CSU Trustees Appoint New San Jose University President

SAN JOSE (CBS SF) – Mary Papazian has been appointed as the new president of San Jose State University, bringing more than 25 years of experience to the position, university officials announced Wednesday.

The California State University board of trustees appointed Papazian to serve as the college's 29^th president and third female president effective July 1.

"I am honored that the CSU Trustees have chosen me as president and entrusted me to build upon the campus' long legacy of innovation and excellence," Papazian said in a statement.

"I look forward to working alongside the many dedicated faculty and staff who guide students along their academic journey and prepare them for achievements beyond the classroom," she said.

"She has extensive academic leadership experience and a knack for connecting campus, organizational and political leaders to higher education. Best of all, she has a long history of always putting students first," CSU trustee Rebecca Eisen said in a statement on Papazian's appointment.

Papazian is currently president at Southern Connecticut State University in New Haven, Connecticut, CSU officials said.

Under her leadership, SCSU has established an Office for STEM Innovation and Leadership, launched summer scholarships for undergraduate research, formed the first President's Commission on Campus Climate and Inclusion and opened a new Academic Laboratory Science Building, according to CSU officials.

Papazian was born and raised in Southern California. She obtained her bachelor's, master's and doctorate degrees in English at University of California at Los Angeles, according to CSU officials.

She lives in Woodbridge, Connecticut, with her husband Dennis and their two daughters, Ani and Marie.

Papazian will replace interim president Susan Martin, who was appointed in August after Mohammad Qayoumi left the post to serve as a presidential advisor to Afghanistan President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani, according to university officials.

San Jose