News and Announcements
SFSU is welcoming a larger student body this fall, marking the University’s first enrollment increase in more than a decade and a significant turnaround following years of demographic and enrollment challenges. SFSU enrolled 20,824 students for fall 2026, with particularly strong growth among new students.
The University saw a 20% lift in new incoming freshman and transfer undergraduate enrollment. This is part of a year-over-year total new incoming student — first-year freshman, transfer and graduate — increase of 18%.
The increase follows several years of focused work to strengthen recruitment, improve the experience of prospective and admitted students and position SFSU as a destination for students seeking an affordable, high-quality education in one of the world’s most dynamic and innovative cities.
“This growth did not happen overnight. It reflects years of thoughtful planning and a tremendous amount of work across the University,” SFSU President Lynn Mahoney said. “We have been focused on what today’s students need and expect from a university: a strong academic experience, a welcoming community and a clear path from college to a meaningful career. Students are responding, and that gives us tremendous momentum as we look to the future.”
The University has also expanded outreach to prospective students and families. This spring more than 1,700 admitted students attended Explore SFSU, nearly 30% more than the previous year. The event brings prospective students and their families to campus to meet faculty and current students, learn about academic programs and get a firsthand look at life at SFSU.
SFSU has also invested in the student experience, adding housing and programs designed to help students make the transition to college. Approximately 4,200 students moved into the University’s seven residential communities this fall, including the recently opened West Grove Commons. The Living in SF Transition Experience gives incoming students another opportunity to meet classmates and become familiar with the campus and San Francisco before the academic year begins.
Mahoney said San Francisco’s resurgence has also helped the University make the case to prospective students that attending SFSU means having access to opportunities beyond the campus.
“San Francisco is an important part of who we are,” Mahoney said. “Our students study in a city that gives them access to extraordinary cultural, professional and academic opportunities. We want to make sure they can take full advantage of those opportunities while they are here and use them to build the lives and careers they want after graduation.”
Learn more about what the University offers students.
Photo by Juan Montes
Class of 2027: Save the date for San Francisco State University’s 126th Commencement! The ceremony will be held Friday, May 21, 2027, at Oracle Park, home of the San Francisco Giants. This is our 11th year celebrating graduates at the downtown ballpark, and we plan to welcome more than 30,000 graduates, family members and friends as we recognize this unforgettable milestone.
“This is my favorite day of the year. For thousands of students, it’s the culmination of years of hard work and the beginning of a new chapter in their lives,” said SFSU President Lynn Mahoney. “I can say confidently, SFSU elevates the lives of our graduates and their families. This year is bittersweet, as it’s my final Commencement as president of SFSU, but I look forward to watching your new journey unfold. I know it will be a bright one.”
The Commencement ceremony will start at 3 p.m., with doors opening at 1 p.m.
Keep checking the SFSU Commencement website for updates! More information will be shared throughout the year as it becomes available. Follow SFSU on social media and tag your Commencement posts #SFSU2027.
When SFSU student Jacob Martin started his summer internship at San Francisco Federal Credit Union, he had the opportunity to see how what he was learning in class translated to the workplace.
Working as a commercial and business services intern, Martin joined the credit union’s commercial lending and credit administration team. The experience gave him a closer look at the financial services industry and, he said, more confidence about entering the job market after graduation.
Martin was among 10 SFSU students who spent the summer working at San Francisco Federal as part of a new partnership between the two institutions. The paid internship program places undergraduate students in positions throughout the credit union, giving them professional experience while they are still completing their degrees.
“In the context of the current job market for new college graduates in 2026, this internship has helped make my career goals feel more achievable by giving me relevant, real-world experience and a better understanding of the opportunities available in the financial services industry,” Martin said.
Martin also found himself drawing directly from SFSU coursework.
“In the Commercial and Business Services Department, I worked with the commercial lending and credit administration team, which allowed me to directly apply concepts and knowledge related to fixed income products and portfolio risk that I learned at San Francisco State,” Martin said.
