ABOUT THE SF STATE PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS PROGRAM
San Francisco State University provides an outstanding mix of access and excellence for the approximately 25,000 students it enrolls. Distinguished by its record of serving low-income students, first-generation college students, and underrepresented ethnic minorities, SF State strives to create pathways of opportunity for students from California, the nation and the globe in order to make their educational and occupational dreams become a reality. The SF State Presidential Scholars Program, with the support and oversight of the Division of Student Life, promotes exceptional learning and adheres to the highest standards of academic quality in the spirit of inclusive excellence.
Each year, four to six scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic merit to an entering freshman cohort of four SF State Presidential Scholars. Awarding criteria is based on academic performance and leadership contributions and service activities while in high school; continuation criteria is based on academic performance and participation in cohort-based activities. An emphasis on first generation, low income students from the San Francisco Bay Area is a hallmark of the program. In addition to a four-year scholarship covering tuition/fees, housing and books, students participate in cohort-building co-curricular activities that are planned, implemented, and coordinated by a faculty coordinator, with developmentally appropriate programs designed specifically for the cohort of students. Graduating scholars are also recognized at Commencement.
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Our SF State Presidential Scholars:
Da'janique Crosley: Public Health major (Class of 2025)
John O'Connell High School, San Francisco
Naseem Driadr: Public Health major (Class of 2028)
Lincoln High School, Stockton
Ian Gaerlan: Education major (Class of 2027)
Oakland School for the Arts, Oakland
Mohammed Ibrahim: Dietetics and Nutrition Sciences major (Class of 2027)
Milpitas High School, Milpitas
Lorrina Jimenez: Race & Resistance Studies major (Class of 2025)
San Leandro High School, San Leandro
Tiffany Medrano Martinez: Cinema major (Class of 2028)
Summit Everest Public High School, Redwood City
Hosna Mohd Zaman: Psychology major (Class of 2027)
Vacaville High School, Vacaville
Louis Que: Business Accounting major (Class of 2026)
San Mateo High School, San Mateo
Brenda Rivera: Pre-psychology major (Class of 2026)
Menlo-Atherton High School, San Mateo
Denis Sakanovic: Computer Science major (Class of 2026)
Eden Area ROP, San Leandro
Chey Tam: Chinese major (Class of 2028)
Oceana High School, Pacifica
Miriam Uriostegui: Art major (Class of 2026)
Marin School of the Arts, Vallejo
The Presidential Scholars Program Directed by Dr. Mia Reisweber
Mia Reisweber serves as the Associate Dean of Students at San Francisco State University, where she oversees a comprehensive portfolio dedicated to supporting student well-being and success. With nearly 15 years of experience in student affairs and higher education, she is committed to fostering a vibrant and inclusive campus community.
In her role, Dr. Reisweber leads the Presidential Scholars Program, the most elite scholarship offered to SF State students. She also over sees initiatives that address critical issues such as basic needs support, non-clinical case management, and advocacy for survivors of gender-based violence. Her strategic approach emphasizes holistic student care, ensuring that every student has access to the resources they need to thrive academically and personally.
Prior to her work at SF State, Dr. Reisweber served in both student affairs and faculty lecturer positions, and she directed and managed presidential scholarship programs in Missouri and Texas state university system campuses. This diverse background provides her with a rich understanding of the student experience and the importance of mentorship, leadership development, and academic excellence.
Dr. Reisweber holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Marist University; a Master of Arts in Teaching Secondary Education from Bard College, and a Doctorate of Philosophy in Higher Education Leadership from Saint Louis University. She is dedicated to continuous learning and improvement, both for herself and for the students she serves, and she continually seeks innovative solutions to enhance the overall student experience at San Francisco State University.
For any questions or request more information about the Presidential Scholars Program at SF State, please contact Dr. Mia Reisweber at mreisweber@sfsu.edu or the Division of Student Life at dos@sfsu.edu.
Photo in banner above: Presidential Scholar Martin Luther King Day Celebration at Rosa Parks Elementary School
Presidential Scholars
