CONTACT: Aaron Hoskins
SDSU Marketing & Communications
Phone (619) 594-1119
ahoskins@mail.sdsu.edu

SAN DIEGO, Friday, May 7, 2004 - San Diego State University announced today that professor Stephen Roeder will be the next dean of SDSU Imperial Valley campuses in Calexico and Brawley.

Roeder, a long-time faculty member at SDSU, has served as chair of the Physics and Chemistry departments and was interim dean of the College of Sciences for two years.

"This is an exciting opportunity and I am eager to get started," said Roeder, who will begin his appointment Monday and will attend Thursday's commencement ceremony.

SDSU Provost Nancy Marlin made the decision to hire Roeder, who was one of two finalists recommended by the search committee selecting from a pool of 37 applicants.

"Steve's vision and excitement for the IVC campus, coupled with his administrative experience and shared governance service to SDSU made him an ideal candidate for the position," Marlin said. "The students, faculty, staff and greater Imperial Valley community will greatly benefit from his leadership."

Leslie Garrison, a professor for 13 years at SDSU-Imperial Valley, chaired the search committee. "Steve has dedicated his academic career to SDSU," she said. "His appointment reflects upon his enthusiasm, determination and innovative ideas for the future of the Imperial Valley campuses."

So agreed Ralph Pesqueira, a member of the California State University Board of Trustees who also served on the search committee. "Steve not only has a vision for the campus, but he has the wherewithal to make it a reality," he said.

Roeder will take over the post vacated by Khosrow Fatemi, who was appointed president of Eastern Oregon University.

Established in 1959, the SDSU-Imperial Valley campus provides higher educational opportunities to the desert area of southeastern California.

San Diego State University is the oldest and largest institution of higher education in the San Diego region. Founded in 1897, SDSU offers bachelor's degrees in 79 areas, master's degrees in 67 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.

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