This summer, SFSU students worked in marketing, information technology, digital banking, business development, finance, risk and compliance and people and culture. Interns worked with San Francisco Federal supervisors and professional mentors and presented final projects to San Francisco Federal leaders in August.
Join a professional team
For Connor Jiang, an internship in information technology meant handling the kinds of problems that come up every day in a working IT department.
“One of the most rewarding parts of my internship was directly assisting employees with day-to-day technical issues across hardware, software and account access,” Jiang said. “This gave me a chance to apply what I studied in my courses at San Francisco State like operating systems, networking and systematic troubleshooting and translate that theoretical knowledge into IT support and customer service.”
Ryan Kelly Alita, who interned with San Francisco Federal’s People and Culture team, said students were trusted with substantive work early in their internships.
“You will learn a lot immediately and will own your own projects by the end of the first week,” Alita said. “It is a great entry-level experience for interns in finance, IT, marketing, HR and business. I have seen a ton of great projects from experienced young talent.”
Part of the career plan
The partnership is part of a broader SFSU effort to give students more opportunities to gain professional experience before they graduate and to strengthen connections with Bay Area employers.
“The partnership supports our commitment to providing students with applied learning experiences that complement their academic studies and prepare them to thrive after graduation,” said Inés Barbosa, SFSU assistant vice president for workforce partnerships. “By connecting students with employers that value mentorship, innovation and community engagement, the University continues to expand opportunities for students to launch meaningful careers while meeting the workforce needs of the region.”
For San Francisco Federal, hosting SFSU students also provides an opportunity to introduce them to a financial services industry that includes jobs in technology, marketing, human resources and other areas beyond traditional banking and finance.
“The internship program reflects both organizations’ shared commitment to expanding educational opportunity, strengthening the regional workforce and investing in the Bay Area community,” said Ray Shams, president and CEO of San Francisco Federal. “It also gives SFSU students an inside look at an industry they may not have previously considered while helping San Francisco Federal connect with a diverse pool of emerging talent.”
SFSU and San Francisco Federal plan to build on the program and create additional opportunities for students. For Martin and his fellow interns, the partnership has already provided something more immediate: a chance to take what they have learned at SFSU and find out what they can do with it.
San Francisco Federal and SFSU have partnered since September 2024 on athletics sponsorship, scholarships, financial education and career readiness programming, a collaboration marked in March 2026 by the naming of the San Francisco Federal Credit Union Gymnasium and since expanded to include a paid student internship program.
Visit the Career and Leadership Development website to learn more about jobs and internships.
Photo by Jennifer McGuire/San Francisco Federal Credit Union
Article 20.37 of the collective bargaining agreement for CSU faculty provides a limited pool of funds to be awarded to faculty employees engaged in exceptional levels of service that support the CSU’s priorities.
Faculty members may nominate themselves or other eligible members for Exceptional Assigned Time Awards in a letter no longer than two pages. If nominating someone, please include a statement to the effect that the faculty member is not already receiving assigned time for the same general category of supported activity during academic year 2027 – 2028. Senate policy F25-271 includes details on eligibility, supported activities, review criteria and process.
Awards for 2027 – 2028 will be announced in March.
The Information Technology Services team believes that multifactor authentication (MFA) is one of the easiest ways to add an extra layer of security to your accounts. Instead of relying on just a password, MFA asks you to verify your identity a second way, such as with an authenticator app, one-time code, fingerprint, facial recognition, passkey or security key.
Why does this matter? Passwords can be stolen through phishing emails, data breaches and other cyberattacks. MFA helps protect your account even if someone gets your password. Whenever possible, choose stronger authentication methods like authenticator apps, passkeys, biometrics or security keys. Turn on MFA for important accounts, including campus services, email, banking, social media, cloud storage and online shopping.
Most importantly, never approve an MFA request you didn’t initiate. An unexpected request could mean someone is trying to access your account. If you receive one, deny the request and change your password if you suspect your account may be compromised. MFA only adds a few seconds to your login, but it can make a big difference in keeping your accounts and personal information secure.
