Resolution of the Academic Senate of Sonoma State University in Honor of Dr. Mary Gomes
WHEREAS Dr. Mary Gomes has served Sonoma State University with dedication, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to faculty success and academic excellence; and
WHEREAS Dr. Gomes has been a member of the University Retention, Tenure, and Promotion (URTP) Subcommittee from Fall 2015 to Spring 2025, providing nearly a decade of exemplary service in shaping and upholding faculty evaluation standards; and
WHEREAS Dr. Gomes has served as Chair of the URTP Subcommittee from Fall 2016 to Spring 2024, and as Co-Chair from Fall 2024 to Spring 2025, demonstrating steadfast leadership, fairness, and a commitment to rigorous and equitable faculty review processes; and
WHEREAS through her leadership, Dr. Gomes has strengthened the university’s commitment to transparency, consistency, and academic integrity in faculty retention, tenure, and promotion; and
WHEREAS her professional expertise in ecopsychology, dreamwork, compassion for self and others, and transformative practices has undoubtedly contributed significantly to her ability to foster collaborative and constructive dialogue among faculty, administrators, and governance bodies, and have had a profound and lasting impact on Sonoma State University; and
WHEREAS her service on the URTP Subcommittee has ensured that faculty members receive fair and thorough evaluations that support their professional growth and advancement; and
WHEREAS Dr. Gomes’s contributions reflect the highest ideals of shared governance, faculty mentorship, and institutional leadership, reinforcing Sonoma State’s mission of academic excellence; and
WHEREAS Dr. Gomes’s has brought such grace and equanimity into everything she has done for and with our SSU community;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: that the Academic Senate of Sonoma State University formally recognize and commend Dr. Mary Gomes for her outstanding service to the University Retention, Tenure, and Promotion Subcommittee, the Faculty Standards and Affairs Committee, and the faculty of Sonoma State, and expresses its deepest gratitude for her dedication and leadership; and be it further
RESOLVED: that the Senate wish Dr. Gomes a deep sense –however temporary it might be-– of spacious relief from which she can draw energy and inspiration for her future endeavors; and be it further
RESOLVED: that copies of this resolution be distributed to:
- Interim President Emily Cutrer
- Provost Karen Moranski
- Associate Vice President of Faculty Affairs and Success Diane Guido
- Dean of Humanities, Social Sciences, and the Arts Troi Carleton
- Chair of Department of Psychology Millinda J. Milligan
- SSU Chapter of the Emeritus and Retired Faculty and Staff Association