma State in countless ways. Their impact has been felt not only in their work on behalf of the university’s educational mission but also in the lives and careers they have touched across our campus and in the community.
Presidents Emily Cutrer of Sonoma State, Lynn Mahoney of San Francisco State University, and Cathy Sandeen of California State University East Bay have collectively appointed Dr. Karen Moranski as the inaugural Vice President for Regional Network Transformation within the newly formed San Francisco Bay Region Network. This three-year regional role is a testament to Dr. Moranski’s ability to foster collaboration and drive meaningful change across institutions, divisions, and business units.
Dr. Moranski joined Sonoma State in 2016 as Associate Vice President for Academic Programs and Interim Dean of Graduate Studies, after 20 years as a faculty member and administrator at the University of Illinois Springfield. She became Senior Associate Vice President for Academic Programs and Dean of Undergraduate and Graduate Studies in 2018. Her exceptional leadership and vision led to her appointment in 2021 as Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs following a national search. A champion of diversity and inclusion, Dr. Moranski has continually worked to ensure that our academic programs and policies reflect and serve the needs of all students. As Provost, Dr. Moranski partnered with the Vice President for University Advancement to secure principal gifts to support SSU.
With deep expertise in interdisciplinary studies and the liberal arts – underscored by her service as President of the Association for Interdisciplinary Studies and her leadership roles with the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges – Dr. Moranski has helped shape a more integrated and innovative academic environment at SSU. Most recently, she led the successful consolidation of our six schools into three colleges, a major effort to enhance both academic collaboration and operational efficiency. She also led an Academic Master Plan process that provides a blueprint for academic change and growth.
Beginning July 1, Dr. Stacey Bosick will serve as Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. Dr. Bosick is currently the Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of Undergraduate and Graduate Education, having served in academic leadership at SSU since 2019. She holds key institutional roles as the university’s Accreditation Liaison Officer and Senior International Officer. Prior to her administrative career, Dr. Bosick was a sociology professor for more than a decade at the University of Colorado Denver, where she also served as Director of Graduate Studies.
Monir Ahmed, Vice President for Administration and Finance, will be retiring from Sonoma State University effective June 30. Mr. Ahmed has been an integral member of the Cabinet, guiding the university through key city and county partnerships and collaborating closely with the Chancellor’s Office in advancing shared services and systemwide efficiencies. An energetic leader and 30-year advocate for students in California higher education, Mr. Ahmed brought strategic insight and a student-centered approach to all aspects of his work.
As Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Mr. Ahmed has overseen budget and finance, information technology, facilities, risk management, the University Police Department, entrepreneurial ventures, and other core operations. Before joining SSU, he served in similar leadership roles at CSU San Bernardino, UC Merced – where he was a founding team member – and UCLA. His collaborative style and commitment to improving services for students have made a lasting impact at SSU and across the CSU system.
Starting on July 1, Jeff Wilson, Vice President for Administration and Finance at San Francisco State, will also become the Interim Vice President for Administration and Finance at Sonoma State. Mr. Wilson, who is also project lead on the developing San Francisco Bay Region Network, was at Sonoma State from 2006 to 2017, serving as a senior accountant for the Sonoma State Foundation, deputy controller for sponsored programs administration, and senior director for strategic initiatives and for the Office of Faculty Research and Sponsored Programs..
Dr. Ed Mills, Vice President for Strategic Enrollment, will be transitioning into a new role as a consultant to Sonoma State University. Dr. Mills joined SSU in 2023 following a brief retirement from Sacramento State University, where he played a central role in rebuilding its strategic enrollment efforts. He was brought to SSU to restructure and rebuild the enrollment team with the goal of preparing it for long-term leadership and success. Having accomplished that mission and with a high-functioning team now in place, Dr. Mills will continue to support the university in a consulting capacity.
Dr. Mills has nearly 40 years of experience in student affairs, enrollment management, and related software development. At Sacramento State, he served for 16 years in senior leadership, including as Vice President for Student Affairs and Chief Enrollment Officer, playing a key role in the university’s efforts to become a federally designated Hispanic-Serving and Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution. Prior to his time at Sac State, he held key roles at Cleveland State University, Datatel Inc., and Penn State University.
Beginning July 1, Paul Edwards will serve as Interim Vice President for Strategic Enrollment. Since arriving in October 2024, he has played a pivotal role in expanding SSU’s university partnerships and guaranteed admissions programs. Prior to joining SSU, he served in multiple capacities during his 32 years of dedicated service to Sacramento State University, most recently as Interim Assistant Vice President for Strategic Student Service, Partnerships and Initiatives. Mr. Edwards spearheaded numerous strategies that supported student success and enrollment management at Sacramento State.
Please join me in offering heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Karen Moranski, Monir Ahmed, and Dr. Ed Mills. Their leadership, integrity, and unwavering dedication have left an enduring legacy on this campus and laid the foundation for continued growth and excellence.
Sincerely,
Emily F. Cutrer
Interim President