The Division of Undergraduate Education and Academic Planning invites faculty to work on the development of a series of one-unit undergraduate courses oriented toward developing career skills for students. We want to develop at least one course targeted to support students in each year of college, providing a progression of career skill development over four years. The courses should be open to all students and not oriented toward any specific major or career. We would expect the proposer to teach the course within a year or two of approval as part of their normal teaching workload.
Please indicate your interest in developing a course by completing this Qualtrics form by Sunday, Nov. 1. You’ll be asked to provide a title, a 50-word course description, four to five learning outcomes, a description of the need that the course addresses, a summary of the pedagogical approach (such as modality) and the target student population (such as freshmen, new transfers or seniors). You can work with other faculty to collaborate on one or more courses.
Courses will be selected for full development by Tuesday, Dec. 1. Selected faculty will be asked to develop a full proposal for the course (such as schedule, topics, materials, activities and assessments) that will be due at the start of the spring semester. A $250 stipend will be provided for the development work. The division will facilitate proposing the new courses in the curriculum system for the February new-course review.
The Experimental College (ExCo) allows students to earn credit by designing and teaching a course on any topic they choose, fostering deeper exploration of their unique interests and ownership of their education. Help your students share their passion and excel. Encourage them to apply to teach an ExCo class.
Teaching an ExCo class builds essential academic and professional skills — including leadership, communication, critical thinking, course planning and inclusive facilitation — while instilling confidence in sharing knowledge.
To learn more about ExCo’s benefits for students, please email Tony Sparks at tsparks@sfsu.edu.
This fall SFSU launched a new Master of Public Administration (MPA) Concentration in Aging in Society, designed to prepare current and future professionals to respond to the opportunities and challenges of an aging society.
As communities grow older and more diverse, there is an increasing need for professionals who understand aging and can help shape responsive policies, programs, and services. The new MPA program combines professional training in public administration with the study of aging, preparing students for work across government, nonprofit, advocacy and community-based organizations. Students explore topics such as age-friendly communities, health and long-term care, economic security, caregiving, ageism, diversity and equity, and other issues affecting older adults and communities. The program offers an opportunity to develop the knowledge and skills needed to help create communities where people of all ages can thrive.
Housed in the School of Public Affairs and Civic Engagement, the concentration in Aging in Society enhances the longstanding and well-regarded MPA curriculum. It replaces the stand-alone M.A. in Gerontology Program, which is being discontinued.
To learn more about the concentration in Aging in Society, attend a virtual information session or email the concentration’s primary faculty adviser, Emiko Takagi, at etakagi@sfsu.edu.
Alternate Atlas is a collaborative, interdisciplinary project led by Ann Chamberlain Artist-in-Residence Paola de la Calle. The project explores how maps shape our understanding of place, belonging, history and power and how they might instead become tools for resistance, repair and collective imagination. Alternate Atlas explores cartography, colonialism, erasure and memory and brings together archival research, art making, storytelling and participatory mapping to consider whose histories are recorded, whose are overlooked, and how unofficial forms of knowledge can challenge the silences in official archives and maps.
If you’re interested in collaborating with Alternative Atlas next semester, in class or outside of class, de la Calle would love to hear from you. Please email de la Calle at paoladelacalle@sfsu.edu to learn more or explore ways to get involved.
SFSU students are invited to create the official SFSU “I Voted” sticker to be distributed to all students who vote at our on-campus polling station for this upcoming General Election. This contest is exclusively open to SFSU students. Submissions are open through Friday, Oct. 16.
Students may submit their “I Voted” sticker design via Google Forms.
The SFSU Academic Senate will meet Tuesday, October 13, from 2 to 5 p.m. via Zoom for its third meeting of the academic year.
