Joyce Gattas, Dean
Joyce M. Gattas, Dean
Joyce M. Gattas has served San Diego State University as Dean of the College of Professional Studies and Fine Arts since July 1989. In her role as Dean of the College, she manages eleven diverse departments/schools which include: Aerospace Studies; Art, Design and Art History; Communication; Exercise and Nutritional Sciences; Hospitality and Tourism Management; Journalism and Media Studies; Military Science; Music and Dance; Naval Science; Public Affairs; and Theatre, Television and Film. The College has over 8,500 majors and 550 faculty and staff. Nine centers and research institutes are also resident in the College providing students with opportunities for firsthand research experience. During her nearly two decades as Dean of PSFA, Dr. Gattas has led the transformation of the College, including attracting private philanthropy to establish one of the nation's highest regarded Schools of Hospitality and Tourism Management.
Before assuming her current managerial position, Dr. Gattas taught at California State Universities, at Long Beach and at Hayward. Following her career as a college professor, Dr. Gattas was the Associate Vice President for Faculty Affairs at San Diego State University. In that position, she handled all faculty personnel matters, negotiated contracts and agreements, and represented the University in grievances, collective bargaining, and other legal matters.
Dr. Gattas is active in community and professional organizations. She has served as Chair of the City of San Diego Commission for Arts and Culture; Immediate Past Chair, San Diego Convention and Visitors Bureau Board of Directors; and Past Chair of the San Diego Film Commission. She also serves on the Board of Directors for Fleet Week, San Diego Performing Arts League, KPBS Advisory Board, Holiday Bowl Red Cost Committee, Board of Trustees for the Multiple Sclerosis Society (Past President) and numerous art boards.
The recipient of San Diego Business Journal's Women Who Mean Business Award and the Woman of Achievement Award, Dr. Gattas was listed in San Diego Magazine's Who's Who in 1994. She was selected as one of 50 San Diegans to watch in 2000 and as one of the "10 Cool Women" in 2005. She is the 2007 recipient of the prestigious Ginger Award for her commitment and dedication to the promotion of the visual arts. On April 1, 2008 she was honored as a "Woman of Dedication" by the Salvation Army Women's Auxiliary of San Diego County for her contributions to the community. She also received the Distinguished Alumna Awards at the annual SDSU Mortar Board ceremony for her services to the University.
Dr. Gattas holds a Ph.D. in counseling psychology from the University of California at Berkeley, and an M.A. and a B.S. degree from the University of New Mexico.
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