Description
Dr. Lisa A. Rossbacher was the President of Southern Polytechnic State University from 1998 to 2014. Receiving a Ph.D. in Geological and Geophysical Sciences from Princeton University in 1983, Dr. Rossbacher began her academic career at California State Polytechnic University at Pomona. She served as the Dean of the College and Dean of the Faculty at her alma mater, Dickinson College, from 1995 to 1998. In 1998, Dr. Rossbacher was the first female geologist to serve as the president of a North American university.
During her term as President of Southern Polytechnic State University, Dr. Rossbacher developed a number of engineering programs that complemented the institution's focus on Engineering Technology. As the curriculum expanded, enrollment grew by 78 percent between 1998 and 2013. Square footage of campus buildings almost doubled. Southern Polytechnic State University was also know for its diversity and was a national leader in the number of African American students receiving bachelor's degrees in Engineering Technology. In 2014, Dr. Rossbacher became the President of Humboldt State University in California.
Citation
Interview with SPSU President Lisa A. Rossbacher, 2014-04-18, Southern Polytechnic State University oral history series, Kennesaw State University Oral History Project, 1973-, KSU/45/05/001, Kennesaw State University Archives.
Rights
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Identifier
ks-45-05-001-09001