- The Faculty Affairs Committee presents the following consent item:
- Revision to University Research, Scholarship and Creative Activities Council, No. S21-231: minor change to membership
- The Campus Curriculum Committee presents the following consent item:
- Graduate Certificate in Inclusive Early Learning and Intervention: program revision
- Recommendation from the Campus Curriculum Committee in second reading:
- Minor in Forensic Investigations: new program
- Minor in Operations and Supply Chain Management: new program
- Bachelor of Arts in Child and Adolescent Development, concentration in Elementary Education Integrated Teacher Education Program: new program
- Bachelor of Arts in Applied World Languages
- Certificate in Exercise Physiology
- Minor in German Studies
- Minor in Italian Studies
- Recommendation from the Student Affairs Committee in first reading:
- Course Syllabus Policy, No. S25-257
- Recommendation from the Campus Curriculum Committee in first reading:
- Minor in Comparative World Literature: program revision
- Recommendations from the Faculty Affairs Committee in first reading:
- Department Chair and Equivalent Unit Directors, No. S26-145
SFSU’s Charles F. Hagar Planetarium (Thornton Hall 422) will close temporarily for renovation later this month. Our classic star projector still recreates a beautiful night sky as seen from some of the darkest places on Earth. Shows are free and open to the public.
Schedule:
- Monday, Oct. 12, 6:30 p.m.: “A Few of My Favorite Things About the Hagar Planetarium” by Adrienne Cool
- Tuesday, Oct. 13, 1 p.m.: “Tracing Humanity Through the Stars, October Edition: Undead Stars and Spooky Constellation Stories” by Gillis Lowry
Last entry is five minutes after the start time. Shows last about 45 minutes.
For questions, please email Adrienne Cool at cool@sfsu.edu.
The Digital Media Studio and MakerSpace hosts events for the SFSU community.
This week:
- “Podcasting 101” workshop, Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2 – 3 p.m., Library 260: Learn the essentials of starting your own podcast in this beginner-friendly workshop. They’ll cover the basics of planning, recording, editing and publishing, plus tips on choosing equipment and sharing your show with listeners. This workshop is perfect for anyone curious about podcasting or ready to launch their first episode.
- “3D Printing 101” workshop, Friday, Oct. 16, noon — 1 p.m., Library 260: Learn the basics of 3D printing and 3D modeling, from design in TinkerCAD to operating the Ultimaker 3 and Ultimaker S5 printers.
The Center for Equity and Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CEETL) hosts a six-week Teaching and Learning Community Wednesday, Oct. 14 – Friday, Nov. 20. It is designed to support new lecturer faculty through evidence-based teaching practices, connection with colleagues and resources that promote student success.
Participants should expect to engage with five Canvas modules asynchronously and/or attend weekly Zoom office hours, for a total of 10 hours.
Lecturer faculty teaching at SFSU for the first time this semester who complete the requirements by Nov. 20 will receive a $500 stipend. Graduate teaching assistants teaching a course independently are also welcome to participate and receive a $250 stipend upon completion.
The “AI Literacy Essentials: Prompting for Practical Applications” course offers a focused exploration of prompting and iteration strategies for generative artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots like Microsoft Copilot. It will take place Wednesday, Oct. 14, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m., via Zoom.
Through collaborative, hands-on activities and interactive exercises, participants will learn to write clear, effective prompts, apply refinement techniques such as prompt chaining, and assess AI-generated outputs for accuracy and relevance to achieve more reliable and useful results in a variety of academic and non-academic contexts.
This course is required to receive a digital badge for the AI Literacy Education Program.
Join Anthropology Chair and Professor Dawn-Elissa Fischer, in conversation with artist Angela Hennessy, as part of the “Life and the Inevitable” exhibition Wednesday, Oct. 14, 4 – 5 p.m., in the Fine Arts Gallery (Fine Arts 238).
The exhibition is on display through Thursday, Oct. 15, at the Fine Arts Gallery. Regular gallery hours are Tuesdays – Fridays, noon – 4 p.m.
Public programming sponsored by a grant from the College of Liberal & Creative Arts has been co-organized with the Museum Studies Program.
SFSU will hold an “Undocu-Ally” trainings this week. A training session for students will be held Wednesday, Oct. 14, 4 – 6 p.m., in the University Club, Student Center. A training session for staff and faculty will be held Friday, Oct. 16, 10 a.m. – noon, in Student Center T-160.
Receive immigration updates and learn how to become a strong advocate and ally for undocumented students and students of mixed-status families.
