UPDATE 7:30 p.m., Sept. 17: SF State president Leslie E. Wong said Volkert is a dependable person to fill in for Saffold’s position.

“All are in agreement that Dr. Jo Volkert will be a highly capable interim VP, and we are fortunate to have her in this role,” Wong said in an email.

According to Wong, Saffold said she had been planning to retire more than a year ago. He said former SF State president Robert A. Corrigan allowed him to look for a replacement.

“I would like some more time to get to know the campus and the needs of our students before I decide next steps on the position,” Wong said.

Dr. J.E. Penny Saffold, vice president of student affairs and dean of students, is retiring after serving the university for 31 years, according to University spokeswoman Ellen Griffin. Saffold’s last day was today.

Jo Volkert, who is currently the associate vice president of enrollment planning and management, said she will be filling in for Saffold as interim vice president for student affairs and enrollment management.

According to Agnes Barin Valero, executive secretary to the vice president for student affairs, Volkert officially starts as interim vice president on Sept. 15.

“(Saffold) will be missed,” said Valero, who served as Saffold’s assistant for 7 years. “We are grateful for all the programs that she developed which greatly benefitted SF State students.  At the same time, I am happy for her because she will be able to have time for herself which she very much deserves.”

Volkert said filling in for Saffold is “open ended.”

“(This) is something the president (Leslie Wong) has asked me to do so I’m  happy to help,” Volkert said.

Staff members and students helped celebrate Saffold’s retirement on Sept. 12 at the Seven Hills Conference Center, according to Volkert.

“I am thrilled for her,” Volkert said. “She has given so much to the university for the last 31 years. I am incredibly grateful to her for all that she’s done both for student affairs and for me personally with my career.”