Doug Dawes Joins HSU as Interim Vice President for Administrative Affairs

July 7, 2017

To the University Community:

I am pleased to announce that Doug Dawes, former Vice President for Administration and Finance at CSU Stanislaus, will be joining Humboldt State on August 1 as the interim Vice President for Administration and Finance.  In this interim role, he will be responsible for the same areas that Joyce Lopes has led: Facilities Management, Financial and Student Financial Services, Contracts and Procurement, Risk Management, University Police, Payroll, University Budget, and University Center. 

Doug brings a wealth of experience from both the public and private sectors. He has served as a vice president in the California State University system at Stanislaus State University, where his accomplishments include working with a private developer for new student housing and assisting with a $52 million Student Union renovation and addition project to serve the next generation of students. He has also served in leadership positions at Valley City State University (North Dakota) and Utah State University. His business experience includes financial responsibility in the construction, energy, and automotive industries. This combination of experiences and background will serve HSU well, especially the familiarity he already has with processes and people in the CSU.

Many of Doug’s references spoke glowingly about his appreciation for the academic mission of the university, his collaborative problem-solving skills, and his collegiality. His colleagues from other institutions particularly noted their appreciation of his forthrightness, openness, and honesty.  He earned bachelor's and master's degrees in accounting from Brigham Young University.  Doug and his wife Sherith, who is a nurse, have five children ranging in age from 20 to 10. Doug and Sherith plan a visit to Arcata in the next few weeks to look for housing, and I know he will want to meet as many people as possible then. 

A national search for a replacement will begin in the fall, and Doug will be eligible to apply for this position.

Joyce Lopes has already been working to ensure a smooth transition within Administrative Affairs, and Doug’s experience in the CSU will facilitate this process. Please join me in welcoming Doug to HSU in this new role.

With best wishes,

Lisa A. Rossbacher, Ph.D.
President

Attachment: Doug Dawes portrait.

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