Dr. Elias Lopez to Retire

TO:  All Employees
FR: Karen Moranski, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

Dr. Elias Lopez, Senior Associate Vice President for Strategic Enrollment, has announced his intention to retire from Sonoma State University on June 30, 2023. I am profoundly saddened by his departure, but I rejoice in his personal satisfaction at being able to join his beloved wife, Esther, in retirement. I wish them the very best as they move on to their next chapter in life. I know Dr. Lopez leaves with the very best wishes of the campus and many partners in the broader North Bay region.

Dr. Lopez holds a B.A. in Economics and a Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics from University of California, Davis and served in a variety of administrative positions, including Registrar, at UC Davis. Dr. Lopez came to Sonoma State in 2017 to serve as the Associate Vice President for Academic Resources. He managed Academic Resources in the Provost's Office for three years, initiating a number of important improvement processes, including the classroom refresh process, a major revision to course scheduling modules, and planning for the Stevenson Hall surge. 

In Fall 2020, I asked Dr. Lopez to step into the position of Senior Associate Vice President for Strategic Enrollment, where he oversees the Registrar’s Office, the Office of Outreach and Student Recruitment, and the Office of Admissions. He has created a highly functioning team, which, working with a series of consultants, has modernized and rebuilt the enrollment management process at Sonoma State. Dr. Lopez and his team have created a Welcome Center, built digital processes for review of new student transcripts, teamed with Dr. Heather Brown to create the recruitment scholarship program, and partnered with Student Affairs and Financial Aid to improve yield and revise the financial aid award letter. Dr. Lopez has led in the revitalization of Sonoma State’s relationships with community college and K-12 partners, initiating the Guaranteed Admissions program through a series of agreements. Known for his friendly cups of coffee, his team-building, and his warm communication style, Dr. Lopez has built a Strategic Enrollment Management Plan that will take Sonoma State several years into the future. He was the right person in the right position at the right time, and he has served our campus well. And he leaves behind an amazing, talented, and collaborative team.

Interim President Lee notes that, "Dr. Lopez’ contributions to SSU cannot be understated. Building a bona fide strategic enrollment office is no easy feat. Dr. Lopez has done what I think we should all aim to do, leave Sonoma State University better because of our work. Dr. Lopez will be deeply missed, but the meaningful and consequential work of his office allows us to seamlessly build upon the successful momentum that he helped to shepherd."

President Lee and I are already working to find the next leader for Strategic Enrollment in the full knowledge of how important the next few years will be as Sonoma State rebuilds its enrollment, seeks deep partnerships in the higher education community, and competes for students in a challenging higher education environment. We will provide an update as soon as possible.

Please join me in wishing Dr. Lopez the very best in retirement. He has had a transformative role at Sonoma State, and we are grateful for his time on our campus. ¡Muchas gracias!

Dr. Karen R. Moranski   
She | Her | Hers
Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs
Sonoma State University
Land of the Coast Miwok and Southern Pomo
Email: moranski@sonoma.edu