Jolene Koester Appointed Interim Chancellor

Dear campus community,

 

Today, the California State University Board of Trustees appointed Jolene Koester, Ph.D. to serve as interim chancellor. Chancellor Koester has had a long and distinguished career in the CSU. She served as president of Cal State Northridge from 2000-2011 and as a faculty member and administrator for almost two decades at Sacramento State. Chancellor Koester’s commitment to the students and employees of the CSU is well documented and will serve us well as we navigate this transitionary period and work to make our campuses safer places for all.

 

Chancellor Koester is also well aware of the unique role that we play in the CSU, as she assisted in drafting of the Academic Master Plan in 2018-2019. Her facilitation of the process demonstrated her deep commitment to shared governance and to ensuring that all voices get listened to—qualities that will serve the CSU well now.

 

The CSU Board of Trustees also announced this week plans for an independent external investigation of Title IX violations at Fresno State, an independent assessment of Title IX practices at all CSUs and revised policies regarding executive compensation.

 

Despite the turmoil and pain of recent months and years, I am optimistic for the future. I look forward to working with Chancellor Koester to fulfill the promise of the CSU as an inclusive, safe and equitable institution providing access to transformative education.

 

Best,