New CSU Board of Trustees Chair is Product of SDSU

Adam Day (‘91) officially took the gavel on July 24 as chair of the California State University Board of Trustees for 2018-19. He had served as vice chair for the previous two years.

Twenty-five appointed and ex officio members comprise the governing board for the 23-campus CSU system, which includes San Diego State University. 

Day is the son of Thomas B. Day, SDSU’s sixth president from 1978 to 1996. In addition to his role with the CSU, he is chief administrative officer for the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation, helping to oversee the management and operation of more than 12 tribal government departments including police, fire, medical, education and community development. He also directs government, public and community relations on behalf of the Sycuan Tribe.

Several significant issues face the CSU board in the next few years, among them working with the state to achieve long-term stable funding; addressing a backlog of more than $2 billion in deferred maintenance; closing student achievement gaps; and improving tenure density.

Day said he plans to place special emphasis on the mental and behavioral health needs of students, faculty and staff.

“It is a tremendous honor to serve as the chairman of such an esteemed institution, and I am humbled by the vote of confidence of my colleagues,” Day said. “I look forward to continuing our collective progress on graduation rates, affordability, and access to a high quality education resulting in an impactful degree. Working closely with world-class faculty, staff and administrators, the CSU is well positioned for continued growth and success.”

Day told fellow trustees that in recognition of his new position, he recently narrowed his longstanding distance from social media and created a Twitter account, @adaycsu, focused on the system’s campuses, faculty, staff and students.