ROHNERT PARK, CA. (December 23, 2022) – Sonoma State University announced today that Dr. Michael Visser has been appointed the new Interim Dean of the School of Business and Economics, effective January 3, 2023. Karen Thompson, past Interim Dean of the SBE, has accepted the role of Interim Faculty Associate Dean. As an experienced leader for the past 17 years at Sonoma State, Dr. Visser will succeed Dr. Jean-Francois Coget. Dr. Coget will be the new Dean of the School of Business for California State University, Sacramento.
Dr. Visser is currently serving as the Faculty Associate Dean of the SBE, a Professor of Economics, and a prior Chair of the Department of Economics at SSU. A first-generation college student, Dr. Visser has been actively involved in supporting inclusive excellence and student success initiatives, and identifying pathways for student progress, academic planning, and support activities in advising and support.
"I am humbled to have been entrusted with this responsibility for Sonoma StateUniversity. SBE faculty and staff are an incredibly dedicated and hardworking group, and I know that, together, we can continue to improve our programs and support our students in accomplishing their goals. I am excited to be part of those efforts," Dr. Visser said.
“I want to thank Dr. Dean Jean-Francois Coget for his innovative work at the SBE and wish him the best. I am also extremely excited that Dr. Visser and Dr. Thompson have accepted the interim positions of Dean and Faculty Associate Dean,” said Karen Moranski, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Sonoma State University. “I know that this pair of excellent leaders will continue to provide stability and cohesion at the school. Both are eager to work with all faculty and staff to continue the achievements we have seen over the past several years,” Moranski said.
Dr. Visser received a Ph.D. and a Masters in Economics at the University of Oregon, and an undergraduate degree in Economics from Western Washington University. In 2015, he was recognized by colleagues across the University with the coveted “Excellence in Teaching” award. “As SSU continues to be engaged in a spirit of renewal, I am very confident that these changes will advance the SBE to its next level of excellence,” said Moranski.
About Sonoma State University
Founded in 1961, Sonoma State University is unique in its liberal arts and sciences mission with a longstanding tradition of promoting intellectual and personal growth, leadership opportunities and technological proficiency. We cultivate a community in which a diverse population can learn and work in an atmosphere of civility and respect. We encourage innovation, experimentation and creativity, as well as contributions to equity and inclusion, in the pursuit of excellence for all members of our university community. See more news from SSU at http://news.sonoma.edu/
About Sonoma State University School of Business and Economics
The SBE is a leading institution of business education in the San Francisco Bay Area, with an emphasis on preparing students to succeed in an economy that is global in nature. Our commitment to sustainable business, diversity, social justice, and global partnerships echoes our core philosophy of purpose-driven leadership. As one of the 50 top-ranked public universities, we have been recognized worldwide for our investments in diversity, social responsibility, and visionary academics. Many classes average fewer than 40 students, allowing close interaction between students and faculty. www.sbe.sonoma.edu
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