All Campus Elections Process & Procedures
(Ballot Statements Below)
Constitution of the Faculty (See Article III, Section 3. - ALL-CAMPUS ELECTIONS (Current version, Fall 2024)); Additional guidance can be found in the Academic Senate By-Laws
All Faculty Officer Election Spring 2025
Per the Academic Senate By-Laws: additional nominations may be made by any faculty member with the concurrence of the nominee within one week after such publication. Original Publication 2/6/2025. Please submit additional nominations by 2/13/2025 via the Nomination Submission Form.
Chair of the Faculty - 1-year Term
Emily Acosta Lewis, Communication & Media Studies; Self-Nominated
As a candidate for Chair of the Sonoma State University Academic Senate, I am committed to strategic thinking, collaborative problem-solving, increased open communication, and innovative approaches to support academic excellence and institutional sustainability. As our university faces massive budget reductions, proposed program eliminations, and faculty/staff layoffs, experienced leadership in the Senate is more critical than ever. The governance processes that shape university policy are often slow and complex, requiring institutional knowledge, patience, and persistence. Having served as Chair of the Academic Senate, Vice Chair of the Academic Senate, and Chair of the Academic Planning, Assessment, and Resources Committee (APARC) for two years, serving on 10 different Senate committees, and 14 additional campus committees, I understand how to navigate these structures and advocate effectively for faculty and academic programs. Additionally, I have actively engaged in and completed the CSU's Middle Leadership Academy, CSU Student Analytics Certificate, and the Cornell University DEI Certificate, deepening my commitment to equity and enhancing my ability to advance data-informed leadership and inclusive practices.
I am well-versed in the complexities of the academic affairs budget, including the financial challenges that shape budget allocations, program funding, and resource distribution. My priority is to protect the integrity of our academic programs and support our dedicated faculty by advocating for financial transparency, shared governance, and accountability in decision-making. Most importantly, the policies and processes that have been voted on by the faculty need to be followed in order to maintain the integrity of the faculty governance process. I will also continue to push for more clear, concise, and consistent communications from the campus leaders regarding SSU and CSU developments.
This past year has been incredibly challenging but working with Suzanne Rivoire and Sam Cohen has been a transformative experience. We have become a complementary, collaborative, and well-integrated team, which is why I am hopeful to have the opportunity to work with Sam Cohen, if he is elected as Vice-Chair of Senate. We recognize the challenges ahead and remain steadfast in our dedication to ensuring that faculty voices are heard and valued. Our experience in Senate leadership positions us to continue this critical work without disruption. One of the many reasons that we are running together is that Emily was awarded a sabbatical for Spring 2026. Per the Senate Bylaws, Sam would take over as Chair of the Academic Senate during this time. We ask for your support to maintain steady, informed leadership that can navigate these difficult times with clarity, persistence, and resolve.
Vice Chair of the Faculty - 1-year Term
Sam Cohen, History; Nominated by Emily Acosta Lewis
My name is Samuel Cohen (Department of History), and I am running for Vice Chair of the Sonoma State University Academic Senate. My experience as Secretary of the Senate and Chair of the Overlay Subcommittee, along with my service on various university committees including the Academic Freedom Subcommittee, the Teaching & Learning Subcommittee, and the University Scholarship Subcommittee, has given me an understanding of the structures that shape policy at Sonoma State. In these roles, I have consistently advocated for faculty rights, academic freedom, and the integrity of governance, and I am committed to ensuring that faculty remain central in decisions that affect our programs, our students, and our professional lives.
To say that our campus community and many of our colleagues are facing uncertainty and pain would be a massive understatement. Frankly, I do not have easy answers to the challenges we are being asked to confront, nor can I say with certainty that my efforts will change what has been imposed upon us this semester. What I can promise is, if elected, to represent my colleagues and fight for transparency, accountability, and meaningful faculty participation in all university decision-making processes. During these challenging times at SSU and the CSU more broadly, I will continue to advocate to preserve Sonoma State’s commitment to excellence in teaching and ground breaking research. Above all, I will stand with my colleagues to defend academic programs and fight to protect what is best about SSU.
This semester, I have worked closely with Emily Acosta Lewis and Suzanne Rivoire in Senate leadership, and I am committed to continuing that collaboration should Dr. Acosta Lewis be re-elected as Chair. Our shared experience navigating university governance ensures that we can provide steady, informed leadership during these challenging times. We recognize the challenges ahead and remain steadfast in our dedication to ensuring that faculty voices are heard and valued. Our experience in Senate leadership positions us to continue this critical work without disruption. One of the many reasons that we are running together is that Emily was awarded a sabbatical for Spring 2026. Per the Senate Bylaws, I would take over as Chair of the Academic Senate during this time. Emily and I ask for your support to maintain steady, informed leadership that can navigate these difficult times with clarity, persistence, and resolve. I would be honoured to serve as Vice Chair and to continue advocating for my colleagues during this critical time.
Secretary to the Senate - 1-year Term
Emily Ray, Political Science; Self-Nominated
My name is Emily Ray and I am an Associate Professor in the Political Science Department. I joined the faculty in 2015, and since that time I have served as the MPA Coordinator and as the interim coordinator for the MA of Organizational Development program. I have sat on numerous governance committees including the School of Social Sciences Curriculum Committee, The Council of Department Chairs, the Academic Freedom Subcommittee, and the Executive Committee. I currently serve as a Senator for the HSSA and as the Faculty Mentorship Program Director. As such, I have been working in faculty governance for the past 10 years. I am dedicated to upholding the principles of faculty governance, which ensures that faculty have oversight over curricula, protection of academic freedom, and meaningful participation in university governance. I am committed to representing faculty interests and advocating for faculty and for a high quality liberal arts education. Thank you for your consideration.
Wendy St. John, Biology; Self-Nominated
As one of SSU’s current lecturer senators, I have been an active and vocal advocate for faculty, students, and our campus community, and have done my best to ensure that our concerns are considered at all times throughout university governance. I have served on the Strategic Priorities Task Force for the School of Science and Technology, and have recently been awarded an "Excellence in Service Award for Lecturer Faculty" by the School of Social Sciences. My strong commitment to Sonoma State stems not only from my experience teaching in both the Department of Biology and the Department of Geography, Environment, and Planning, but also as an alumna of this university, having earned my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in our Biology Department. Off campus, my community experience includes having served as a regular director for the Oakland Symphony Chorus, and on the board of directors of The Wildlife Society San Francisco Bay Area Chapter. I also have formal training as a community mediator.
My varied experience gives me a broad perspective on the issues and concerns that impact our campus, and at all times I am focused on providing an excellent academic experience for our students that doesn’t come at the cost of working conditions for faculty and staff. I would be honored to serve our campus as Senate Secretary, and I respectfully ask for your vote.