Office of the President
San Diego State University President
Adela de la Torre, Ph.D.
Dr. Adela de la Torre has served as president of San Diego State University since 2018, leading one of the most significant periods of transformation in the university's 129-year history. Her appointment followed a distinguished career of more than three decades as an accomplished economist, public-health researcher and higher-education leader in California and Arizona.
Under her leadership, SDSU has become the first institution in the 22-campus California State University system to achieve R1 research status, surpassed $1 billion in philanthropic support raised since her arrival, undertaken a billion-dollar expansion of its physical and research infrastructure, and strengthened its position as a uniquely transborder public research university connecting California, Mexico and the world. A 2025 analysis puts SDSU and its alumni at nearly $10 billion in annual statewide economic activity, supporting roughly 26,000 jobs.
De la Torre brought to SDSU a global perspective, launching a strategic plan to grow the university’s research enterprise and international presence and impact. Her leadership has centered on a model of public higher education in which research excellence, access and economic mobility reinforce one another. SDSU's rise to R1 has been accompanied by record research activity, historically high graduation rates, narrowing student-success gaps and expanded doctoral education. It is one of only 21 universities in the nation classified as both an R1 and an Opportunity University, the latter earned for delivering high student access and strong post-graduation earnings. SDSU's six-year graduation rate has reached 80%, with more than two-thirds graduating in four years and nearly three-quarters now completing their degrees without ever taking out student loans.
Welcome from President Adela de la Torre
"I feel blessed and privileged to be part of our inspiring one SDSU community. Unique in the higher education sector, SDSU is a R1 institution and a pillar of our transborder region, with campuses stretching from the Pacific to Arizona, and we continue to dedicate ourselves to transforming students’ lives each and every day. I am proud that SDSU continues to be among the nation’s leaders in high graduation rates and high research activity, and that we provide expansive educational access, and are closing achievement gaps for underrepresented students. At SDSU, we reaffirm our clarity of purpose. As our university continues to grow through developments at SDSU Mission Valley, SDSU Imperial Valley, SDSU Georgia and in Oaxaca, Mexico, our workforce-ready graduates are driving economic development in the communities we serve and global innovation in the disciplines they pursue. With one common mission and identity, SDSU is committed to profoundly impacting our students, our region and the world." -Adela de la Torre, San Diego State University President
Student Success & Growth
Along with soaring graduation rates, SDSU has been recognized nationally for the career-readiness and social mobility of its graduates. With a proud and active network of more than half a million living alumni, along with deep ties to its regional community and business ecosystem, SDSU consistently ranks among the top institutions in the nation for applications received and has set new records in national rankings and enrollment, now serving more than 48,000 students each year. It also has reached new heights and broken records with its athletic success, regional expansion, and economic and community impact. Notable achievements include the ongoing development of the mixed-use SDSU Mission Valley campus, with a new stadium, 80 acres of open space and an Innovation District that will encompass 1.6 million square feet. In 2025 a new $80 million STEM facility at SDSU Imperial Valley opened its doors to the region's first STEM students as part of California’s “Lithium Valley” and renewable energy infrastructure. Today, construction is ongoing to expand housing to support more than 13,000 residential students across both San Diego and Imperial Counties.
De la Torre earned her Ph.D. and master’s degrees in Agricultural and Resource Economics from the University of California, Berkeley, where she also earned her bachelor’s degree in the political economy of natural resources.
“We Rise We Defy” is the primary guide for SDSU’s growth and commitment to teaching, research, creativity and transforming the lives of students and communities.
Big Ideas are transformative and transdisciplinary solutions to society’s grand challenges. They represent a new approach to supporting SDSU’s faculty in supporting the betterment of the world.
SDSU rates highly in reducing equity gaps and ranks nationally for its welcoming community, serving its diverse population and for providing students with unique experiences and opportunities.
The vibrant, medium-density, mixed-use, transit-oriented development will transform the university and the city and drive billions in new economic growth.
The only 4-year institution serving Imperial County, the university location is expanding STEM education and research to drive access and economic development.
Several groups are charged with improving or expanding policy, program and other efforts that drive community safety and well-being, address gender-based violence, reduce substance misuse and drive inclusion for the university’s diverse community.
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San Diego, CA 92182-8000