Joyce Lopes, Vice President for Administration and Finance, will be leaving Sonoma State to be Western Washington University’s next Vice President for Business and Financial Affairs, effective July 2021.
During her tenure at Sonoma State, VP Lopes has overseen a host of vital services on campus, including human resources, budgeting, finance and accounting, student financial services, Title IX, athletics, and entrepreneurial services. She had only been at SSU for three months when the devastating Tubbs Fire occurred. Her leadership, knowledge, and experience in crisis management proved essential during this time. In addition, VP Lopes’ played a key role in advancing climate and sustainability initiatives at SSU, strengthening our strategic budgeting process, and successfully launching the Stevenson Hall Renovation.
“Joyce has been a tremendous asset and leader during her time at Sonoma State. All of us appreciate her many contributions to our Seawolf community. She did her best work facing some of the toughest challenges, and we are better for having her on board. I know she will continue her commitment to student and faculty success in her new role,” says President Sakaki. “I am grateful for her service and commitment to Sonoma State. Please join me in wishing her well in this next chapter of her rich career.”
“It has been my honor and privilege to work with such a dedicated team of professionals here at SSU. We have certainly had our share of emergencies and adventures, which we have worked through, keeping students' needs central to all we do. I will miss working with my colleagues here at SSU and hope we can stay in touch,” says Lopes.
Joyce, and her husband, Tom, will be transitioning to Western Washington in early July. She will continue to support the campus directly through May 2021 and has offered to be available after that to assist with the transition in any way she can.