San Jose State University Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

San Jose State University has 5 executives leading key functions including institutional strategy, operational management, administrative coordination, financial oversight, and executive support.

Committed to academic excellence and research innovation, San Jose State University fosters a transformative learning environment that prepares students for success in a global economy while advancing knowledge through rigorous scholarly inquiry.

Leadership Roles at San Jose State University

  • Chief Executive Officer, Tower Foundation - Rebecca Dukes
  • Chief Financial Officer, Office & Director, Internal Control - Ninh Phamhi
  • Chief Operating Officer - Robin Hemsley
  • Chief of Staff - Shawn Whalen
  • Deputy Chief of Staff - John Kepley
  • Rebecca Dukes - Chief Executive Officer, Tower Foundation

    Rebecca Dukes, the Chief Executive Officer, Tower Foundation at San Jose State University, directs the philanthropic strategy and asset management initiatives supporting the academic mission. Overseeing the foundation's endowment growth, the Chief Executive Officer, Tower Foundation ensures alignment between donor contributions and university research priorities. This leadership role involves cultivating relationships with alumni and corporate partners to secure long-term funding for campus infrastructure and student scholarships. By optimizing investment portfolios, Rebecca Dukes directly impacts the financial sustainability of the institution. Furthermore, Dukes coordinates with the Board of Directors to implement governance policies that maintain transparency and fiscal integrity. Through these efforts, the Chief Executive Officer, Tower Foundation strengthens the university's capacity to provide high-quality education and research opportunities across the California region and beyond, ultimately driving the institution toward its long-term strategic goals.

    Ninh Phamhi - Chief Financial Officer, Office & Director, Internal Control

    Ninh Phamhi, the Chief Financial Officer, Office & Director, Internal Control at San Jose State University, manages the fiscal health and budgetary integrity of the institution. Overseeing financial reporting, audit compliance, and internal control frameworks, the Chief Financial Officer, Office & Director, Internal Control ensures that all university expenditures align with state regulations and institutional priorities. This leadership role involves developing comprehensive financial models to support long-term growth and resource allocation for research and academic programs. By implementing robust risk management protocols, Ninh Phamhi directly impacts the financial stability and accountability of the university. Phamhi also works closely with the Board and external auditors to maintain transparency in all fiscal operations. Through these efforts, the Chief Financial Officer, Office & Director, Internal Control secures the necessary capital to sustain the university's mission, ensuring that financial resources effectively support the diverse needs of the student body and faculty.

    Robin Hemsley - Chief Operating Officer

    Robin Hemsley, the Chief Operating Officer at San Jose State University, manages the daily administrative functions and operational workflows that sustain the campus environment. Overseeing facilities management, campus safety, and auxiliary services, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that physical infrastructure supports the academic and research needs of the university community. This leadership role involves streamlining internal processes to improve efficiency and resource allocation across all departments. By implementing data-driven operational strategies, Robin Hemsley directly impacts the quality of the student experience and the effectiveness of faculty support systems. Hemsley also collaborates with other executive leaders to integrate technology solutions into campus operations, facilitating a modern learning environment. Through rigorous oversight of logistical operations, the Chief Operating Officer maintains the functional integrity of the university, ensuring that all campus activities align with the broader institutional mission of providing accessible, high-quality higher education.

    Shawn Whalen - Chief of Staff

    Shawn Whalen, the Chief of Staff at San Jose State University, coordinates executive communications and manages the strategic priorities of the university leadership team. Overseeing the flow of information between the President's office and various academic departments, the Chief of Staff ensures that institutional goals remain the primary focus of all administrative activities. This leadership role involves facilitating high-level meetings, managing complex projects, and ensuring that policy implementation remains consistent with the university's long-term vision. By fostering collaboration across diverse campus units, Shawn Whalen directly impacts the cohesion and agility of the university's leadership structure. Whalen also monitors external trends and internal performance metrics to provide actionable insights for executive decision-making. Through these efforts, the Chief of Staff maintains organizational alignment, ensuring that the university effectively navigates the evolving landscape of higher education while upholding the core values of teaching, learning, and research.

    John Kepley - Deputy Chief of Staff

    John Kepley, the Deputy Chief of Staff at San Jose State University, supports the execution of administrative initiatives and manages the operational details of the executive office. Overseeing special projects and cross-departmental task forces, the Deputy Chief of Staff ensures that strategic directives from the leadership team translate into actionable outcomes across the campus. This leadership role involves managing complex schedules, preparing executive briefings, and facilitating communication between the university administration and external stakeholders. By streamlining project management workflows, John Kepley directly impacts the efficiency of the executive office and the overall responsiveness of the university leadership. Kepley also assists in the development of policy frameworks that address emerging challenges in higher education. Through these efforts, the Deputy Chief of Staff maintains the operational momentum of the university, ensuring that all administrative functions support the core mission of providing exceptional educational and research opportunities.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding San Jose State University Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads San Jose State University?
    San Jose State University is led by Rebecca Dukes (Chief Executive Officer, Tower Foundation), along with executives such as Ninh Phamhi (Chief Financial Officer, Office & Director, Internal Control) and Robin Hemsley (Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of San Jose State University’s executive team?
    The executive team of San Jose State University includes leaders such as Rebecca Dukes (Chief Executive Officer, Tower Foundation), Ninh Phamhi (Chief Financial Officer, Office & Director, Internal Control), Robin Hemsley (Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does San Jose State University have?
    San Jose State University has 5 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in San Jose State University’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of San Jose State University includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Tower Foundation, Chief Financial Officer, Office & Director, Internal Control, Chief Operating Officer, Chief of Staff, Deputy Chief of Staff.