EXPERIENCE
Dr. Sue Borrego’s Professional Experience
California State University, Stanislaus, 2023-24
From 2023 to 2024, Dr. Borrego served as the Interim President at Stanislaus State, an HSI serving a diverse range of students on two Central Valley campuses. As the Interim President, Dr. Borrego was charged with addressing issues related to enrollment, a proposed capital campaign, the Stockton branch campus, and setting the table for the next permanent president.
After 10 months, the enrollment deficit was reduced by half; she raised 1.3 million dollars, filled the vacant alumni position, and launched the first annual campaign in over a decade; Alumni giving was up by 41%. Additionally, she made significant strides in reconnecting the campus with the local community and was awarded a key to the City of Turlock in July in honor of her work in the community.
American Association of College and University Educators (ACUE), 2023
Dr. Borrego has twice served as a guest speaker for ACUE. As an Expert Panel participant in the Fostering a Culture of Belonging Celebration, Dr. Borrego discussed the role and responsibility of every campus member in building equity and inclusion, and the power of higher education to change the world.
She also discussed ways to help students experience a greater sense of belonging on campus. View Dr. Borrego’s contribution to the Expert Panel here.
American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU), 2021-2023
As the Consultant and Special Assistant to the President of AASCU, Dr. Borrego provided consulting services supporting AASCU’s efforts to advance the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Postsecondary Value Commission recommendations. In her work with AASCU, Dr. Borrego interacted with campus presidents and provosts to identify and amplify best practices for increasing postsecondary value.
University of Michigan-Flint, 2014-2019
As Chancellor at the University of Michigan-Flint, Dr. Borrego led the university’s refocused efforts to attract and retain exceptional students with a strategic approach to enrollment management, implementing an effective rebranding and marketing campaign. Coupled with holistic improvements in student policies, services, support and satisfaction, these efforts resulted in a nine percent increase in first-time student retention.
Dr. Borrego also provided leadership through Flint’s challenging water crisis, strengthening the university’s position as a vital community resource and partner while improving enrollment and retention rates.
Chancellor Borrego was instrumental in creating and launching several new scholarship programs aimed at attracting the region’s high-achieving students while also opening opportunities for academically and economically underserved students. Under her leadership, UM-Flint raised $57 million, exceeding its $40 million campaign goal. She amplified the university’s regional reputation and expanded academic offerings by securing over $41 million for state-of-the-art facilities and research and adding 17 new academic programs.
Following her role as Chancellor, Dr. Borrego served as a tenured professor for the university’s School of Education and Human Services.
California State University, Dominguez Hills, 2008-2014
As Vice President for Enrollment Management, Planning & Student Affairs at CSUDH, Dr. Borrego was instrumental in solidifying the university as a leading model of urban higher education for the region. Dr. Borrego dedicated her tenure at CSUDH to increasing support and opportunities for students to reach their goals and thrive on campus.
In her role at CSUDH, Dr. Borrego directed multiple departments including admissions, registrar, student information services, financial aid, student support services, student success initiatives, international students, and the NCAA DII athletic department. She also led the development of CSUDH’s comprehensive Institutional Strategic Plan, mapping out the university’s mission, vision, and goals.
Dr. Borrego implemented significant improvements in enrollment processes, student support services, and retention strategies, as well as launched the university’s first comprehensive branding and enrollment marketing campaign. As a result of her initiatives, CSUDH increased student retention, exceeded enrollment targets, secured substantial funding for student success and minority student initiatives, and developed partnerships with 11 community colleges.
California State University, Monterey Bay, 2005-2008
As the Vice President for Student Affairs, Dr. Borrego led efforts to develop and implement internal cultural change and marketing strategies that positioned CSUMB as a destination campus. She provided leadership to streamline and enhance admissions and financial aid processes. She additionally moved CSUMB athletics from an NAIA program to an NCAA DII program.
California Institute of Technology, 1992-2002
During her tenure as the Associate Dean and Director of Minority Student Affairs at CalTech, Dr. Borrego collaborated closely with students to develop and launch Irvine Scholars, which became a powerful, inclusive program for underrepresented students in the sciences. Her work reframed the approach to historically unincluded students, shifting the focus on the assets and experiences students bring.
