After 10 years of dedication to Sacramento State, Frank Whitlatch, associate vice president for Public Affairs, had his final day on campus Thursday. He will soon be moving on to Humboldt State where he will hold a similar position of associate vice president for Marketing and Communications.

Many of Whitlatch’s colleagues said they know him for his sense of humor and strong commitment to Sac State. He said he plans on putting these characteristics to good use at his new job.

“He has a great sense of humor,” said Laurie Hall, writer and editor for Public Affairs. “We knew we had to work hard, but could also have fun.”

Madonna Barlow, office manager for Public Affairs, said she too admired Whitlatch’s character and attitude toward his work.

“He could be funny, and sarcastic…in a good kind of way….I’m going to miss that,” Barlow said. “He was very open..I could always ask him questions. We had a very good relationship.”

Barlow has faith Whitlatch will succeed at Humboldt.

“He’ll do great at Humboldt,” she said. “He has a lot of new ideas, energy and motivation.”

Hall shared an office with Whitlatch during his first year at Sac State and said she has watched him grow throughout the years.

“It was terrific to watch his progress,” Hall said. “In Public Relations, it’s really important that you are truthful?people knew they could trust him. I always was really impressed (with that).”

While Whitlatch worked at Sac State for a little over a decade, he only held this latest position for the last three years.

His main role at Sac State was directing the university’s communications and media relations efforts, acting as the university spokesperson and overseeing the ongoing development of the university’s brand identity, among other things.

Joseph Sheley, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs, said he has admired Whitlatch’s attitude toward the campus.

“He’s always engaged, consistently looking to fit the moment into the larger picture,” Sheley said. “He’s very professional and also very approachable.”

Whitlatch said his decision to leave was an emotional one.

“I agonized over it….I lost sleep over it,” Whitlatch said.

Whitlatch said, however, that Humboldt County is one of his and his family’s favorite places. He said Humboldt has a solid environment with a talented group of faculty of whom he is excited to work with.

“(Humboldt) definitely has people who can get higher paying jobs, but they love it there so they stay,” he said.

He said he plans on staying at Humboldt for a long period of time, but hasn’t yet considered what his future outside of Humboldt will look like.

“You never know where things are going to go,” Whitlatch said. “I haven’t thought past Humboldt.”

Although he hopes to have a positive experience, he is unsure about the kinds of challenges he will face.

“During my first couple of weeks they will probably lay out a whole lot of expectations I didn’t expect,” he said.

He said regardless of high expectations and new challenges, he is glad to still be working for the CSU system, as he is a graduate of Chico State, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts in journalism and religious studies, and Sac State where he earned his Masters in government.

“I’m a CSU guy,” he said. “(The) CSU (system) is one of the great things that California has.”

Whitlatch said he not only developed a close bond with his colleagues in the Public Affairs office, but also with University Advancement employees, as well. He said the Public Affairs Office works closely with University Advancement, which includes Development and Alumni Relations, to organize campus events and promote the school.

In his departure letter, which was released to faculty and staff on Sept. 17, Whitlatch praised Public Affairs and University Advancement for their efforts and desire to create a positive environment on campus.

“As a group, we have made great strides in recent years, creating a cohesive division,” the letter said. “(Division that is) generating more community excitement, more alumni involvement and more private financial support than ever before.”

Whitlatch also acknowledged his two supervisors, Carole Hayashino and Ann Reed, in the letter. “(They) have been important mentors and friends,” the letter said.

Whitlatch said his most memorable experience at Sac State was two semesters ago when the 2006 Gubernatorial Debate with Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and Phil Angelides, the Green and Gold Gala, and Homecoming all took place over a two-day period.

“It was one of the hardest work weekends I’ve ever had,” he said. “It was an exhausting, but big weekend for all of us.”

Events such as these represent Whitlatch’s devotion to the campus.

Several of Whitlatch’s colleagues recognized his active desire to make Sac State a better school.

“He always had ideas…but too many ideas,” Hall said. “He was a real asset to the campus.”

Barlow noticed Whitlatch’s continuous sense of duty on campus as well.

“He was very dedicated to Sac State,” Barlow said. “The school meant a lot to him. He was always looking for the best interest of the school.”

Sac State President Alexander Gonzalez said he has appreciated Whitlatch’s dedication to the university over the years.

“Frank is a great example of Sacramento State alum,” Gonzalez said. “He contributed a great deal to the campus and we appreciate all he has helped us accomplish.”

The replacement for Whitlatch will be Gloria Moraga, director of news services for Public Affairs.

“He made (Public Affairs) a strong group,” Moraga said. “We are looking forward to keeping the things he taught us.”

Evelyn Bigelyaizen can be reached at [email protected]