California State University Chancellor Timothy P. White delivered the State of the CSU address last Wednesday, focusing on plans to invest more into the CSU system and how those investments will in turn benefit the public.
The State of the CSU address is a speech delivered annually at the first Board of Trustees meeting of the year.
The meeting took place in Long Beach, California, where Chancellor White discussed the connection between the California economy and the number of degree-holding residents.
“I now know enough about us to report that the state of the California State University is strong, proud and aspirational,” Chancellor White said.
“Our state needs one million more graduates by 2025 to enable the health of our economy.”
Chancellor White spoke about the decision of the CSU Board to provide a supplementary $50 million to aid the CSU system in the goal of increasing the number of graduates by one million within the next 11 years.
The money is set to assist in seven different sectors the board has found to be the most essential in improving the CSU system. (See graphic)
Furthermore, Chancellor White addressed concerns the state of California has in incurring the cost of the extra $50 million investment.
“For us to meet our state’s projected workforce need and help grow our economy, the revitalization process requires all of us to work together to contribute to this vision of student achievement and completion,” Chancellor White said.
One student voiced her opinion upon watching the State of the CSU online.
“I believe that the quality of education is key to the success of each student attending a California State University,” Danielle Maguire (junior, English) said.
Maguire continued on to agree with Chancellor White that investing in the CSU system will be an advantage to the people of California.
Chancellor White also spoke of a recent meeting at the White House in which the CSU system played role model for expanding college possibilities for low-income students.
“The California State University was front and center because we are an exemplar for the nation in this regard,” Chancellor White said.