Leslie Wong

Leslie Wong

President Emeritus, San Francisco State University

Dr. Leslie E. Wong served as President of San Francisco State University, one of the nation’s premier urban comprehensive universities offering baccalaureate degrees in 123 academic areas; 27 credential programs; 35 certificate programs; 62 master’s degrees; and 4 doctoral degrees. He leads more than 3,000 faculty and staff as they serve a student population of over 30,000.

Dr. Wong is committed to providing SF State students with an exceptional educational experience forged in the intellectual energy of one of the world’s most innovative cities and fostered by the diversity, creativity and dedication of SF State’s faculty, staff, students and alumni. SF State graduates approximately 8,000 students per year and boasts a Gator alumni family that is more than 200,000 strong. SF State’s distinguished alums can be found in virtually every walk of life. Their accomplishments include 10 Pulitzer prizes, 15 Oscars, the invention of the microprocessor, and (jointly with SF State faculty) the discovery of the first exo-planets beyond the solar system.

Dr. Wong is devoted to moving San Francisco State forward to achieve its full potential. He co-chaired the recently completed strategic planning process that produced a value driven roadmap to advance the university’s goals. He also launched SF State’s first comprehensive fundraising campaign to provide the resources necessary to support the needs of SF State students in the 21st century as well as the innovative research and creative projects of SF State students and faculty. Early campaign success contributed to new scholarship funds, the renovation of the SF State gym and the revitalization of the athletics program.

Dr. Wong serves on the Board of Directors of the American Association of Colleges and Universities and is a member of the National Collegiate Athletics Association’s Division II President’s Council. He is a member of the California State University’s Ethnic Studies Task Force and he is an active Board member of both the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce and the Bay Area Council. Dr. Wong received the 2014 Asian Pacific Americans in Higher Education (APAHE) President’s Award in recognition of his outstanding leadership and contributions to the field of higher education. Region 6 of the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA) awarded him the President’s Award in 2015.

Prior to his appointment at San Francisco State in 2012, Dr. Wong served as President of Northern Michigan University. Earlier in his career he held executive leadership positions at Valley City State University, the University of Southern Colorado and Evergreen State College.

Dr. Wong holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Gonzaga University, a master’s degree in Experimental Psychology from Eastern Washington University, and a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology from Washington State University. He maintains research interests in educational technology, academic assessment and the role of underrepresented minorities in the academy.

Areas of Expertise

  • Education

Boards Joined

  • NCAA
  • AAC&J
  • SF Chamber of Commerce

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