Sacramento, California, United States
As the ninth President of California State University, Sacramento, I am deeply honored to lead the institution that transformed my own life, first as a student, and now as its president. My journey from undergraduate at Sacramento State to university leadership has profoundly shaped my commitment to inclusive excellence, educational equity, and student empowerment. I am dedicated to guiding our university toward a future where every student feels seen, supported, and positioned to succeed, and to ensuring that Sacramento State continues to redefine what’s possible for all learners. I hold a bachelor's degree in Black History and Politics and a master’s in Higher Education Leadership from Sacramento State, along with a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from Arizona State University. Prior to returning home, I served as Vice President for Student Affairs and Campus Diversity and Chief Diversity Officer at San Diego State University, where I was also named its first Black Distinguished Professor. My scholarship includes more than 200 publications and 16 books, with a focus on equity, leadership, and the educational experiences of students of color and historically underserved communities.