SJSU President Teniente-Matson overlooking SJSU.

A New Leader at SJSU

Dr. Cynthia Teniente-Matson was appointed President of San José State University on November 16, 2022, and assumed the presidency on January 16, 2023. Dr. Teniente-Matson now leads the oldest public university in the west, the founding campus of the California State University system, and Silicon Valley’s only public university. The first Latina president in the university’s history, President Teniente-Matson is focused on continuing to provide opportunities for students to benefit from the transformative power of an SJSU education.

Three graduating students pose in their regalia under the glittering lights of the arena.

“The university boasts an unparalleled history of service to the region and state, and serves as an exemplar for research and discovery with graduates impacting industries and communities throughout Silicon Valley.”

—President Cynthia Teniente-Matson

Meet the President

President Teniente-Matson taking a selfie with students.

Dr. Cynthia Teniente-Matson

The excellence and history of San José State sets it apart for me. I am excited by the leadership possibilities in such a robust urban area that is truly an innovation corridor at the heart of Silicon Valley. San José State offers many opportunities for experiential learning, community engagement, and undergraduate research as part of a growing research portfolio, all while leveraging our geography to make a positive impact on our region, in California and in our world.

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Presidential Highlights

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Priorities

SJSU community member holding a mic and talking.

Freedom of Speech

San José State University believes that freedom of expression is a cornerstone of a diverse democracy and essential to the educational process. The university shall ensure that individuals and groups are afforded wide latitude in exercising the right of free expression and that their constitutionally protected right to free expression is protected while on campus.

The California State Capitol building.

Community and Government Relations

The Community and Government Relations (CGR) Team serves San José State University by creating and strengthening strategic relationships and partnerships with local, state, and federal elected officials and agencies.

Student studying with police vehicles in the background.

Task Force on Community Safety and Policing

SJSU’s Task Force on Community Safety and Policing was created as part of SJSU’s commitment to examine and begin to address systemic racism.

Directives

Presidential directives and memos address campus/university policies, issues and various topics.

Policies

The SJSU Academic Senate is the principal agency for the formulation of University policy. The Senate and its committees communicate recommendations to the President on such matters that are relevant to the welfare of SJSU.