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CSU Dominguez Hills was Chancellor Castro’s first stop on his statewide CSU tour on Feb. 19, 2021. CSUDH President Thomas A. Parham and First Lady Davida Hopkins-Parham welcomed Chancellor Castro and his wife, Volunteer and First Lady Mary Castro, during the first of 11 Zoom sessions that took place throughout the day.
Although the visit was made via computer screens, Chancellor Castro was able to engage with a variety of stakeholders to get to know the campus community and the broad impact the Toro Nation has on the region. During the CSUDH Points of Pride Zoom, campus leaders showcased some of their impactful programs, including the iToros Mobile app, designed to help students access important resources and services.
WE’RE THE LUCKY ONES BECAUSE WE HAVE THIS INSPIRATIONAL MISSION AND WE GET TO TRANSFORM LIVES IN POSITIVE WAYS AND PREPARE A WHOLE NEW GENERATION OF BOLD LEADERS.” —CSU CHANCELLOR CASTRO
More than 300 people participated in the Open Forum, where Chancellor Castro addressed questions from students, faculty and staff ranging from allocating resources during a time of limited budget to returning to in-person instruction in the fall. “It makes me so proud to know what’s happening here under the bold leadership of President Parham. I have felt the excitement and energy in every single meeting,” Castro said during the Open Forum.
Castro’s second stop was Cal State San Bernardino on March 3, where he attended virtual meetings throughout the day, including sessions with CSUSB President Tomás D. Morales, along with students, faculty, staff, administrators and members of local news media. Volunteer and First Lady Mary Castro also participated in a Student Initiatives meeting that highlighted several CSUSB programs, including basic needs, childcare, foster youth and diversity programs.
CSUSB leaders demonstrated their Coyote Pride with presentations about key programs during the Campus Showcase session. Highlights included the campus’ prominence in cybersecurity education and its recently launched School of Entrepreneurship—the first and only in the state.
During the Open Forum, Chancellor Castro answered questions from students, faculty and staff on a variety of topics from virtual learning to vaccinations to mental health. When asked about equity and access, Castro explained that he brings a unique perspective as the first person of color in his position. “I’ve always tried to increase the diversity of the campuses I’ve served and make them more equitable and supportive of all populations, and I’m going to do that as chancellor, as well.”
When asked about his leadership style, Chancellor Castro said his own personal experience of the power of higher education is what inspired him to become a professor and administrator, and he continues to be inspired by the CSU’s mission. “I know it’s a tough time for all of us, but I believe we’re the lucky ones because we have this inspirational mission and we get to transform lives in positive ways and prepare a whole new generation of bold leaders.”
Chancellor Castro is scheduled to virtually visit Cal State LA on March 16 and Humboldt State on April 27. Learn more about Chancellor Castro from personal insights shared by his family, friends, former students and colleagues.
CSU Campus Points of Pride
CSU Dominguez Hills
- CSUDH ranks first among public universities in California awarding bachelor’s degrees to African Americans
- 86 percent of CSUDH students are students of color—among the highest in the CSU.
- CSUDH is a leader in sustainability in both energy savings and sustainable food sources.
Cal State San Bernardino
- CSUSB’s student body is 81 percent first-generation students.
- CSUSB is home to the thriving satellite Palm Desert Campus.
- CSUSB has 20 centers and institutes, including the Center for the Study of Hate & Extremism and the Leonard Transportation Center.
