Sue Rosser recently took the reigns as the second top administrator at SF State, bringing with her an extensive career in education to help make changes at a campus known for its diversity.

On April 10, retiring provost John Gemello passed the baton to Rosser, who will work directly under President Robert Corrigan and develop a plan to deal with the financial crisis.

"I am extremely excited by State's mission and involvement with the city," said Rosser.

Rosser will begin her term on Aug. 15 when Gemello will officially retire from his 37-year academic career and six-year stint as SF State's provost.

President Corrigan said that Rosser stood out among all the provost candidates. "Dr. Rosser was the top choice of every group with whom she met formally -- a judgment I heartily share," Corrigan said.

Corrigan looks forward to Rosser's arrival in the fall and says she has a visionary personality. "She will provide strong, harmonious leadership at a time of exceptional challenge," said Corrigan.

Rosser has an extensive teaching career, having been a professor of history, biology, technology and society, and public policy.

Rosser said she wanted to work at SF State because of the diversity that she has always looked for in a school. "I love how they are working to increase diversity as well as social responsibility," Rosser said.

Leroy Morishita, vice president of finance at SF State, said he is dismayed to see board members changing. "I really enjoy Gemello and sad he is leaving," said Morishita.

"But I am also very excited about Rosser coming -- she brings a lot to the table with her background in research," he added.

Morishita, Gemello and Corrigan have been collaborating with a budget plan for next semester to which Rosser will soon be contributing. "Sue is coming with a lot of fresh ideas for the budget as well," said Morishita.

Along with her position as provost, Rosser will be ruling over eight academic colleges, 115 bachelor's degrees, 95 master's degrees, a doctoral program in education and joint doctorates with University of California Berkeley and University of California San Francisco.

Rosser said she is positive about the future despite the risk she is taking. "President Corrigan has been very helpful, giving weekly phone calls with updates," said Rosser. "I am very eager to meet the students and also be a 'first-year' with all of the incoming freshmen."