Brage Golding was president of San Diego State University from 1972 to 1977. The period has often been described as a time of consolidation. The turmoil and student unrest of the late sixties were subsiding, and President Golding provided leadership as the institution turned to accept and meet new challenges.

During his five years at SDSU, the university did not make spectacular outward gains or external changes. The student body and faculty grew moderately, but no new building, facilities, or other programs were initiated. Despite this seeming lack of action, profound and significant internal changes took place. Under President Golding, standards of performance for the faculty were raised, requirements for promotion shifted towards scholarly performance, and administrative procedures were strengthened—all with Senate approval—so that, in effect, by the end of his five-year administration, San Diego State University had grown into the institution implied by its name. His indelible mark is seen across campus today.