New Sonoma State president outlines vision, creates fiscal team to study athletics
ROHNERT PARK, Calif. – Sonoma State University is “reimagining” its future by developing new programs, revitalizing existing ones, and launching a fiscal feasibility study related to athletics, President Michael Spagna announced during a virtual media briefing Friday.
Spagna emphasized academic momentum, fiscal responsibility, and transparency as central to Sonoma State’s next chapter.
“The engagement of Sonoma State’s communities, alumni, supporters, elected officials, and the media reflects the importance of this institution as an educational, economic, and social force in the North Bay,” Spagna said.
Spagna highlighted academic initiatives already underway at Sonoma State:
- Academic program revisions aligned with workforce needs, including the integration of Geology and Environmental Science
- Expansion of health-related pathways, including Nursing and a new interdisciplinary Health Science major
- Growth in offerings for engineering and business majors, including a new Biomechanical Engineering minor and an online Wine Business MBA
“These initiatives reflect Sonoma State’s continued focus on student success and career preparation,” Spagna said.
Acknowledging the role athletics play in fostering school pride and connection on campus, Spagna announced the formation of a Financial Feasibility Team to evaluate how NCAA Division II athletics could be financially sustained long-term. Spagna thanked the Athletics Task Force for its work over the past six months developing recommendations on the future of NCAA Division II athletics at Sonoma State.
“The Task Force report offers a thoughtful starting point for reimagining athletics at Sonoma State,” he said. “Any recommendation of this scale must be supported by a clear and sustainable financial plan before lasting decisions can be made.”
The Financial Feasibility Team will evaluate funding models, long-term operating costs, enrollment and student impact, and alignment with academic and fiscal priorities. The Team will include campus leaders and subject-matter experts in finance, academics, student success, and athletics. Membership and scope will be finalized in the coming weeks. The university will continue to evaluate leadership needs related to athletics as part of the financial feasibility process.
The discontinuation of Sonoma State athletics was announced in January 2025. The university has since received $8 million in one-time state funding designated for athletics. But one-time funding alone cannot support an ongoing Division II athletics program, Spagna said, adding that a return of athletics must be supported by a sustainable, long-term financial plan.
The Athletics Task Force report is available on the Sonoma State University website. The university will share updates as the Financial Feasibility Team’s work progresses.