SDSU-IV hopeful for support from new president
CALEXICO — The dean of San Diego State University-Imperial Valley said he is hopeful public comments from his new boss portend a supportive and productive relationship with the campus here.
The California State University Board of Trustees recently announced Adela de la Torre as the new San Diego State University president.
She is the first woman to serve on the board and is already making promises to the Imperial Valley campus she will provide it support.
SDSU-IV Dean Gregorio Ponce said the campus is excited to see what the future holds in store.
“It is very encouraging that she has mentioned the SDSU-IV campus in so many of her statements,” Ponce said. “It means we are on her radar right from the beginning, and we hope to work with her closely as she begins her new position as president of SDSU.”
He added: “Her academic background in agricultural economics and experience working in rural communities is important to note as well.”
In November, when the search for a new president started, then interim President Sally Roush visited the Calexico campus and was greeted with positive remarks and requests for more communication.
“The main thing was communication and building a stronger relationship between the San Diego and Imperial Valley campuses,” said SDSU-IV Associated Students Council Vice President Daniel Valdez.
De la Torre has said that’s what she intends to do.
“I will be focused on developing a listening campaign at the main and Imperial Valley campuses,” she said. “In that process, I will develop a transition team representing faculty, staff, students and community members who will help me develop the listening groups that will provide feedback and recommendations before I evaluate, develop and implement the next strategic plan for San Diego State University.”
De la Torre, who grew up in the Central Valley, added, “The Imperial Valley communities share many of these interesting facets, which are similar to the Central Valley. In addition, the workforce and development opportunities in the Imperial Valley are significant particularly in core areas such as STEM fields. I am also excited about the many community partnerships that we can develop with our local school districts in the area as well as the Imperial Valley Community College so that we can enhance the college completion rates and professional growth of students in that region.”