San Jose State University has a new president.
Mary Papazian was appointed Wednesday by the California State University board of trustees to serve as the university’s 29th president and third female president effective July 1.
Papazian is currently president at Southern Connecticut State University in New Haven, Connecticut, CSU officials said. She replaces Susan Martin, who was appointed as interim president in August after Mohammad Qayoumi left the post to serve as a presidential advisor to Afghanistan President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani, according to university officials.
"I am honored that the CSU Trustees have chosen me as president and entrusted me to build upon the campus' long legacy of innovation and excellence," Papazian said in a statement.
"I look forward to working alongside the many dedicated faculty and staff who guide students along their academic journey and prepare them for achievements beyond the classroom," she said.
Papazian was born and raised in Southern California. She obtained her bachelor's, master's and doctorate degrees in English at University of California at Los Angeles, according to CSU officials. She lives in Woodbridge, Connecticut, with her husband Dennis and their two daughters, Ani and Marie.
Bay City News contributed to this report.
