New president begins tenure at Sonoma State University

ROHNERT PARK, Calif. -- A new president began her tenure at Sonoma State University Friday, according to school officials.

Judy Sakaki is the school's newest president, following the retirement of former President Ruben Arminana, who retired last month after leading the school for 24 years.

Sakaki is the university's second female president and is the nation's first Japanese-American woman to lead a four-year college or university, school officials said.

"I am impressed with the dedication and excellence of the staff and faculty and the love that students have of Sonoma State," Sakaki said in a statement. "I am looking forward to listening, learning and working together with students, staff, faculty, alumni and the community."

Before becoming the university's president, Sakaki served as vice president of student affairs in the University of California Office of the President. There, Sakaki oversaw policies, services and initiatives relating to student access, affordability and success for all 238,000 UC students on 10 campuses, according to university officials.

Sakaki also served as vice chancellor of student affairs at the University of California at Davis and as dean of student affairs at Fresno State University.

Additionally, Sakaki has a Ph.D. in education from University of California at Berkeley and an M.A. in educational psychology as well as a bachelor's degree in human development from California State University, East Bay, school officials said.