An update regarding CapRadio forensic examination

August 5, 2024 - Many of you will remember the recent audit of Capital Public Radio (CapRadio) by the California State University (CSU) Office of Audit and Advisory Services. This audit, published in late September 2023 shortly after my presidency at Sac State began, uncovered substantial and long-standing fiscal and operational issues that placed the station on extremely unstable footing.

As we immediately began implementing new financial and governance processes and controls, I requested an additional independent forensic examination of CapRadio to gather further information and ensure such issues never recur.

That independent forensic examination, conducted by the accounting firm CliftonLarsonAllen LLP (CLA), is now complete and published on our website. Please note that while the report presents factual findings, it draws no definitive conclusions. Additionally, some information has been redacted to avoid jeopardizing a related investigation by the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office.

If you are like me, you will find the facts presented in CLA’s report deeply concerning. It is absolutely unacceptable that any public organization–particularly one connected to our university–could be so poorly mismanaged.

The good news is that CapRadio has experienced a remarkable turnaround thanks to the dedication and hard work of so many across Sac State and CapRadio. Membership support is up 9%, average weekly news listenership has increased by 35%, new CapRadio board leadership is in place, and interim General Manager Frank Maranzino continues to champion a new day and a new culture for CapRadio in partnership with station staff.

Furthermore, we now have robust procedures in place to ensure effective donation management, oversight, and accountability. We have also completed–or are on track to complete–all 42 recommendations from the September 2023 CSU audit.

CapRadio is a vital and treasured institution in Sacramento and Northern California. We take immense pride in the fact that 25% of CapRadio’s newsroom staff, including two former editors in chief of the State Hornet, are “Made at Sac State.” The forensic examination released today will enable us to further strengthen CapRadio and ensure its continued success as a cornerstone of our community, providing essential news, information, and cultural programming that enriches lives, supports our educational mission, and strengthens our democracy.

I extend my gratitude once more to everyone who has worked behind the scenes to get CapRadio to where it is today. There is more work to do, but I acknowledge and appreciate how far we have come. Our collective efforts embody the spirit and dedication of our Hornet Family, and they inspire confidence in our ability to continue to progress and succeed.

Please join me for the Fall Address on August 22

August 1, 2024 - Please join us to mark the beginning of the new academic year at the annual Fall Address, taking place at 9 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 22, in the University Union Ballroom. After I deliver brief remarks, we will hear from a panel of students who will share their experiences and insights on how the University can better support them. We encourage all members of the campus community to attend.

ASL to English interpretation and captioning will be provided. Requests for additional accommodations should be submitted no later than Aug. 15. To RSVP or to request additional accommodations, please click here.

Stingers Up!

VP for ABA Jonathan Bowman is leaving Sac State

July 23, 2024 - I am writing to share that Jonathan Bowman, vice president for Administration and Business Affairs and chief financial officer, has announced his resignation effective immediately. We are saddened by his departure but are grateful for his significant contributions to Sacramento State over the past five years.

Jonathan joined the Hornet Family in January 2019, bringing valuable experience from his previous role at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). His impact on our campus was immediate, as he successfully integrated our Human Resources division with Administration and Business Affairs, streamlining our operations. He also played a crucial role in the California Mobility Center, serving as Board Secretary and Treasurer.

Jonathan's leadership was critical during the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. He oversaw the allocation of $214 million in Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) money, ensuring that over $88 million directly benefited our students. His efforts that helped ensure our successful return to campus included establishing COVID testing centers and strategically utilizing funds for long-term solutions such as outdoor instructional areas, classroom renovations and equipment upgrades, helped ensure our successful return to campus.

Jonathan's strategic vision and negotiation skills were instrumental in the Placer Ranch/Sacramento State Placer Campus project. He finalized crucial agreements between Placer Ranch, the CSU trustees, Placer County, and Sacramento State, securing land for the future Placer Center. His work culminated in the approval of the Placer Campus master plan 2024, and he played a key role in planning for the Placer County Crime Lab at the Placer Campus. Jonathan’s work also was critical in securing funding for the new Art Building, which is set to open this fall.

