Donald V.
DeRosa, an American academic administrator and president of the University of the Pacific from 1995 to 2009, died on March 31, 2026. He was the 23rd president of the university and was named President Emeritus by the Board of Regents in July 2009.
DeRosa was born in New Rochelle, New York, grew up in Eastchester, New York, and graduated from American International College. He earned a master’s degree and PhD in psychology from Kent State University. He also taught and served as chair of the Department of Psychology at Bowling Green State University from 1968 to 1985, and later was graduate dean and provost at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.
Donald V. DeRosa (March 3, 1941 – April 1, 2026) was an American academic administrator who was the 23rd president of the University of the Pacific, serving from 1995 to 2009. In July 2009 he was named President Emeritus by the Board of Regents.