A Word from the President

Fall has always been one of my favorite seasons.

I love the idea of returning to campus and experiencing the joy of meeting new people and engaging in the love of learning. Welcoming new and returning students is always a highlight for me, but this semester feels extra special.

Given the events of the past two and a half years, this is not just another run-of-the-mill fall semester. It’s a transformative semester. We are finally emerging from the darkest shadows cast by COVID-19 and are experiencing a new beginning.

We are officially back on campus in significant numbers. Our campus community members — especially our new students — have been able to come together and embrace what it feels like to be on a college campus with dedicated faculty, staff and peers with whom they can connect face-to-face. Our students, faculty and staff have demonstrated a spirit of perseverance and endurance.

We are here. We are celebrating. And we are working hard to provide our students with a memorable journey where they can connect in real time with people who care deeply about their education and future.

Of course, there have been challenges, but all universities experience transitions for various reasons. Just as seasons change, people change and adapt. We have taken the lessons we learned from COVID to improve the college odyssey and have looked toward these transitions with a sense of optimism.

As I enter my 37th year with the California State University and my sixth as Stan State’s president, I’m proud of the work we are doing to make our University a place where we all belong. I look forward to our continued efforts to position students, their families, our alumni and the community for future success.

Please join me in celebrating this invigorating season of change. Let us embrace our students and each other in nurturing our precious and exceptional environment devoted to learning and growth.

Warmly,

Ellen