A Word from the President

It seems like it was only a short while ago that I joined our mighty Warrior community and wrote my first message for STAN Magazine as the University’s newest president.

I remember seeing the campus and being captivated by its beauty, which is especially apparent in the spring — a season that represents renewal and growth.

As Stanislaus State kicked off the spring semester, the University has been abuzz with activity, and we’ve had so much to celebrate.

In February, we shared the results of a powerful economic impact and upward mobility report of our campus and our alumni. According to the report, Stan State contributed a whopping annual impact of $770.5 million to our six-county service region in 2021-22. For every dollar students invest in their education, they receive a return of $12.10 in higher future earnings. And, for every dollar invested in Stan State, California receives $14.50 in return. The report clearly captured Stan State’s contributions to the economic vitality of our region.

We also saw the long-awaited return of two signature campus events: our Warrior Athletics’ Crab Feed and the President’s Gala, both of which help raise money for scholarships that support our students. And we welcomed scores of Warriors to campus for Homecoming festivities.

And we unveiled the J. Burton Vasché Library Donor Wall, which raised more than $1 million during The Next Chapter fundraising campaign for the University Library, an effort led by community members John and Jeani Ferrari, who received honorary doctorates from Stan State in 2022, and Stan State alumna and Foundation Board director Marlene Stante (’72).

As you know, I announced my intent to retire at the end of the 2022-23 academic year after spending the past seven years as Stanislaus State’s president and 39 years in higher education. It has truly been the greatest privilege and honor of my life to serve this remarkable institution, our students, faculty, staff and alumni who are the heart and soul of our University.

We’ve accomplished so many milestone achievements in the past seven years. I am grateful for everyone who has shown up to help make Stan State a powerful and transformative engine of social mobility and economic hope for our students, their families, the Central Valley and beyond.

I am indebted to the incredible leadership, friendship, vision, generosity and dedication of our campus community, board members, advisory members, donors, elected officials, community-based organization leaders, fellow presidents and chancellors, leaders of business, industry, K-12 education, the arts and social service agencies who have all been vital partners in supporting Stan State and our students.

My heart is full of pride at how hard everyone has worked to position Stan State to reach an even brighter future, and I am confident that the University will continue to soar to exciting new heights thanks to the collective efforts of our campus community members, friends of the University and ardent supporters. Because of you, we continue our strong commitment to being the Central Valley’s premiere institution of higher learning dedicated to providing residents of all ages the breadth and depth of education they need to ensure the region’s economic prosperity and robust opportunities

Farewells are never easy, but I will always cherish Stan State and everyone who cares about this remarkable campus. My dear husband Allan and I thank you from the bottom of our hearts for making this journey a priceless and life-changing experience for us.

I am, and will forever be, a proud Warrior.

Warmly, Ellen

President Ellen Junn