FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SDSU Appoints New Director for Office of Diversity and Equity

SAN DIEGO, Thursday, March 13, 2003 - Cheryl A. Fisher, Esq., has been named the new director for San Diego State University’s Office of Diversity and Equity. She took the position March 1 and will be responsible for advising and guiding the President and the campus on policies, practices, and procedures related to diversity and equity.

“Cheryl is uniquely qualified for this assignment,” said SDSU President Stephen L. Weber. “She brings a wealth of experience to help ensure campus diversity. Her previous positions within the university and in the San Diego community have given her a broad base of skills and perspectives that make her an invaluable adviser.”

Fisher served as interim director for the office since February 2002. Previously she was the Associate Director for The Center for Human Resources at SDSU (three years); Equal Employment Investigations Manager for the City of San Diego (seven years); and Director of Health and Human Resources for the San Diego Fire Department (eight years).

“I envision this office as a full-service center, where we resolve discrimination complaints, monitor searches, conduct training and collaborate with the SDSU campus, as well as the San Diego community, as a resource to provide information, conduct events and address issues involving diversity, equity and social justice,” Fisher said.

Fisher currently serves in a variety of community leadership positions. She is the chair of the Neighborhood House/Head Start Board of Directors; treasurer of the Horton Plaza Theaters Foundation Board of Directors; and a charter member of the statewide Symposium for California’s Emerging Women Leaders.

Fisher is a member of the State Bar of California and earned a law degree and a master’s degree in education from the University of San Diego. She also received bachelor’s degrees from San Diego State University in English and French. She serves as an adjunct faculty member at USD and in the San Diego Community College District, and also has taught at SDSU.

San Diego State University is the oldest and largest higher education institution in the San Diego region. Founded in 1897, SDSU has grown to offer bachelor's degrees in 78 areas, master's degrees in 62 areas and doctorates in 14. SDSU's more than 33,000 students participate in academic curricula distinguished by direct contact with faculty and an increasing international emphasis that prepares them for a global future. For more information log on to www.sdsu.edu.

###