Working with faculty and students, the program was developed to help traditionally excluded students develop their own academic and research capital. Students went on to be included in off-campus summer research in higher numbers than previously. For the three years she ran the program, every participant secured an off-campus summer research opportunity following their freshman year resulting in valuable experience that helped to open additional opportunities.
Additional Professional Experience
Associate Vice President for Student Affairs, Dean of Students, And Assistant Professor, School of Education
University of Arkansas
2003-2005
Associate Dean of Student Services, Director of Orientation, Activities & Retention
Azusa Pacific University
1987-1991
Assistant to the Vice President for Institutional Advancement, Director Of News And Information Services
Northwest Nazarene University
1980-1987
Dr. Borrego Has also taught Organizational Leadership, Higher Education Administration, College Student Development, and Student Services at CSU Fullerton, University of Southern California, University of Redlands, Claremont Graduate School, and UM-Flint.
“The Regents of the University of Michigan extend their deep appreciation to Susan E. Borrego. Chancellor Borrego quickly started making improvements large and small. She launched new academic offerings, increased student financial support, and led the most successful capital campaign in campus history. Chancellor Borrego tackled the challenges of the day with boundless energy.”
EDUCATION
PhD, Education (2001)
Claremont Graduate School
Claremont, CA
MA, Social Sciences (1990)
Azusa Pacific University
Azusa, CA
BA, Speech and Communication (1980)
Northwest Nazarene College
Nampa, ID
HONORS & AWARDS
Awarded key to the city of Turlock, California in July, 2024
Claremont Graduate University Casanova Distinguished Alumnus 2023
National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA) Pillar of the Profession Award, 2018
National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA) Region IV East President’s Award, 2017
Arab American Heritage Council (AAHC) Community Contributor of the Year Award, 2017
Socrates Teaching Award Finalist, University of Southern California, 2003
NASPA Minority Undergraduate Fellowship Program, Faculty Contribution Award, 2003
Innovative Program Award, NASPA Region VI, 2001
Honorary Alumna, California Institute of Technology, 2000
NATIONAL PROFESSIONAL INVOLVEMENT
National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA), Forward 50, The Higher Education Committee (2018-2019)
American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU), Executive Leadership Academy (2012-2019)
Higher Education Resources Services (HERS), Board member (2017-present)
American Council on Education (ACE) Women’s Network, (2014-2018)
National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (2005-2013)
National Advisory Board for Minority Undergraduate Fellowship Program (2004-2006)
American College Personnel Association (ACPA) (1990-2003)
PUBLICATIONS
Working With and Supporting Students. In The College President Handbook, Eds. Anthony, J.,Cauce, A., Gangone, L., Nicola, T., Harvard Education Press. 2022
Honoring the Voices, Experiences, and Assets of Students from Low-Income Backgrounds, Diversity and Democracy. AAC&U. 2019
Class on Campus: Breaking the Silence Surrounding Socioeconomics, Diversity and Democracy. AAC&U. 2008
Resilience: Queer Professors from the Working Class, Chapter 14, State University of New York Press. 2007
Where I Am From: Student Affairs Practice from the Whole of Students’ Lives. Co-authored with Manning, K. NASPA. 2007
Mapping the Learning Environment. In Richard P. Keeling (Ed.), Learning Reconsidered 2: A Practical Guide to Implementing a Campus-wide Focus on the Student Experience, pp.11-16. Washington, DC: ACPA, ACUHO-I, ACUI, NACA, NACADA, NASPA and NIRSA. 2006
Enhancing Professional Development. In Richard P. Keeling (Ed.), Learning Reconsidered 2: A Practical Guide to Implementing a Campus-wide Focus on the Student Experience, pp.59-63. Washington, DC: ACPA, ACUHO-I, ACUI, NACA, NACADA, NASPA and NIRSA. Co-authored with Forrest, C. and Fried, J. 2006
Class in the Academy. New England Resource Center for Higher Education, 15(2). 2004
Class Matters: Beyond Access to Inclusion. Invited NASPA Monograph. Washington, DC: NAPSA. 2003
What They Are Reading: Social Class Culture in the Academy. About Campus, 6(5), 31-32. 2001