The SFSU Police Department invites members of the campus community and the public to attend its annual Assembly Bill (AB) 481 community meeting on Thursday, Oct. 15, at noon in Library 121. The meeting will provide an opportunity to learn about the department’s military equipment use policy, discuss its annual military equipment report, ask questions and provide feedback.
Career and Leadership Development (CLD) offers programs, events and resources to help SFSU students explore career options, build professional skills, connect with employers and prepare for life after graduation. Faculty and staff are encouraged to learn more about and share these upcoming opportunities and resources with students.
Student events:
- Career and Internship Fair, Thursday, Oct. 15, noon – 3 p.m., Mashouf Wellness Center: Students can connect with employers, explore job and internship opportunities and build their professional networks.
- CareerEDGE virtual workshops, Thursdays, 2 – 3 p.m., via Zoom: CareerEDGE workshops help students build practical career-readiness skills. Upcoming workshops include:
- Oct. 22: “Is SFSU Grad School Right for Me?”
- Oct. 29: “Perfecting the Interview”
- Nov. 5: “Major and Career Exploration”
CLD also spotlights Hiration as a career resource. Hiration is an online career preparation platform available to SFSU students through CLD. Students can use Hiration to create or improve resumes, receive LinkedIn profile feedback, create customized cover letters and practice interviewing for specific job titles. Faculty and staff can request a Hiration account to explore the platform and become familiar with the resources available to students.
A few spots remain open for the fall 2026 Faculty Career Champions program on Thursday, Oct. 22, and Thursday, Nov. 5, 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. This two-part program helps faculty strengthen the connection between the classroom and students’ career development by integrating career readiness into their teaching and student interactions.
Join the J. Paul Leonard Library for a conversation with lowrider collectors Valerie Tulier-Laiwa and Ruby Ramirez on Thursday, Oct. 15, at 12:30 p.m., in Library 286. Lucia Araiza Uribe, lecturer faculty in Latina/Latino Studies, will serve as the moderator. Light refreshments will be provided.
Women have always been part of the lowrider community. Recently, a new generation of women collectors, scholars and enthusiasts are redefining what it means to be a Latina leading the path in a male-dominated scene.
The Center for Equity and Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CEETL), in collaboration with the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, invites faculty to a seminar on “Teaching with AI in Large Lecture Courses” on Thursday, Oct. 15, 2.30 – 4.30 p.m., in Library 121.
Led by Melanie Cooper, Lappan-Phillips Professor of Science Education at Michigan State University, this seminar will explore evidence-based approaches to using generative artificial intelligence (AI) in teaching and learning, including strategies that promote student engagement, self-regulated learning and equitable AI practices. Refreshments will be served.
Join SavingsPlus for “Planning for Life or Nearing Retirement with your 401k and 457b Plans” on Friday, Oct. 16, at 11 a.m. This virtual webinar with CSU partner SavingsPlus will help you plan your savings goals and retirement planning.
You can only contribute while you work at a minimum of $25 per month. If you’re planning to retire soon, a 401k is an option to direct your CalPERS lump sum separation pay or unused vacation time.
The Division of Graduate Studies and Career Development will host our annual Grad Preview Week Monday, Oct. 19 – Friday, Oct. 23. The division asks the campus community to encourage undergraduate students to join the many virtual and in-person events and explore SFSU graduate education. Staff are also encouraged to explore opportunities to pursue an advanced degree or graduate certificate at SFSU.
The campus community is invited to join the inaugural China-SFSU Forum for conversations exploring China and its evolving role in an increasingly interconnected world on Wednesday, Oct. 21, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., at the Seven Hills Conference Center. Refreshments will be provided.
Bringing together distinguished speakers, academics, professionals and community leaders, the forum will examine China from a range of perspectives through interactive panel discussions on culture, sustainability, entrepreneurship, innovation and geopolitics. Attendees will hear from experts with deep professional, academic and community experience in China; ask questions; exchange ideas; and make meaningful connections across disciplines.
