| FROM THE DIVISION OF ACADEMIC AFFAIRS |
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Dear Hornet Community,
Academic Affairs would like to announce the following leadership updates:
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| Dr. Shannon Datwyler
Dean, Natural Sciences and Mathematics
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Following a national search, it’s my pleasure to announce that Dr. Shannon Datwyler will serve as the dean of the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics. Dr. Datwyler has been a member of the Sacramento State community for more than two decades and has served as the interim dean of Natural Sciences and Mathematics since 2024. Throughout her career, Dr. Datwyler has been committed to advancing student success, faculty excellence, and collaborative leadership. She has led institution-wide initiatives to improve student progression and graduation, strengthen undergraduate research and experiential learning, expand faculty mentoring and scholarship, and build partnerships across the University and the Sacramento region. Her leadership is grounded in transparency, shared governance, data-informed decision-making, and a commitment to creating an inclusive environment in which students, faculty, and staff can thrive.
Prior to entering academic administration, Dr. Datwyler was a Professor of Biological Sciences with research focused on plant evolutionary biology, pollination ecology, and systematics. She earned her Ph.D. in Evolution, Ecology and Organismal Biology from The Ohio State University and her bachelor's degree in Biology from Willamette University. She is also a recent graduate of the Leadership for Government Executives Program through CCE. As a first-generation college graduate, she is passionate about expanding educational opportunity and preparing the next generation of scientists, educators, healthcare professionals, and innovators to address the challenges facing California and beyond. Her knowledge of the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, combined with her deep commitment to student success and her strong leadership skills are a true asset to the College and University
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| Dr. Bill DeGraffenreid
Associate Vice President for the Office of Research, Innovation, and Economic Development
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Following a national search, it’s my pleasure to announce that Dr. Bill DeGraffenreid will serve as the Associate Vice President of the Office of Research, Innovation, and Economic Development. Dr. DeGraffenreid earned his B.S. in Physics from Cal Poly Pomona and his Ph.D. in Chemical Physics from the University of Maryland. He is part of a proud four-generation CSU-graduate family. Following a National Research Council Fellowship at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), he joined Sacramento State’s Department of Physics and Astronomy in 2002. Since then, he has served the University in a number of leadership capacities, including department chair, interim associate vice president for ORIED, special assistant to the President, and interim vice provost for Faculty Affairs. He has also served as interim associate vice president for Faculty Affairs at both Stanislaus State and CSU, Channel Islands. He has served as interim associate vice president for ORIED since February.
During his time in ORIED, Dr. DeGraffenreid led efforts to resolve outstanding audit findings, overseen the submission of over $100 million in grants and contracts, introduced the University’s indirect cost (IDC) sharing policy, created the research incentivization program (IDEA, formerly FRIG), increased funding to the RCA program, and played a major role in developing the inaugural Summer Research Academy. He has also been recognized with the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics’ Outstanding Teaching, Outstanding University Service, and Outstanding Community Service Awards.
Dr. DeGraffenreid’s knowledge of ORIED, his collaborative leadership style and broad CSU experience position him well to guide ORIED as we face significant changes in federal policies and regulations.
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With appreciation,
Mary Maguire, PhD
Provost and Vice President (Interim)
Academic Affairs
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