Cynthia Teniente-Matson
Dr. Cynthia Teniente-Matson serves as the president of San José State University. An internationally-recognized Latina leader, President Teniente-Matson is a champion of student success initiatives; diversity, equity and inclusion; civic engagement; and experiential learning.
President Teniente-Matson is a renowned public speaker and has delivered keynotes at national conferences regarding contemporary issues in higher education, risk management, women’s leadership, and Latina/Latino leadership. In 2022, the White House Office of Presidential Personnel appointed her as Commissioner to the Japan U.S. Friendship Commission and a panelist to CULCON, a State Department Japan-U.S. Binational Governance Commission. Currently, she serves as past chair of the Board of Directors for the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU), a university presidents and chancellors membership association; is a board member of the American Council on Education and the Girl Scouts USA National Board; and is a member of the HSI-Educational Testing Service (ETS) Steering Committee and LiftFund.
President Teniente-Matson earned her Bachelor of Arts in Management from the University of Alaska Fairbanks, her Master of Business Administration from the University of Alaska Anchorage and a doctorate in Educational Leadership from California State University, Fresno. She and her husband Mike have two sons: Phillip and Wyatt. She enjoys writing, traveling, and outdoor activities such as biking and boating.