Perhaps most importantly, Jonathan elevated the culture of the Division of Administration and Business Affairs through his servant leadership approach. His commitment to our institution and its people has left an indelible mark on Sacramento State. Please join me in thanking Jonathan for his dedicated service and wishing him the very best in his future endeavors.

Senior Associate Vice President for Human Resources Machelle Martin will step forward to lead the finance and compliance areas of ABA, including Human Resources, University Police Department, Financial Services, and Budget Planning and Administration. Machelle has led numerous strategic projects and improvements to HR since coming to Sac State in 2019, including establishing the Staff & Faculty Emergency Fund, and improving various workflows to increase efficiencies and reduce paper, such as automated timesheets for a large population of student assistants, Casual Workers and Hourly Intermittent employees. She has numerous years of leadership experience across multiple industries, in both the private and public sectors. Machelle is twice Made at Sac State – she holds a bachelor’s degree in communication studies and a master’s in business administration. She also holds the Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR), Professional in Human Resources – California (PHR-CA) and Society for Human Resource Management-Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) certifications.

Associate Vice President for Facilities Management Felicia Lindstrot Johnson will lead the facilities and administration functions of ABA, including Facilities Management, Risk Management Services, and UTAPS. Felicia joined Sacramento State in 2022, brining extensive facility management experience from her roles at the University of California, Westridge School for Girls in Pasadena, Rio Hondo College in Whittier, and the California Institute of Technology (CalTech), and experience with federal, state, and local compliance. She holds a bachelor’s degree from UCLA in Mechanical Engineering, was the president of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), and was a member of the Society of Women Engineers. In her first year at Sac State, Felicia introduced antiracism training for campus custodial and grounds teams, resulting in greater awareness and clear reporting protocols for offensive symbols. Her leadership in the School at Work program underscores her commitment to the professional development of her team. Felicia's swift actions during numerous critical situations have been crucial in maintaining smooth campus operations.

ABA Chief of Operations Dr. Margaret Hwang will support Machelle and Felicia by continuing to lead the Office of the Vice President. I am confident these leaders will provide strong and effective leadership for ABA during this transition, maintaining continuity and progress in the vital work carried out by ABA.

Please join me in thanking Jonathan for all he did for the Hornet Family.

Our Hive, Our Home: Celebrating Pride Together!

June 24, 2024 - As we embrace the vibrant and celebratory month of June, we take this opportunity to honor and uplift the LGBTQIA+ community at Sacramento State. Pride Month is a time to recognize and celebrate the diversity, resilience, and contributions of our LGBTQIA+ students, faculty, staff, and alumni.

Pride Month commemorates the ongoing fight for equality and justice for LGBTQIA+ individuals. It serves as a reminder of the progress made and the work still needed to create a world where everyone can live authentically and without fear. At Sacramento State, we are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where every member of our community feels valued, respected, and empowered.

Despite June nearing its end, our commitment to celebrating and supporting the LGBTQIA+ community continues year-round. Here are resources and recommended readings and media to help you engage with and support our LGBTQIA+ community:

Our Hive, Our Home: Celebrating Pride Together

Just as every Hornet plays a vital role in our hive, each member of our LGBTQIA+ community enriches our home here at Sacramento State. This Pride Month, we celebrate the unity and strength that diversity brings to our Hive. Let’s continue to build a community where everyone can thrive authentically and proudly.

