Leading the Future of Education at GGU

Golden Gate University empowers working adults to achieve their professional goals with nationally renowned degree and certificate programs. Founded in 1901, GGU has been a leader in online education for nearly three decades, offering maximum flexibility for modern students. Our university leaders are committed to expanding GGU’s mission and reach in order to provide affordable and accessible education to learners around the world. Together, we’re focused on creating a brighter future for our GGU community and beyond.

Executive Team

Brent White

Brent White

President

Brent White began his tenure as the 8th President of Golden Gate University on November 1, 2025, bringing a distinguished record of higher education leadership, global academic innovation, and legal scholarship.

Bruce Magid, PhD, Provost and VP of Academic Affairs

Dr. Bruce Magid

Provost

Vice President of Academic Affairs

Dr. Magid brings a strong blend of business and academic experience to GGU. Along with over 20 years of experience leading international economic and policy research, business development, and corporate finance at Bank of America based in Venezuela, Brazil and San Francisco, he has held numerous leadership positions in the higher education sector.

Elaine Clark

Elaine Clark

Chief Financial Officer

Vice President for Finance & Business Administration

Elaine Clark is Golden Gate University’s Chief Financial Officer, bringing more than two decades of financial and operational leadership across Fortune 200 companies, nonprofits, and higher education. She oversees the university’s finance, technology, HR, and key administrative functions.

Jay Gonzalez speaking in front of students.

Dr. Joaquin “Jay” Gonzalez

Department Chair & Professor of Public Administration

Founding Dean of GGU Worldwide

Vice Provost for Global Affairs

Mayor George Christopher Professor of Public Administration

A GGU faculty member since 2000, Jay Gonzalez is Vice Provost for Global Affairs and Dean of GGU Worldwide. Prof Jay, as he is fondly referred to by students globally, is also Mayor George Christopher Professor of Public Administration and Chair of GGU’s Department of Public Administration—the oldest Public Administration program in Northern California.

Headshot of Rocco Lamanna

Dr. Rocco Lamanna

Associate Vice Provost for Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, and University Admissions

Rocco Lamanna is Associate Vice Provost for Academic Affairs, and Executive Director for the Braden School of Taxation and School of Accounting.

Nate Hinerman, PhD, LMFT, Dean of the School of Undergraduate Studies

Dr. Nate Hinerman, LMFT

Dean, School of Undergraduate Studies

Professor and Department Chair of Psychology

Dr. Hinerman brings extensive teaching, research, and leadership experience to GGU. His multi- and inter-disciplinary research has been published in multiple books and journals, and he is an active volunteer and psychotherapist for several organizations in the Bay Area.

Beth Miller

Beth Miller

Executive Director of Marketing & Communications

Beth Miller is a seasoned marketing and communications leader with over 25 years of experience driving growth across various industries. Her diverse career spans senior client and agency roles, encompassing technology, consumer packaged goods, and social impact sectors.

Robert Shoffner

Robert Shoffner

Executive Director, Ageno School of Business and School of Accounting

Professor of Practice

Robert Shoffner is the Executive Director, Ageno School of Business, Director of MBA Programs, and Professor of Practice at Golden Gate University. He is responsible for the management of all degree and certificate programs in the school. He is responsible for the design, delivery and staffing of all MBA programs on both a domestic and international basis. Robert also oversees management of the Chevron Small Business and Entrepreneurship program at Golden Gate University.

Mark Yates, Dean of the School of Law

Mark Yates, Esq.

Dean, School of Law and Braden School of Taxation

Professor of Law

Mark Yates is Professor of Law and Dean of the Law School. During his 20 years at the GGU School of Law, he has served as Director of Academic Support, Director of Bar Services, and Associate Dean of Academic Affairs. Previously, he worked as a civil litigator and as a public defender.