Roush Appointed Interim President of SDSU

California State University (CSU) Chancellor Timothy P. White has appointed Sally Roush as interim president of San Diego State University. Roush will begin in her position on July 1, 2017, and serve in that capacity until a new president, selected by the CSU Board of Trustees, arrives in early summer 2018.

White visited SDSU in late March to listen to campus, faculty, student and community leaders about the skills and experiences they prioritized for the interim appointee. The feedback was instrumental in guiding the selection of Roush for the interim appointment.

“I am delighted that Sally Roush has accepted my invitation to provide leadership, as she possesses the key attributes identified during my recent visit,” said White. “During a long and distinguished career of serving SDSU, including 19 years as a senior vice president, Sally always demonstrated passion and dedication for the university mission. She brings deep understanding of the academic excellence and administrative functions of the university, and I have full confidence in her ability to promote the standard of excellence SDSU has achieved under President Hirshman.”

“My time at SDSU was the highlight of my professional career,” said Roush. “I am excited to re-engage with faculty, staff, students and all members of the campus community as we work together to serve the San Diego and Imperial Valley Region.”

Adam Day, vice chair of the CSU Board of Trustees who will also lead the search for the next campus president on behalf of the trustees, applauded her appointment.

“Sally Roush has all the requisite skills, knowledge, experience and SDSU values to guide the university during the opportunities and challenges of the interim period. I couldn’t be more pleased about her selection,” said Day.

Long-time members of the SDSU campus community will be familiar with Roush who served in various capacities at the university for 31 years. Roush initially joined SDSU in 1982 as director of personnel services and held that position until 1994 when she was promoted to the position of senior vice president for Business and Financial Affairs.

In that role, Roush had oversight over the university’s budget and financial operations, intercollegiate athletics, real estate management and development, human resources, public safety and information technology, among other areas. She served as senior vice president until her retirement from the university in 2013. Roush also led the steering committee for SDSU’s strategic plan “Building on Excellence” which will be in its final year when Roush assumes the interim role.

After retiring from SDSU, Roush was tapped to serve as interim vice chancellor/chief financial officer for the CSU Office of the Chancellor from January through April 2014. Roush has also served as a special consultant at the Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and Sonoma State campuses.

She has remained an active part of the campus community, including advising on issues such as physical enhancements of the campus.

In March, SDSU’s current president, Elliot Hirshman, announced that after six years he would be leaving the university on July 1 after accepting the position of president at Stevenson University in Maryland.

For more information, visit the Presidential Transition website.