Cathy Sandeen, president of California State University, East Bay (CSUEB), announced Wednesday that she will step down after nearly six years in the role.
In a statement issued to all campus employees and students Wednesday afternoon, Sandeen said she will leave the position at the end of 2026 and remains “fully committed” to serving the university until then. She did not say why she was stepping down, but said the decision was not made lightly.
Sandeen and CSUEB’s News and Information Manager Kimberly Hawkins did not respond to a request for comment by press time.
CSU Chancellor Mildred García expressed gratitude for Sandeen’s service, and said that the CSU system will soon launch a national search for her successor in accordance with university policy.
“President Sandeen will leave Cal State East Bay stronger, more connected to its community and better positioned for the future,” García said in a statement Wednesday.
Sandeen became president of CSUEB in January 2021 after serving as chancellor of the University of Alaska Anchorage. Since taking office, Sandeen has overseen a period of growth alongside enrollment and financial challenges for the university.
Sandeen wrote in her statement, “Over the years we have worked hard to adjust to declining enrollments and reduced state budget allocations all the while maintaining and even improving student success metrics, like graduation and retention rates and achieving the Seal of Excelencia.”
In her statement, Sandeen highlighted several milestones during her tenure, including the opening of the CORE Building and Braddock Center, the introduction of the university’s new mascot Perry the Peregrine Falcon, and the $50 million donation from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott.
An Oakland native, Sandeen reflected on her East Bay roots, describing her role as president of CSUEB as a full-circle moment in her career.
“…it has been the honor of a lifetime to bring the experience I gained throughout my career right back home where I got my start,” she wrote.
She also praised university faculty and staff, including CSUEB’s marketing teams, for their continued efforts in supporting academic programs and community outreach.
Sandeen and other university administrators have faced criticism from some faculty and students in recent years over course and program cuts, department mergers, low faculty and staff salaries, and tuition hikes. She has not said whether that criticism influenced her decision to step down.
With no prior public indication that she planned to step down, the announcement of Sandeen’s departure came as a surprise to some students, especially after her optimistic remarks during commencement ceremonies this past weekend.
“I’m shocked that someone would give up a powerful position like that,” said construction management student Vincent Boac. “I’m just overall hoping for a better future for East Bay’s establishment going [forward].”
Sandeen concluded her statement by saying she will remain in office through the end of 2026. She added she will remain focused on preparing the university for a smooth leadership transition amid upcoming developments, including the establishment of a Staff Council, preparations for another visit from the WASC Senior College and University Commission, and continued efforts to generate new revenue streams.
“I am confident in our ability to maintain our positive momentum before ‘passing the baton’ to the next leader,” Sandeen wrote. “I look forward to working with purpose and determination from now until the end of December, because what we do matters immensely.”
