Granted by Leadership California, the annual award recognizes women who are pioneers in their field. This is the first time in the award’s history that it has been granted to a group of six women.
“The recognition is a richly deserved honor for an accomplished group of academic leaders who have dedicated their professional and personal lives to the service of all people in California,” said CSU Chancellor Timothy P. White. “As mentors, CSU’s six women presidents serve as exemplary models for women leaders in higher education and beyond. We, as a system, laud them for their commitment to transforming their campuses, our state and the nation.”
This year’s recipients are:
- Lisa Rossbacher, who became the seventh president of Humboldt State in July of 2014 and the first woman to serve in that role. Previously, she served as president of Southern Polytechnic State University in Marietta, Georgia. She has worked for the U.S. Geological Survey and NASA, and was also the first female geologist to become a university president in North America.
- Soraya M. Coley, the sixth president of Cal Poly Pomona and the first woman to serve in that role. Before taking office in January 2015, Coley served as provost and vice president for academic affairs at CSU Bakersfield from 2005-14, including an interim position as vice president for university advancement from 2011-12. She is an alumna of Leadership California, Class of 1999.
- Jane Close Conoley, who took office as president of CSU Long Beach in July 2014. Conoley is the first woman to be appointed president of CSU Long Beach and the seventh president overall in the 65-year history of the campus.
- Mildred García, who was appointed as the seventh president of CSU Fullerton in June 2012. Previously, García served as president of CSU Dominguez Hills, where she was the eleventh female president—and first Latina president—in the CSU system.
- Dianne F. Harrison, the fifth president of CSU Northridge, who began her appointment in June 2012. Before that, she served as president of CSU Monterey Bay and worked at Florida State University for nearly 30 years.
- Karen S. Haynes, who has served as the third president of CSU San Marcos since 2004. Under her leadership, CSU San Marcos has overseen tremendous growth, from a larger, more diverse student population to the physical expansion of the campus.
Rossbacher and the other honorees will be recognized at the Legacy of Leadership Awards ceremony April 27 in Los Angeles. The annual awards celebrate women of influence, who serve as pioneers in their field, exemplify a spirit of exploration, passion and groundbreaking achievement that leads the way for others to innovate and succeed.
Leadership California is a network of 1,500 women that advances leadership roles of women in California.