Message from the President - February 10, 2026
Good day Seawolves,
I want to express my thanks and appreciation to everyone for making my first few weeks on campus so welcoming and enjoyable. As I am getting to know students, faculty, and staff, the enthusiasm and positivity I am witnessing is heartening and gratifying. Much work lies ahead for all of us at Sonoma State, and the energy and commitment of every person here will take us a long way. I look forward to working with each and every one of you to fully realize SSU’s potential and continue our traditions of academic excellence, career opportunity and readiness, and community service.
Those traditions were embodied by a former SSU provost and chief academic officer who unfortunately passed away late last month. My condolences and wishes for peace to all those who knew and worked with Dr. Andrew Rogerson, who was provost, vice president for academic affairs, and chief academic officer of Sonoma State from 2011 to 2016. Dr. Rogerson passed away on January 28.
At the time of Dr. Rogerson’s appointment, President Ruben Arminana said he was “an excellent choice as Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. His background in administrative leadership, teaching, and scholarship fit well with Sonoma's philosophies and with the future growth of higher education.”
That description was borne out in his relationships across campus, where he is remembered as approachable, calm, and good-humored, yet passionate about educational opportunity and campus issues. As a microbiologist, he lit up when discussing biology or any life science, and was especially proud of the work he did with graduate students in those disciplines.
“It was a shock to learn about the passing of Andrew Rogerson, a person of many talents and admirable qualities,” said Richard Whitkus, Sonoma State biology professor. “My first interaction with Andrew was as the chair of the Biology Department when I received Andrew’s CV and a message from the president’s office to consider whether Andrew would be acceptable to Biology as a tenured faculty member, a common practice for incoming academic administrators. Given Andrew’s extensive academic experience and scholarship in biology, the reaction from our department was a solid YES.
“My second experience was when Andrew hired me as the Interim AVP for Academic Programs. In this role I came to appreciate Andrew’s qualities as a leader. He provided direction with a calm demeanor, dry wit, and acceptance of diverse viewpoints. He was dedicated to the success of those with whom he worked through a supportive, serious, yet relaxed work environment.
“I will raise a glass in remembrance to a fine man.”
Among many accomplishments during his time as provost, Dr. Rogerson advocated for the needs of faculty and instructional programs, and helped integrate Green Music Center into campus life. Neil Markley, Associate Vice President for Administration and Finance, said Rogerson also had a deep commitment to a residential, student-centered, public liberal arts education and to SSU being the only university in California to be included in the prestigious Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges.
Dr. Rogerson’s interests ranged far beyond academia. He was an artist – you can see his work here: https://arogersongallery.com/
I did not personally know Dr. Rogerson, and am the poorer for it. But it does not surprise me that an academic and administrator of such character and reputation called Sonoma State home for many years. My condolences again to all who knew Dr. Andrew Rogerson – a scholar, teacher, and mentor who leaves a legacy that continues through the lives he influenced.