Message from the President — Appointment of Interim VP for Advancement
Tuesday, July 7, 2026, 2:22pmDear Campus Community,
As Sonoma State continues to move forward, expanded focus and support for essential operations and relationships is critical. Toward that goal, I am pleased to announce that Dr. Robert Eyler, Senior Director of Government and Community Relations, has agreed to serve as Interim Vice President for University Advancement while the search for a permanent Advancement vice president gets underway.
Rob is a well-known and highly respected economist whose expertise is sought by institutions and organizations from all over the country and the world. As a professor of economics here since 1995, he is one of Sonoma State’s most familiar faces and sought-after speakers, and is an invaluable resource both in the government relations realm and in long-standing engagement with our communities, where his own family’s roots date to the early 20th century.
As Interim Advancement VP, Rob will oversee development, alumni affairs, marketing, strategic communications, and operations. He has worked closely for many years with every member of the Advancement leadership team and many of their staff, and has already hit the ground running as the university takes bold steps on multiple initiatives.
Please join me in congratulating Rob on his appointment and in supporting the entire Advancement team as its essential work continues during the search for a permanent vice president.