Judy Sakaki, vice chancellor for Student Affairs at UC Davis since 2002, has been appointed vice president for Student Affairs at the UC Office of the President, effective Jan. 1. At Dateline press time, UC regents were expected to confirm her appointment and compensation at their meeting this week, acting on the recommendation of UC President Robert Dynes.

Sakaki, 53, whose entire career has been devoted to serving the needs of students at University of California and California State University campuses, will assume responsibility for overseeing undergraduate and transfer admissions, student financial support, undergraduate and graduate campus life, and student academic preparation programs for the 10-campus UC system.

"With this appointment, the regents and the Office of the President are recognizing what we've long known — Judy is an effective leader and a strong advocate for students," said Chancellor Larry Vanderhoef. "Her list of accomplishments at UC Davis is lengthy and substantive, and I've no doubt she'll be similarly successful in her new UC-wide role. We'll miss her on the campus but we'll continue to benefit from her leadership."

An interim vice chancellor for Student Affairs at UC Davis will be appointed and announced as soon as regents' confirmation is possible, and a national search for Sakaki's replacement will be launched after consultation, Vanderhoef said.

"We are delighted to be able to bring to the systemwide level Judy Sakaki's leadership, skill and personal devotion to the needs and interests of students," Dynes said. "Judy has a wealth of experience working with diverse student populations to foster their educational and personal success. She brings a strong record of accomplishment, a deep understanding of education issues both in California and nationally, and a clear commitment to preserving access to a University of California education for high-achieving students of all backgrounds in our state."

During Sakaki's time at UC Davis, Student Affairs opened and launched a number of major new facilities, including the Activities and Recreation Center now used by 4,500 students daily, new Segundo and Tercero residence halls and dining commons, the Ted and Rand Schaal Aquatics Center, and the nearly completed $30 million multiuse stadium. Planning is under way for a new Student Health Center, a new Student Resource Center, and the Equestrian Center Arena.

Under Sakaki's leadership, Student Affairs implemented a strategic long-term enrollment plan that resulted in record enrollment this fall of both freshmen and transfer students. The division is also completing the fourth and final year of an NCAA certification process to transition Intercollegiate Athletics from Division II to Division I, with notification of the campus status expected in February 2007.

The campus formally partnered with local, regional and state agencies to address alcohol use and promote safe off-campus party environments. Development efforts were also initiated to generate private financial support for scholarships, intercollegiate athletic facilities and grants-in-aid. Student Affairs was awarded a $3 million Educational Talent Search federal grant to help disadvantaged junior high and high school students in Northern California go to college. And it received a $1 million commitment from the Osher Foundation to support scholarships for transfer students.

"I would like to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt thanks and appreciation to the staff for all that they do. Much has been accomplished in Student Affairs over the last 4½ years because of the wonderful teamwork, collaboration and commitment of the staff to our students and the campus," Sakaki said. "I am proud of the new facilities, services and programs that we have developed. There is much still to do but I am confident that the leadership team in the division, the staff and the students will continue working together to achieve the mission, vision and strategic goals that are in place.

"I have enjoyed working with our students, staff and my administrative colleagues here at UC Davis. I will really miss my UC Davis family and the campus, and I thank everyone so much for their support and friendship."

'Access and equity'

From 1995 to 2002, Sakaki served first as dean of students and then as vice president and dean for student affairs at California State University, Fresno. Prior to that, from 1976 to 1994, she served in a variety of capacities focused on students at California State University, Hayward (now California State University, East Bay), including executive director of student academic services and special assistant to the president for educational equity. She has been dedicated to issues of access and equity for decades, starting out at the Hayward campus as an outreach and retention counselor in the Educational Opportunity Program.

She currently serves as a trustee of the College Board and is a former fellow of the American Council on Education.

"I am deeply honored to accept this appointment," Sakaki said. "This position will allow me to touch the lives of diverse and talented students across the UC system. I am particularly excited to be able to work together with others to address issues of access, affordability, equity and student success at our UC campuses."

Sakaki was born in Oakland, the current home of the UC Office of the President, and graduated from Elmhurst Junior High and Skyline High School. A first-generation college student, she received her bachelor's and master's degrees in 1975 and 1977 from California State University, Hayward, and her doctorate in education from UC Berkeley in 1991. Her two sons are UC graduates as well.

As the systemwide vice president for Student Affairs, Sakaki succeeds Winston Doby, who stepped down earlier this year. Joyce Justus has been heading Student Affairs on a temporary basis and will continue at the university in her position as interim vice provost for educational relations.

Sakaki will receive an annual salary of $238,000, along with the standard health, pension, and senior management benefits, and standard sick leave and vacation accrual.

Brad Hayward is the executive director of UCOP Strategic Communications.