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

Bruce Magid, PhD, Provost and VP of Academic Affairs

Dr. Bruce Magid

Acting President

Provost

Vice President of Academic Affairs

Dr. Magid was named Acting President of Golden Gate University, effective May 9, 2025. 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.

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Elaine Clark

Chief Financial Officer

Vice President for Finance & Business Administration

The bio for Elaine Clark is unavailable at this time.

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

Executive Director, Braden School of Taxation and School of Accounting

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.

Jeff Rhode

Jeff Rhode

Vice President for Advancement

Jeff Rhode brings more than 20 years of experience leading fundraising and alumni engagement efforts at major institutions across the Bay Area. Over the course of his career, he has held advancement leadership roles at UC Berkeley, UCSF, the University of San Francisco, and the University of the Pacific.

Jeff holds undergraduate and graduate degrees from UC Berkeley and a graduate degree from the University of San Francisco. He lives in the Bay Area with his wife, Daphne—an alumna of GGU’s Master’s in Taxation program.

Robert Shoffner

Robert Shoffner

Executive Director Ageno School of Business

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 of the School of Law

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.

David J. Fike, PhD, Golden Gate University President

Dr. David J. Fike

President Emeritus

David J. Fike served as the seventh president of Golden Gate University from 2015-2025. He is an economist specializing in capital markets and urban economic development. As president, he worked with faculty and staff to continue the 123-year-old university’s tradition of innovation in serving working professionals.