Emily Cutrer to Lead Sonoma State University in California

Emily Cutrer has been selected to serve as interim president of Sonoma State University in California. As of August 1, she will serve in the role for a one-year term as the university conducts a national search for the next permanent president.

Sonoma State University, an institution within the California State University System, enrolls nearly 6,000 undergraduate and 700 graduate students. Women represent about 63 percent of the undergraduate student body.

Currently, Dr. Cutrer holds the title of president emerita of Texas A&M University-Texarkana. Over the course of her nearly four-decades-long career in higher education, she has held numerous faculty and leadership roles at several institutions. Her career began in 1986 as a faculty member in the department of American studies at the University of Texas, where she taught for four years. She later served as dean of the New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences at Arizona State University West. Prior to assuming the presidency of Texas A&M University-Texarkana, she spent seven years as provost and vice president of California State University, San Marcos.

“I am humbled and honored that California State University Chancellor Mildred García has entrusted me with the stewardship of this extraordinary university,” said Dr. Cutrer. “I look forward to learning from and working with faculty, staff, students, and the larger community to address pressing issues, while enhancing Sonoma State’s unique character.”

Dr. Cutrer is a three-time graduate of the University of Texas, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in American studies, as well as her master’s degree and Ph.D. in American civilization.