Source: L.A. Sentinel
Thomas A. Parham was appointed president of CSU Dominguez Hills in March 2018. During his tenure, CSU Dominguez Hills has had unbelievable growth.
From the many new buildings spread throughout the campus to the new housing facilities scheduled to be completed and opened prior to the start of the new school year, President Parham has truly taken the university to new heights.
So his announcement that he would be stepping down at the end of the year was a surprise to all who know him and who have admired his unrelenting work to advance the education of young people throughout the Southern California area.
In a letter to his friends and family, Parham stated, “In ancient Kemetic (Egyptian) times, the completion of many monument structures was often accomplished over multiple reigns and different Pharaohs.
“In relying on a formula that was composed of excellent preparation & construction on one hand, and an aspiration to harmonize with divine intent on the other, the ancient ancestors essentially ‘built for eternity,’ hoping if not believing that what they constructed would last forever, even as they affixed their name/signature to the structures being built, and/or added their unique contributions to whatever structure was already under construction.
“Serving as President of California State University, Dominguez Hills has been one of the honors of my life and I take a great deal of pride in what my team and I have contributed to what existed before, and what we have uniquely accomplished during what will be my seven year plus tenure as president.
“And while I have enjoyed every year that I have served in that role, the time has come for me to step aside so that the CSU Chancellor and the Board of Trustees can select the next chief executive to step in and add his/her contributions to the eleven chief executive footprints that have already left their legacy at CSUDH.”
Commenting on Parham’s career at CSUDH, Danny J. Bakewell, Sr., chairman and executive publisher of the L.A. Sentinel and chairman of Brotherhood Crusade, said, “Thomas Parham is the quintessential educator. He is the greatest President in the history of CSUDH and he has truly become the unquestionable leader in regards to higher education in our community. His commitment to providing the BEST education possible to the young people of our community is unparalleled.
“But the work he has done to literally transform the look, feel and attitude of those who attend and visit the Cal State University of Dominguez Hills is truly remarkable. In his short seven-year span leading the university, he has been able to accomplish things around that campus which will live on and serve our community for decades and he and his lovely wife Davida can move into this next phase of their lives knowing that the job they did at CSUDH is a job well done. We will forever be in his debt for his leadership and commitment to impacting the lives of the students he serves.”
Parham previously served as vice chancellor for student affairs and an adjunct faculty member at the University of California, Irvine. Prior to these positions, he served as assistant vice chancellor for counseling and health services, Counseling Center director, and director of the Career and Life Planning Center at UCI. Parham has also held an appointment on the faculty at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia.
In 1986, he was appointed to the City of Irvine’s Human Relations Committee. After being elected chair of that committee, he helped draft the city’s first human rights ordinance, which was passed by the city council. He also served as chair of UCI’s Martin Luther King Jr. Symposium for 10 years and sought to extend the boundaries of the university community countywide.
In speaking with Parham, he said that his health is excellent, that he simply felt it was time to move forward into the next chapter of his life and how he wanted to spend more quality time with his beloved wife Davida Parham, travel more and not have issues pulling him in various directions.
“In the grand march of justice and enlightenment, Dr. Thomas Parham has stood as a fearless beacon—an educator, a leader, a voice for the voiceless. His relentless dedication to the upliftment of students and the betterment of our communities echoes the noblest ideals of service and sacrifice,” said Assemblymember Mike Gipson (D-65th).
“As he steps into the twilight of his career, let us remember that true greatness is measured not merely by titles or accolades, but by the courage to ignite hope and to inspire change. Dr. Parham, your unwavering commitment has carved a path of righteousness and purpose—guiding us toward a future where justice, education, and compassion reign supreme. May your legacy forever motivate us to continue the sacred struggle for a more just and equitable world.”