Designed with SFSU students in mind, the China-SFSU Forum offers an opportunity to take learning beyond the classroom and explore how developments in China intersect with business, technology, culture, international relations, sustainability and the global economy. Faculty and staff are also encouraged to attend and to share the event with students.
The College of Ethnic Studies will host a block party on Wednesday, Oct. 21, noon – 2 p.m., on Malcolm X Plaza. Explore and learn about our majors: American Indian Studies, Africana Studies, Asian American Studies, Latina/o Studies, Race and Resistance Studies and Race Ethnicity and Health.
Renowned science-fiction author Ted Chiang will present a talk about speculative fiction as viewed through the lenses of naturalism and expressionism on Wednesday, Oct. 21, at 12:30 p.m., in Humanities 587. Creative Writing Professor Andrew Joron hosts the event.
Chiang is known for his philosophically rich and meticulously crafted short stories. His novelette “Story of Your Life” was adapted into the Academy Award-winning film “Arrival.” Chiang also writes essays and op-eds on artificial intelligence (AI) and technology for publications like The New Yorker. He was inducted into the Science Fiction and Fantasy Hall of Fame in 2020 and named one of Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in AI in 2023. He has won top honors in the science-fiction field, including four Hugo Awards and four Nebula Awards.
The University Budget Committee (UBC) invites all employees to its next meeting on Thursday, Oct. 22, 10 a.m. – noon, via Zoom. Agenda items include: 2027 – 2028 budget update, 2025 – 2026 campus reserves/designated balances, “Budget 101” on self-supports and auxiliaries and a presentation from Housing, Dining and Conference Services.
UBC members will host a drop-in office hour on Friday, Oct. 23, 11 a.m. – noon, via Zoom, for faculty and staff for conversations about budget-related concerns.
To RSVP for the UBC meeting, please email UBC at ubc@sfsu.edu.
The Morrison Chamber Music Center presents the Poulenc Trio on Thursday, Oct. 22, at 7 p.m. in Knuth Hall, Creative Arts building.
A pioneering oboe, bassoon and piano ensemble, the trio has garnered international recognition over its 20-year history. With performances in 47 U.S. states and at prestigious music festivals around the world, including the Ravello Festival in Italy, the San Miguel de Allende Festival in Mexico and the White Nights Festival in Russia, it has established itself as one of the most active and sought-after touring piano-wind ensembles in the country.
Join the Center for Equity and Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CEETL) on Wednesday, Oct. 28, 3 – 4 p.m., in the Faculty Commons (Library 286) as we honor our ancestors and celebrate Día de los Muertos. Faculty and staff are welcome to this “WE Wednesday” event.
As part of the activity, we’ll create an ofrenda to commemorate and remember loved ones. Learn about this meaningful tradition, contribute to the community altar, enjoy an afternoon of reflection and creativity and learn about the newly refurbished Faculty Commons space.
A performance by Pachuquísmo will take place Thursday, Oct. 29, at 7 p.m. in McKenna Theatre, Creative Arts building.
Pachuquísmo is a multidisciplinary, rhythmic performance that unveils a forgotten history of Mexican American female youth and explores the struggles that communities of color continue to face today. With the nine-person, all-woman cast donning full zoot suits, Pachuquísmo pulls the narrative of the Zoot Suit Riots out of the male-centered context and portrays the experiences of las pachucas of the 1940s through movement, spoken word and video.
Join Student Support Services and Student Outreach and Academic Retention Trio for SFSU’s eighth annual First-Gen College Celebration, a campus-wide event honoring the journeys, accomplishments and resilience of our first-generation college community. The celebration will take place Wednesday, Nov. 4, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., at a location to be determined.
All students, staff, faculty, and administrators who identify as first-generation — or who are proud allies — are invited.
This year’s celebration will feature a campus resource fair, a financial literacy component, opportunities to connect with fellow first-generation community members and campus partners, and light food and refreshments.
Back by popular demand, Staff Council will host its annual craft faire on Wednesday, Nov. 4, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., in Burk Hall 168 and 170.
If you are interested in participating, please fill out the Qualtrics form, and the Staff Council will contact you. The deadline to sign up is Friday, Oct. 16.
