Dr. Sonja Lenz-Rashid has been appointed as the founding Dean of the College of Health at California State University, East Bay. She will assume her new position on August 4, 2025. Dr. Lenz-Rashid currently serves as Director of the School of Social Work at San Francisco State University. With more than 20 years of experience in higher education, she brings a strong track record of leadership in both academic and student affairs, as well as a deep commitment to equity, student success, and community partnerships. At San Francisco State, Dr. Lenz-Rashid has led two large academic programs, supporting over 200 students and 40 faculty and staff. They have been the driving force behind launching new programs, advancing accreditation efforts, and securing significant external funding as a sole principal investigator for student success and research initiatives. Known for being a collaborative, strengths-based leader, Dr. Lenz-Rashid has worked closely across campus divisions and with public and nonprofit partners to expand access and improve student outcomes. Her background also includes extensive experience with faculty recruitment and mentoring, strategic planning, and managing complex budgets in a public university setting. She earned a B.S. in Business/Marketing and a Masters of Social Work, both from San Jose State University, and her Ph.D. in Social Welfare from the University of California, Berkeley.
