Hello Toros,
I hope everyone has been staying cool during this hot week of summer. I am excited to share news about colleagues who are stepping into leadership roles that will be a crucial part of the university’s commitment to fiscal stewardship, equity and inclusion, and building community in the years to come.
Yesenia Fernández, associate professor from the College of Education, has agreed to serve as the next chair of the University Budget Committee. Dr. Fernández teaches in the School Leadership Program and has served on several university committees, including two years as a member of UBC. Her commitment to equity and social justice in education will bring an important perspective to UBC, which is a critical piece of the commitment to fiscal accountability that CSUDH needs. I thank Dr. José N. Martinez, who moved out of his role as the previous committee chair to serve as interim dean of the College of Business Administration and Public Policy.
Additionally, within the Division of Student Affairs, two newly filled executive director positions will strengthen our equity and inclusion mission across the university. Dr. Sean James is taking on the role of Executive Director of Student Success Programs, overseeing the Educational Opportunity Program, Male Success Alliance, Toro Guardian Scholars, Project Rebound, and Parent and Family Programs. Dr. James was previously the interim assistant dean of students and executive director of Project Rebound.
Associate Professor Ed Curammeng has agreed to move into the role of Executive Director, Student Connection and Engagement. In this new position, Dr. Curammeng will oversee the six Culture and Identity Centers, providing guidance and mentorship to their staff leaders and participating students. The centers—Asian Pacific Cultural Center, Black Resource Center, Immigrant Justice Center, La Casita, Queer Culture Resource Center, and Women’s Resource Center—play a primary role in ensuring students feel a sense of belonging and can envision their success at CSUDH. I thank Drs. James and Curammeng for moving into these essential positions.
I also want to recognize newly elected ASI President Chauncey Williams. You may have already encountered Chauncey around campus, as her advocacy for students also extends to her research, internships, and involvement in many campus clubs and organizations. I look forward to working with her in the coming school year.
I was glad to see many of you at the Staff Appreciation Breakfast this week, and excited that five of our colleagues won gift certificates to take a friend (or me … just saying) to lunch at the new Dining Commons. This is an excellent new facility, which you can catch a preview of on my Instagram, not only because of the food, but also as a place of gathering and community. The coming year will be one of increased engagement and intentional work here at CSUDH, and our community bonds will help us get to where we’re going—a campus where we have brought focus to our budget, stabilized our enrollment picture, and moved our institutional priorities forward.
If I wasn’t able to say hello to you at the breakfast, please know that you can reach out to me any time. I enjoy my walks around campus, as they give me the opportunity to check in with people I’ve gotten to know and talk with new friends whom I otherwise might not encounter. Our connections with each other are what makes us a community, and I look forward to building more of them for as long as I can here.
Go Toros!
Sincerely,
Mary Ann Villarreal, Ph.D.