Online Exhibits and Resources:

• The Legacy of Harvey Milk – Celebrating the life and impact of one of the first openly gay elected officials in the United States
• Stonewall Uprising – Understanding the pivotal moment in LGBTQIA+ history that ignited the modern LGBTQIA+ rights movement
• LGBTQ+ History – A comprehensive collection from the Library of Congress highlighting significant events and figures in LGBTQIA+ history

Key Readings and MediaBooks:

• "The Stonewall Reader" edited by The New York Public Library – A compilation of first-hand accounts, diaries, periodic literature, and articles from LGBTQIA+ activists from the Stonewall Uprising
• "The Gay Revolution: The Story of the Struggle" by Lillian Faderman – A comprehensive history of the fight for LGBTQIA+ rights in the United States

Documentaries:

• "The Death and Life of Marsha P. Johnson" (Netflix) – Investigating the mysterious death of Marsha P. Johnson, a key figure in the LGBTQIA+ rights movement
• "Disclosure" (Netflix) – A look at transgender representation in film and television

Podcasts:

• "Making Gay History" – Bringing the largely hidden history of the LGBTQIA+ civil rights movement to life through the voices of the people who lived it
• "Queer as Fact" – Covering the stories and histories of a variety of queer people from around the world

In addition to these resources, we encourage everyone to utilize the support and advocacy offered by our Pride Center. For more information, visit Sacramento State’s PRIDE Center.

We also proudly support our Queer and Trans Faculty and Staff Resource Group, which provides a space for networking, support, and advocacy for our LGBTQIA+ employees.

We also proudly partner with local organizations such as the Rainbow Chamber of Commerce to foster a supportive network for our LGBTQIA+ community on and off campus. Their work in promoting diversity and inclusion in the business community is invaluable. Additionally, the Rainbow Chamber Foundation Scholarship offers financial support to LGBTQIA+ students pursuing higher education. We strongly encourage eligible students to apply and take advantage of this fantastic opportunity.

Our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion extends beyond this month. We continue to work toward creating a campus culture that embraces all identities and experiences. Your voice and involvement are crucial in this journey.

To our LGBTQIA+ community, we recognize you, we celebrate you, and we support you. Thank you for your courage, strength, and contributions to our University. Together, let's continue to build a more inclusive and loving world.

In solidarity,

Dr. Michael V. Nguyen
Chief Diversity Officer (interim)

Dr. Luke Wood
President

Congratulations to the 2024 Outstanding Staff Awards winners

June 7, 2024 - I am incredibly pleased to share the names of the 2024 Outstanding Staff Awards recipients. More than 100 nominations were submitted, representing every division and auxiliary, and a wide variety of departments and positions. We are grateful for all that these members of our Hornet Family do for our students, faculty, staff, community, and for each other.

Congratulations to these 2024 Outstanding Staff Award winners:

Outstanding Contribution to Student Success

• Gabrielle Hoskins, coordinator, NSM Advising Center

Outstanding Contribution to Teaching, Scholarship, and/or Creative Activity

• Jessica Gollaher, operations coordinator, Population Research Center

Outstanding Contribution to Justice, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging

• Carol Nicknig, marketing and communication specialist, University Communications

Outstanding Contribution to Philanthropy and Sustainability

• Karen Dively, collections manager, Anthropology Department

Outstanding Contribution to Community Engagement

• Christine Kellerman, administrative analyst/specialist, HHS Dean’s Office

Outstanding Contribution to Wellness

• Ross Garner, outdoor adventures manager, Associated Students Inc.

Behind-the-Scenes Champion

• Tony Chen, information technology consultant, Athletics

MPP MVP

• Michelle Dungca, director of Classification and Compensation, Human Resources

Patricia Holmes Outstanding Mentor Award

• Dr. Boatamo “Ati” Mosupyoe, dean of students, Black Honors College

Jody Nelsen MVP Award

• Richard Aguirre, services coordinator, Science Education Equity Program, NSM

We will celebrate these awardees at the 2024 Outstanding Staff Awards Reception, 2-4 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 29, in the University Union Ballroom. The entire campus community is encouraged to attend. More information and an RSVP form will be shared at the start of the fall semester.

Thank you to those who submitted nominations and to the Selection Committee members, who had an incredibly important and difficult job to do. I appreciate the time and careful consideration put into choosing this year’s awardees.

We can’t wait to celebrate these remarkable members of the Hornet Family on Oct. 29. Stingers Up!

Archive of Presidential Communications

• 2024 - Spring
• 2023 - Fall
• 2023 - Summer