Dr. Dianne F. Harrison
California State University, Monterey Bay
Office of the President
Dianne Harrison assumed the presidency at California State University, Monterey Bay in 2006. The implementation of Harrison’s strategic plan at CSU Monterey Bay has resulted in increased academic excellence and comprehensive development. Harrison has also helped to build partnerships with public and private institutions, enabling students, faculty and staff to cross institutional boundaries and distinguishing CSUMB for its innovative instruction.
Harrison’s academic and research areas of expertise include HIV prevention among women and minority populations and higher education issues related to social work and university leadership. A prolific researcher and writer, she has published dozens of articles and two books. She was a presidential participant in the Fulbright-Hayes Seminars Abroad Program to Jordan and Oman.
She has served on the boards and committees of over 60 national, state and local organizations and community projects. Dr. Harrison currently serves as a board member of the American Association of Colleges and Universities, KQED, Inc., MoreHealth of Monterey County, and the United Way of Monterey County. She also serves on the National Collegiate Athletic Association Division II Presidents’ Council. She co-chairs, with the Chancellor at UCSC, the Monterey Bay Educational Consortium and is a leader in education with the Monterey County Business Council. Harrison was a member of the inaugural class of community leaders in “AgKnowledge” sponsored by Monterey County Agricultural Education, Inc., the Women’s Commission of the American Council on Education, and is the current vice-chair and chair-elect of the Professional Development Committee of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities.
She is the recipient of “A Tree of Life Award” from the Parent Institute for Quality Education for her contributions to the education of all children and was inducted into the Monterey Business Hall of Fame by the Junior Achievement of Silicon Valley and Monterey Bay. She was recently appointed by Governor Jerry Brown to serve on the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education.
Academic Experience
President, California State University, Monterey Bay, 2006 to date.
Vice President for Academic Quality and External Programs, Florida State University, 2005-06.
Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs, Florida State University, 2000-05.
Dean, Graduate Studies, Florida State University, 2001-05.
Dean, School of Social Work, Florida State University, 1994-2000.
Director, Doctoral Program in Social Work, Florida State University, 1984-88, 1991-94.
Associate Director, Undergraduate Program in Social Work, Florida State University, 1979-83.
Professor, School of Social Work, Florida State University, 1988-2006.
Associate Professor, Florida State University, 1981-88.
Assistant Professor, Florida State University, 1976-81.
Visiting Instructor, Dept. of Sociology/Anthropology/Social Work University of Missouri-St. Louis, 1975-76.
Education
Ph.D., Social Work, Washington University
M.S.W., Social Work, University of Alabama
B.A., American Studies, University of Alabama