Bringing people together to excel within teams that work toward a common goal defines Pam Su’s leadership style. Su was recently hired as the new Executive Director of Programs & Services at Campus Life Services, replacing Becky Daro, who served as the interim director.
“I believe that everyone has something to contribute, and I’m always looking at how to bring out the best in people,” Su said. “I’m a good listener, and like to know what’s going on, but I’m not a micromanager. I’m also solution-oriented and like to keep things progressing forward.”
Su, who has worked in the California State University System for the past 33 years, will bring her management skills to a wide-ranging portfolio that includes Arts & Events, Conference Services, Documents & Media, Family Services/Childcare, Fitness & Recreation, and Retail Services. She will manage a team of more than 200 career and limited staff at CLS and oversee a portfolio totaling more than $20 million of operating funds, recharge, and generated revenues, as well as capital and endowment funds.
“This is a very diverse group of services,” she said. “But I love this challenge and see our common commitment to offering the best service to help our UCSF students, staff, and faculty be at their best.”
Su said listening to customer needs and making sure the campus is aware of everything CLS has to offer are important requirements of the job. “Campus Life Services plays an important role at UCSF,” she said. “I want to make sure we are responsive to the needs of the campus community.”
Associate Vice Chancellor of Campus Life Services, Jon Giacomi, said Su is uniquely qualified for this role. “She spent 23 years at Sonoma State University, first as the Recreational Sports Coordinator and later as Director of Campus Recreation,” he said. “As the Director of Campus Recreation at San Francisco State University, she grew the department into a central focus for campus life, helping to design, build, and open the Mashouf Wellness Center in 2017. She views recreation as a unique vehicle for providing educational opportunities to the campus, particularly in the areas of health, wellness, sustainability, and community building.”
Working in San Francisco for the past 10 years, Su realized how much she loved being part of the city. “I know this position will be a great opportunity for me to continue my career growth, learning something new, and bring my experiences to UCSF. Plus, UCSF is a world-class institution and pillar of the community in San Francisco and the Bay Area. I am thrilled to be part of an entity that has such a positive impact on so many.”
She said one of the privileges of working in the Bay Area is the opportunity to work, live, and learn within such naturally diverse communities. She helped lead a common read among her staff to create a better sense of belonging and inclusion for individuals at SFSU. She also worked with a student to create a peer support program for underrepresented students who stopped out and were returning to finish their degrees.
“I feel that every person has their own story, based on their background, upbringing, and lived experiences,” she said. “It is so important to understand systemic barriers exist that hold groups of people back. The more I can educate myself on DEI, the more I understand biases and how to reduce barriers.”
Su said she’s excited to bring her years of experience to a new environment in which she will be learning so much. “I am looking forward to working with good people and provide good leadership to help Campus Life Services achieve its goals.”
