Vice President of University Enterprises leaves for charitable foundation

After 18 years of service to San Francisco State University, Jason Porth will leave his position this March

Byline photo of Gabriela Calvillo Alvarez

Gabriela Calvillo Alvarez, Editor-in-Chief • Feb 23, 2024

SFSU Administration building on Friday, Feb. 23, 2024. (Neal Wong/Golden Gate Xpress)

Jason Porth, San Francisco State University’s vice president of University Enterprises, is set to leave SFSU for a new position directing a charitable foundation.

He will leave on March 8, according to Shelby Zou, a University Corporation fiscal analyst.

“Under Jason’s leadership the campus has undergone its most significant physical changes in many years — as a quick trip around the perimeter of campus attests,” wrote SFSU President Lynn Mahoney in an email to faculty.

Porth has been with SFSU for 18 years, contributing to establishing Mashouf Wellness Center, Manzanita Square and Marcus Hall. This year, SFSU will open the California State University system’s first state-supported residence hall, a new student dining and health services building and a new science building because of his work.

In his early days at the university, Porth was associate director of community relations and later joined the president’s office to serve as vice president of University Enterprises.

University Enterprises is a division of SFSU that focuses on creating spaces and opportunities to support the university’s mission, according to their website.

“He worked closely with Associated Students to ensure the success of the Gator Pass, a transit pass for students which gives students reduced and sometimes free access to public transportation and encourages sustainable modes of travel,” said Mahoney in the email.

He also worked with Academic Affairs to create room for the new Undergraduate Advising Center, support the redevelopment and revitalization of Romberg Tiburon Center, and maintain the downtown campus.

“As we plan for a future as a smaller university, I have made the decision not to conduct a search for a new vice president of University Enterprises but instead to move the units reporting to UE to Administration & Finance under VP Jeff Wilson,” said Mahoney in the email.

Additionally, Mahoney said that the new structure following Porth’s absence is similar to those of other universities.

“Given the strength of the leadership team Jason has assembled across the units within UE and Vice President Wilson’s record of exemplary leadership, I have every confidence in the strength of this new structure,” Mahoney said.

This is a developing story.

About the Contributors

Gabriela Calvillo Alvarez, Editor-in-Chief

Gabriela Calvillo Alvarez (she/they) is the Editor-in-Chief for Golden Gate Xpress. She is double majoring in journalism and political science, two passions she holds near to her heart. Growing up in the East Bay, Gabriela graduated from Washington High School, where she wrote and was news editor on the award-winning school newspaper, The Hatchet. She also participated in The Stanford Daily Summer Internship in 2020. During their spare time, Gabriela enjoys going out with friends, attending concerts and learning new things. Gabriela Calvillo Alvarez (ella/elle) es la directora de Golden Gate Xpress. Estudia una Doble Titulación en Periodismo y Ciencias Políticas, dos pasiones que están muy cercanas a su corazón. Creció en la Bahía del Este y se graduó de Washington High School, donde escribió y fue redactora de noticias en el premiado periódico estudiantil, The Hatchet. También fue pasante para The Stanford Daily durante el verano de 2020. En su tiempo libre, a Gabriela le gusta salir con amigues, asistir a conciertos y aprender cosas nuevas.

Neal Wong, Online Editor

Neal Wong (he/him) is a fourth-year journalism student and minoring in education. He was born and raised in San Francisco and attended Washington High School. He has photographed and written for Golden Gate Xpress first as a contributor, then as a photographer, then as the copy editor, and now as the online editor. His photos have also been published by the San Francisco Bay View, San Francisco Public Press, Mission Local, and Xpress Magazine. Neal has also created and taught four San Francisco State University Experimental College courses. His hobbies include traveling, cooking, and reading the news. You can contact him at [email protected]. Neal Wong (él) es un estudiante de cuarto año que estudia Periodismo con una Especialización en Educación. Es originalmente de San Francisco y asistió a la Washington High School. Ha fotografiado y escrito para Golden Gate Xpress primero como colaborador, luego como fotógrafo, después como redactor de textos y ahora como redactor en línea. Sus fotos han aparecido en San Francisco Bay View, San Francisco Public Press, Mission Local y Xpress Magazine. Neal también ha creado y enseñado cuatro cursos del Experimental College en la Universidad Estatal de San Francisco. Sus pasatiempos incluyen viajar, cocinar y leer las noticias. Puedes contactarlo en [email protected].