After many years of distinguished service to Humboldt State University, Robert Snyder has decided to retire at the end of the current academic year. Please join me in thanking him for a job well done, and in wishing him and his wife Brenda the very best in the years ahead.

Bob has provided exceptional and results-driven leadership for the Academic Affairs division for the last six years. He helped guide the campus through WASC reaccreditation, budget challenges, the transition to a University Senate and much more. He has been a champion of efforts to help more students to be successful at HSU, and to diversify our student body, faculty and staff. In everything, he has demonstrated a deep commitment to HSU’s mission and its students.

Bob’s departure will be difficult for the campus. It will not be easy, to say the least, to recruit a new provost with the same focus, intellect and ability to lead. 

That said, I am also happy for Bob, as he has certainly earned his retirement. His service at HSU began in 1987, as an instructor in the Philosophy Department. After two years in that role, he was hired as an assistant professor, and later served at various times as Department Chair. He also served for a number of years as Academic Affairs Chair and then Vice Chair of the CSU Academic Senate. In 2004, he became Dean of the College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences, and then was named Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs in 2007.

Over the years, I have been fortunate to be the beneficiary of Provost Snyder’s thoughtful advice and guidance, and I know I am not alone. His colleagues across the campus have often told me how impressed they are by his willingness to listen closely and collaborate on difficult decisions. They tell me they especially appreciate his straightforward style and ability to make difficult decisions that ultimately benefit students and faculty.

Humboldt State is a better place because of Bob’s leadership, and he deserves our lasting gratitude for all he was able to help us accomplish.

Rollin C. Richmond
President