Let’s Congratulate and Thank Dean Heather Lattimer

Sent: January 6, 2025

From: Vincent J. Del Casino, Jr., Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs

Dear Colleagues,

I write today with bittersweet news and congratulations to Dr. Heather Lattimer, who has been appointed the next provost at California State University, Los Angeles. Cal State LA is very fortunate to have Dr. Lattimer’s leadership at a time of such major transition in higher education. Her energy, creativity, and commitment to collaboration will be an amazing asset to the campus. I am excited to also have Dr. Lattimer as a provost colleague in the system!

I want to recognize the significant contributions Dr. Lattimer has made not only to the Lurie College of Education over the past seven years, but also to the campus. As dean, Dr. Lattimer has led initiatives that expanded access to new academic programs, including the first-in-California PK-3 credential programs. She made strong improvement in overall enrollments for the college through both state-supported and self-supported programs including SJSU Online, and launched new organized research units including the Early Childhood Institutes, Institute for Emancipatory Education, Healthy Development Community Clinic, and the Queer Hope Institute. Dr. Lattimer also supported faculty in their research efforts, with faculty grants reaching $10M in awards in 2023-2024, and in the production of peer-reviewed publications which increased significantly during her tenure. Dr. Lattimer has also been an incredible fundraiser, helping the college generate over $15M during her time as dean.

In addition to all her incredible college accomplishments, Dr. Lattimer held interim positions as Dean of the College of Social Sciences (2022-2023) and Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education (2023-2024). In both roles, Dr. Lattimer not only brought stability but helped to advance important initiatives including a strong transition plan for the College of Social Science and supporting Undergraduate Education to push forward a number of vital programs to help students more effectively transition to SJSU. In addition, Dr. Lattimer helped launch the San José K16 Collaborative (SJK16), an equity-focused, partnership-based initiative that is building pathways for first generation students into high-demand fields in technology, health care, and education. SJK16C partners with three local K12 school districts, two community colleges, the Silicon Valley Leadership Group, and local community-based organizations. It is part of Bay Area K16 Collaborative and is funded by grant support from the California Department of Education, the Sobrato Foundation, and the Silicon Valley Community Foundation.

Dr. Lattimer will begin her appointment at Cal State LA on March 1st and will continue at SJSU through the end of February. This provides time to consult with the faculty and staff in the Lurie College of Education before appointing an interim dean. Given the timing, I also intend to launch a search for a new dean right away and will put out a call for committee nominations as soon as the spring semester begins.

In the meantime, please join me in thanking Dr. Lattimer for her amazing service and commitment to SJSU and to the role of public education in the betterment of our society.

Sincerely,
Vin