President Britt Rios-Ellis has hit the 100-day milestone at CSU Stanislaus, and her impact is already evident. She’s focused on inclusion and helping students thrive, making a noticeable difference. She shared some thoughts on her first few months, her goals moving forward, and how she plans to steer the future of Stan State.
When asked about her motivation to become president, Dr. Rios-Ellis said she was excited to serve the diverse populations at Stan State. She previously worked as the Executive Vice President of Academic Affairs and Provost at Oakland University in Michigan.
Still, she wanted to return to California and connect with a student body she cared about. She felt drawn to the campus and the surrounding area, seeing potential in both the Stockton and Turlock campuses to benefit the local communities and help them grow.
In her first 100 days, Dr. Rios-Ellis says she is focused on listening and learning.
“I’ve spent a lot of time meeting with students, faculty, staff, and community members,” she said. “It’s important to hear from everyone, and I see myself as a servant leader. For me, it’s all about legacy and integrity—what we build now will impact Stan State for years to come.”
One thing she loves about campus life so far is the students’ energy.
“The resilience and sense of community here are incredible,” she shared. “People talk about being Valley Tough, and I see that, but I also see Valley Kind. People take time to support one another, and that’s something special.”
She also mentioned Warrior Wednesdays and the Las Cafeteras concert as standout moments that brought the campus together, creating a space for joy and celebration.
Dr. Rios-Ellis’s English and Spanish experience has helped her as a leader. She’s committed to keeping everyone in the campus community in the loop by communicating in both languages, making sure no one feels left out.
“In this region, it’s especially important to make sure that we’re reaching out to as many people as possible,” she explained. “I want our messages to be accessible to everyone, so we’re working to make that happen.”
Like many of us, Dr. Rios-Ellis is still trying to figure out a balance.
“I try to take walks with my dogs to reflect and process the day,” she said. “But I also think students and staff must find time to recharge. Whether it’s a quick walk, a moment with the Calm app, or just stepping away from work, it’s important to disrupt the trudge and come back with renewed energy.”
Dr. Rios-Ellis wants to be remembered as someone who brought people together and helped the university reach its full potential.
“This is a transformative time for Stan State,” she said. “We’re ranked ninth among public universities, and that’s incredible considering our resources. I want to keep building on that success and ensure we’re setting the stage for future growth.”
