Don W. Scoble : Assistant to the President

Don W. Scoble. 1964. Assistant to the President. BA (1962) MA (1971) San Francisco State University. Don W. Scoble had a long and distinguished career at San Francisco State University (SFSU), where he served in multiple high-level administrative roles for several decades. He began as a student, earning his bachelor’s degree in public relations and journalism in 1962 and returning to the university after a few years in advertising to complete a master’s degree in economics in 1971. In 1965, Scoble was hired as Administrative Assistant to the Vice President of Academic Affairs, and in 1968 he became Assistant to the President during the turbulent years of student protest. His effectiveness in this role led President S.I. Hayakawa to retain him throughout the late 1960s and early ’70s. Scoble replaced Harvey F. Yorke as Director of Public Affairs in 1972, a role in which he managed internal and external communication programs and public relations. Over the years, he held several influential titles, including Executive Director of Business Affairs and later Associate Vice President for Business and Finance. In these capacities, he oversaw budgeting, fiscal policy, university communications, alumni relations, and administrative restructuring. He was also a dedicated advocate for the SFSU Alumni Association, emphasizing alumni engagement and the lasting value of a college degree. In 2001, Scoble returned to serve as President Robert A. Corrigan’s Chief of Staff before officially retiring in 2002. Even in his final year, he remained a steady and respected presence on campus, honored at the university’s 10th Commencement for his decades of service. Known for his institutional memory, adaptability, and deep commitment to the university community, Don Scoble left an enduring legacy that touched nearly every major area of SFSU’s administration.