Sonoma State's New President Aims to Revive Enrollment

Michael Spagna outlines plans to boost recruitment and restore academic programs cut under previous leadership

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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Michael Spagna, the new president of Sonoma State University, is tasked with reviving enrollment at the Rohnert Park campus after it dropped from a peak of 9,408 students in 2015 to just 5,000 at the start of this school year. Spagna, who previously served as interim president at Cal Poly Humboldt, spoke about his plans to defy expectations and 'reimagine' the university, including through initiatives like direct admission and efforts to reach out to adult learners with some college but no degree.

Why it matters

Sonoma State has faced steep enrollment declines in recent years, leading to the elimination of over 100 positions, the closure of several academic departments and degree programs, and the entire Seawolves athletics program. Spagna's efforts to rebuild the university's reputation and attract new students will be crucial to its long-term viability.

The details

Spagna, who holds a doctorate in Special Education, said he wants to take a 'student-centered' approach and remove barriers that can prevent students from continuing their education, such as overly punitive policies around unpaid fees. He also plans to expand recruitment efforts beyond the local region, targeting adult learners and others who started college but did not complete their degrees. Spagna said he is committed to preserving Sonoma State's liberal arts identity, even as the university adds new programs like mechanical engineering.

  • Sonoma State's enrollment peaked at 9,408 students in 2015.
  • By the start of the 2025-2026 school year, enrollment had dropped to 5,000 students, a 13% decline from the prior year.
  • In 2025, Interim President Emily Cutrer announced over 100 layoffs and the closure of several academic departments and degree programs to address a $24 million budget gap.

The players

Michael Spagna

The new president of Sonoma State University, who previously served as interim president at Cal Poly Humboldt and has over three decades of experience in higher education.

Emily Cutrer

The former interim president of Sonoma State University who announced major cuts to address the university's budget crisis.

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What they’re saying

“If we lose one student at the University, we're all diminished. We have failed the mission of the Cal State system.”

— Michael Spagna, President, Sonoma State University (Press Democrat)

“We're doing some things now that the university, and the CSU System, have never done.”

— Michael Spagna, President, Sonoma State University (Press Democrat)

What’s next

Spagna has charged a team with conducting a fiscal feasibility study to determine how to sustainably bring back Division II athletics at Sonoma State.

The takeaway

Spagna's focus on student-centered policies, innovative recruitment strategies, and preserving Sonoma State's liberal arts identity suggests he is taking a comprehensive approach to reviving the university's enrollment and reputation after a period of significant turmoil and cutbacks.