Dr. Adela de la Torre

President

Adela de la Torre became the 9th permanent president of San Diego State University on June 28, 2018, the first woman to serve in the role. She is committed to building on the exceptional academic and research legacy of SDSU and to guiding the next chapter of the university’s transformation into one of the nation’s leading public research universities—an institution that combines the highest levels of academic, entrepreneurship, and research distinction, as well as maximum impact to the San Diego community and the world at large.

Under her direction, the university will pursue the highest levels of teaching, research, innovative, and collaborative distinction, focusing on graduating exceptional global citizens, compassionate leaders, and ethical innovators who impact the San Diego community and the world at large.

She is committed to championing local, binational, and global relationships, transparent communication, productive collaboration, sustainable infrastructure, and expansion to Mission Valley in order to expand the university’s impact for the next 121 years.

Dr. de la Torre brings to SDSU nearly 30 years of service in leadership roles within institutions of higher education, including the California State University system, the University of Arizona and the University of California, Davis. In all of her various leadership and teaching positions throughout her career, Dr. Adela de la Torre has endeavored to provide equal access to health and educational opportunities for all students, with a particular focus in improving outreach, recruitment, and retention of highly qualified students from underserved communities.

Dr. de la Torre is a values-driven leader committed to helping create a more balanced and integrated environment for both undergraduate and graduate students, linking their approach to academic success, personal well-being, and societal impact.