President Cathy Sandeen

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President Cathy Sandeen

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Cathy Sandeen is the president of Cal State East Bay in Hayward, CA. Sandeen earned a Ph.D. She was named an American Council on Education Fellow in 2010-11.

Cathy Sandeen, Ph.D., MBA is an educational leader who is committed to continuing Cal State East Bay’s momentum in students’ social mobility, social justice and sustainability. As a two-time alumna of the California State University, she feels fortunate to work in a system that emphasizes access and opportunity. For more than 60 years, Cal State East Bay has provided access to higher education for a diverse student body and advancing regional engagement through its academic programs and leadership. More than 60 percent of Cal State East Bay’s student body are the first in their families to go to college, and the university is recognized nationally for its diversity and impact on social mobility. Prior to returning to her hometown in the East Bay, Sandeen was chancellor of the University of Alaska Anchorage from September 2018-December 2020, and chancellor of the University of Wisconsin Colleges and UW-Extension for four years. Previously, as vice president for education attainment and innovation at the American Council on Education, she led ACE's nationwide effort to increase post-secondary educational attainment. She also held leadership positions in the University of California system including at UCLA, Santa Cruz and San Francisco. in communication from the University of Utah and a Master of Business Administration degree from the UCLA Anderson School of Management. A prolific writer and speaker, Sandeen has published and presented widely on the issues surrounding educational innovation and nontraditional students.

10/28/2026

I am deeply saddened by the passing of Dolores Huerta, a pioneering civil rights activist, labor leader, and dear friend of Cal State East Bay.

As co-founder of the United Farm Workers, recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and the voice behind “Sí se puede,” Dolores dedicated her life to advancing workers’ rights, equality and opportunity for all.

We are grateful for her friendship and extraordinary legacy, which will continue to inspire generations. My heartfelt condolences go out to her family, loved ones and all those whose lives she touched.

10/02/2026

I was honored to be recognized by the Friends of Chabot College Foundation at its 12th Annual Gala and to receive the award from Hayward Mayor Mark Salinas. It was an incredible evening celebrating the Chabot community and the power of higher education.

Adding to the special evening was the chance to celebrate with my childhood friend and former neighbor, Dr. Celia Esposito-Noy, who recently retired as president of Solano Community College.

Thank you to Mayor Salinas, the Friends of Chabot College, and Celia for making the evening so memorable!

08/17/2026

Today, I had the honor of delivering my sixth and final Convocation address as president of Cal State East Bay.

As I reflected on the years we’ve shared and all we’ve accomplished together, I was reminded of just how honored I am to have served this remarkable institution and the community that calls it home.

While tomorrow may be my last “first day,” there is still much to look forward to, including setting the stage for an incredible 2027. I’m excited for all we will accomplish together during the rest of my time here and for the opportunity to celebrate the Pioneers that make East Bay so special.

Thank you for allowing me the privilege of serving as your president. Here’s to a meaningful semester ahead ❤️🖤

06/11/2026

Today, members of our campus community gathered in the The DISC to watch the 2026 CSU Juneteenth Symposium, hosted by Cal State LA and streamed across California State University

Juneteenth offers an opportunity to reflect on our shared history and reaffirm our commitment to creating a more equitable future for all.

Thank you to everyone who joined us in community and reflection today.

05/27/2026

After a continuous 40-year career in higher education, with thirteen years serving as a president or chancellor at public regional universities, and six extraordinary years at Cal State East Bay, I have decided to step down from my full-time role as president at the end of December 2026.

As a first-generation college graduate, one proudly “Made in the CSU,” it has been the honor of a lifetime to bring my experience back home to the East Bay, the place where I was born, raised, and first began my journey.

While this stage of my career is ending, I can’t quite bring myself to say “retirement.” After December, I will continue serving as a commissioner for First 5 Alameda County and as a board member for HERS (Higher Education Resource Services). Beyond this work, who knows what new opportunities and adventures still lie ahead.

To the many students, faculty, staff, alumni, community partners, and friends who have supported me along the way: thank you. I move into this next chapter with deep gratitude and immense pride in all we have accomplished together.

No matter what, I am a Pioneer for life and will continue to serve as president proudly for the remainder of 2026.

04/22/2026

Proud moment for our Pioneer family! Last night, I got to see our , coaches, and Athletic Director recognized by Hayward Mayor and City Council.

A historic 33–1 season, CCAA champions, NCAA Division II Elite Eight, National Player of the Year, and National Coach of the Year—just to name a few.

Grateful to see our entire community celebrating their success. The is strong in our city!

04/08/2026

Yesterday, I was honored to attend the grand opening of our new, expanded WellNest ✨

Alongside Mayor Mark Salinas and many dedicated staff and students, I saw years of work by our Pioneer family come to life; a new chapter for Student Wellbeing Services

The WellNest will be a welcoming hub for cooking demos, fresh food access, and essential support resources. I am proud to be just one part of this commitment to our students’ success.

Thank you to everyone who helped bring this vision to life ❤️

08/16/2024

At today’s annual Convocation, we proudly unveiled an exciting new chapter for Cal State East Bay. We introduced our refreshed brand, which includes a new positioning statement, messaging platform, and a vibrant logo identity. And the BIG news...we also launched a brand-new mascot: the Peregrine Falcon!

While we remain the Pioneers — our identity and spirit are unwavering — the Peregrine Falcon now stands as a symbol of our dynamic and ambitious future. As we soar to new heights, we invite you to embrace and celebrate our new mascot with us.

08/15/2024

It was such a joy to see our faculty on campus again for Back to the Bay! I will see you all tomorrow for Convocation.

Thank you to our keynote speaker, Hayward Mayor Mark Salinas. We are able to have a positive and collaborative relationship with the city of Hayward thanks to you. Your partnership is invaluable.

08/14/2024

Let’s give a warm welcome to our new faculty! I’m excited for us all to learn from them and work together to give our students a top tier education.

Address

25800 Carlos Bee Blvd.
Hayward, CA
94542

Website

https://www.csueastbay.edu/, https://www.csueastbay.edu/administration/, https://www.csueastbay.edu/news-center/presiden

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