For general questions, please email the Staff Council at askstaffcouncil@sfsu.edu.
H. Douglas Brown, professor emeritus of English, passed away in September.
Brown grew up in Africa, where his parents were missionary teachers. He earned his B.A. at Linfield College, where he met his wife, Mary. He obtained his M.A. in Linguistics and Ph.D. in Educational Psychology at University of California, Los Angeles. Before coming to SFSU, he was professor and director of the Division of English as a Second Language (ESL) at University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. Prior, he was a faculty member at the University of Michigan, where he also served as acting director of the English Language Institute for three years.
In 1983, Brown joined the English Department at SFSU. He taught in the M.A. Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Program for 23 years, serving concurrently as director of the American Language Institute, an on-campus intensive ESL program, for 22 of those years. He was an inspiring and supportive mentor to many, especially the graduate students who were trained at the institute.
A widely published scholar and eloquent speaker, Brown gained widespread national and international recognition. He regularly gave lectures, seminars and workshops across the U.S. and internationally. He served as the 1980 – 1981 president of the TESOL International Association. In 2001, he was the recipient of TESOL’s prestigious James E. Alatis Award for Distinguished Service. In 2005, he was honored to receive the Distinguished Service Award from SFSU's Office of International Programs.
Brown was the author of several pioneering textbooks for TESOL teacher preparation, including “Principles of Language Learning and Teaching,” “Teaching by Principles” and “Language Assessment: Principles and Classroom Practices.” He also co-authored a number of ESL textbooks and wrote two books for a general audience: “Breaking the Language Barrier” and “A Practical Guide to Language Learning.” From 1970 to 1978, he served as editor of the journal Language Learning. He was a passionate advocate of second language education as a means of fostering autonomy, empowerment, cross-cultural understanding, social justice and world peace.
Former students remember Brown for his lively, interactive and thought-provoking teaching style. His legendary wit and humor were often exhibited in his teaching and, most memorably, during end-of-semester graduation parties, when he and his “Three Tenors” colleagues would sing popular tunes a cappella — with catchy lyrics specially written to reflect the graduating students’ experiences.
In retirement in the Sacramento area, Brown enjoyed performing in singing groups and theatre productions in his community, as well as volunteering, playing tennis and softball, hiking, traveling and spending time with family. He was also an adviser for an international M.A. TESOL alumni professional development group that met regularly over Zoom.
Brown is survived by his beloved wife Mary, his children Stefanie and Jeff, two grandsons, an older brother and his wife, a sister-in-law and her husband, a stepsister, and many nieces and nephews and their families.
Inspiring, warm, and kind, a generous mentor and colleague, and a dynamic leader, his loss is deeply felt.
In honor of Brown’s life and legacy, donations may be made to environmental and conservation causes, or to the faith underlying your beliefs.
SFSU Spotlight
SFSU’s Tutoring and Academic Support Center earns international tutor training program certification
SFSU’s Tutoring and Academic Support Center (TASC) has earned International Tutor Training Program Certification from the College Reading and Learning Association (CRLA), a nationally and internationally recognized professional organization focused on student learning and academic success. The certification recognizes that TASC’s tutor training program meets CRLA’s established standards for tutor selection, training, direct service and program evaluation.
The center shares congratulations to the TASC faculty directors who have worked hard to develop and deliver the training program and evaluation practices to receive this certification: Gordon Bengle, Math and Business; Peter Ingmire, Science; Sudha Krishnamoorthy, Lower-Division Writing; and Taylor Harman, Upper-Division and Graduate Writing. This achievement reflects TASC’s commitment to high-quality tutor preparation, professional development and effective academic support for SFSU students.
Associate Professor of Computer Science Jingyi Wang coauthored a paper, “Capability Aware Deep Q-Learning for Optimal Split Point Selection in Split Federated Learning.” It was accepted at the 2026 European Conference on Machine Learning and Principles and Practice of Knowledge Discovery in Databases. The paper examines how to divide the work between a device and a server based on the device’s computing power and network connection.