Employment History:
California State University at Bakersfield (1972-2006); Senior Research Scientist, Applied Research Center, California State University at Bakersfield (1998-2002); Faculty Appointment, Personnel Research Psychologist, U.S. Navy, San Diego, California (1983-1986); Visiting Professor of Human Factors, University of Southern California (1979-1980); Senior Human Factors Engineer, Lockheed Missiles and Space Company, Sunnyvale, California (1969-1972); Graduate Teaching Assistant, Psychology, Stanford University (1968-1969); Graduate Research Assistant, Psychology, Stanford University (1965-1969); Behavioral Scientist, First Lieutenant, United States Air Force, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio (1962-1965)

Published Works:

Public Speaking Experience:

Why M is an Expert:
Now, due to my experience in academic administration, I think my greatest expertise is taking a systems approach to higher education and using that systems perspective to institute needed change within a university setting.

Best Advice:
When I became deeply involved in psychology – organizational and managerial psychology, in particular – there was an international theory called TORI – Trust, Openness, Realization and Interdependence. Trust had two perspectives to it: a leader should be able to trust others, but at the same time, the leader should be trustworthy in their words or actions. Openness, again, has two perspectives: being open to two viewpoints, but at the same time, being transparent in terms of their own actions. Realization has to do with understanding what an individual’s goals and purposes are within that organization and trying to integrate those individual goals and purposes within the larger organizational goals. The accomplishment of any change not only meets the needs of the organization; everyone sees that they gain in the process. Interdependence means we are going to make a success, not I.

Passionate about:
Freedom.

Biography Excerpt:
Edwin H. Sasaki, Ph.D., an interim dean and special assistant to the provost for academic planning at the California State University at Bakersfield School of Humanities and Social Sciences, has filled in for virtually every position on campus, with the exception of president. He started there in September of 1972 and has served nonstop with a profound loyalty and dedication to excellence – so much so that, when asked by faculty and administration, he returned to fulfill his current post even after his retirement in 2006.

     

Cambridge Who's Who: Do you enjoy the administrative aspect over teaching?  
DR. EDWIN H. SASAKI PH.D.:  I think the greatest award is in teaching, but the two are very different. I’ve been very fortunate in having at least one student in every class that I’ve ever taught who came into the class with poor grades and real concerns about the class, where I managed to turn on the light for them. They have gone on to become very successful.

Do you have a particular greatest professional accomplishment to date?
I am successful as a teacher, supervisor of student research and, in the last two decades, academic administrator. I have filled-in on almost every position on campus, except the president.

Is that next for you?
Actually, no; I retired in 2006, but at the beginning of this academic year, September 2008, I was asked by the faculty and administration to come back as their dean.