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Leading Fullerton Forward

President Ronald S. Rochon’s First 100 Days at Cal State Fullerton

As Cal State Fullerton’s 10th president, Ronald S. Rochon is committed to delivering an exceptional education to each of the university’s 43,000 students. A first-generation college graduate, President Rochon knows firsthand the transformative power of higher education and the critical role faculty, staff, alumni and community leaders play in ensuring the success of all students.

During his first 100 days, President Rochon is engaging with Titans across campus and putting into motion the university’s Fullerton Forward 2024-29 strategic plan.

 

Timeline

October

Architectural rendering of Sequoia housing complex

Breaking Ground on New Student Housing

At a groundbreaking event, President Rochon announced that the university’s newest 510-bed residence hall is named Sequoia, keeping the tradition of student housing buildings named after trees. The apartment-style housing complex, slated for completion in fall 2026, will include affordable options for students facing housing insecurity.

President Rochon speaking on stage to an audience

Accepting the Seal of Excelencia

President Rochon joined higher education, business, philanthropy and government leaders in Washington, D.C., for Excelencia in Education’s announcement of the 2024 Seal of Excelencia recipients. CSUF first earned the seal in 2021, which recognizes U.S. institutions that go above and beyond to intentionally serve Latinx students, and is one of nine institutions to earn recertification in 2024.

 

 

September

Architectural rendering of ECS Hub building

Advancing the ECS Innovation Hub

President Rochon presented the university’s Engineering and Computer Science Innovation Hub project to the California State University Board of Trustees. The board approved the design of the $67.5 million state-funded project to empower the next generation of engineering and computer science innovators.

Convocation and State of the University

During his first Convocation and State of the University address, President Rochon outlined goals for the upcoming academic year and celebrated achievements across campus. He inspired faculty and staff to embrace new ideas, be bold and continue Cal State Fullerton’s important work.

National Voter Registration Day

President Rochon was joined by Tuffy as he re-registered to vote in his new hometown of Fullerton. The duo encouraged fellow Titans to help CSUF win the California Secretary of State’s Ballot Bowl competition by registering to vote ahead of the November general election.

CSUF Angels Night

Sporting jersey No. 57, President Rochon greeted Titans, posed for pictures with Tuffy and threw out the ceremonial first pitch at the annual CSUF Angels Night, hosted by the Alumni Association.

President Rochon posing with Folklorico dancers.

Hispanic Heritage Month

During Hispanic Heritage Month, President Rochon recognized the many contributions of the Hispanic community and celebrated Cal State Fullerton’s 20-year designation as a Hispanic-Serving Institution.

Meeting With Black Faculty and Staff Association

President Rochon was a guest at the Black Faculty and Staff Association general meeting.

President Rochon and Sharon Quirk-Silva posing.

Meeting With Sharon Quirk-Silva

President Rochon met with Assemblymember Sharon Quirk-Silva and expressed gratitude for her continued support of CSUF’s Center for Healthy Neighborhoods. The leaders also discussed how they can work together to address community needs in Orange County.

 

 

August

Academic Senate Meeting

President Rochon attended the first Academic Senate meeting of the school year. The senate is the official representative legislative body of the university and speaks on behalf of the university community on matters within its purview.

Black Titan Experience

President Rochon attended the Black Titan Experience, a back-to-school event designed to create a sense of belonging and community for Black students. The event was hosted by the Black Student Union in partnership with the African American Resource Center.

First Day of School

Welcoming students on the first day of the 2024-25 academic year, President Rochon encouraged Titans to embrace every opportunity in their educational journeys and to contribute their unique perspectives to the campus community.

Welcoming New Students

President Rochon introduced himself to hundreds of students and families during Titan Welcome Weekend. The annual event celebrates the start of a new academic year and aims to help students get connected with the campus and its resources.

President Rochon posing with a large gathering of attendees of the event.

Engaging With Proud Alumni

At the Alumni Summit Dinner, President Rochon and his daughter, Nia, greeted the Alumni Association’s board of directors, Associated Students Inc. representatives and university staff. The event provided an opportunity for alumni board members to meet with administrators and learn about campus priorities for the upcoming year.

Michelle Steele and President Rochon holding up a large check.

Building Bridges

Congresswoman Michelle Steel met with President Rochon to discuss a myriad of topics, including the $5 million federal funding for a new pedestrian bridge that will provide a critical crossing at Nutwood and Commonwealth avenues.

Move-In Day

Families, friends, faculty and staff came together for Move-In Day, welcoming students to campus, introducing them to resources and helping them prepare for their academic journeys. President Rochon joined the festivities, greeting Titans and welcoming them to the start of a new academic year.

Meeting Human Resources, Diversity and Inclusion

The Division of Human Resources, Diversity and Inclusion met with President Rochon as he continues to learn about Cal State Fullerton. The division is led by Phenicia McCullough and oversees such areas as talent acquisition, labor and employee relations, diversity and inclusion programs, employee wellness, compensation services, payroll, and risk management.

Meeting University Advancement

President Rochon attended the Division of University Advancement’s fall meeting. The division is led by Kimberly Shiner and works to encourage advocacy, investment and support of the university through community partnerships.

Pancakes With the President

Pancakes With the President was another opportunity for President Rochon to get to know the campus community. Faculty and staff members joined the president for breakfast and good conversation before starting their workday.

Welcoming New Faculty

President Rochon welcomed 35 new tenure-track faculty members joining Cal State Fullerton for the 2024-25 academic year. The faculty hail from top institutions around the world and bring a wealth of research expertise to their new roles.

President Rochon posing with members of the Philanthropic Board.

Engaging With the Philanthropic Foundation

At the Cal State Fullerton Philanthropic Foundation Executive Committee meeting, President Rochon shared his appreciation for the alumni, community and business leaders who serve on the board and provide sound stewardship for the foundation and its resources.

Meeting Student Affairs

The team from the Division of Student Affairs welcomed President Rochon to its fall divisional meeting. The division is led by David Forgues and promotes student success in the areas of college access and career pathways, identity and belonging, engagement and well-being, student leadership and Titans Athletics.

Supporting Undergraduate Research

President Rochon met students and their faculty advisers at the inaugural Bolstering Black Undergraduate Student Creative Activities and Research conference. The BUSCAR program is supported by the Scott Jewett Fund for Innovation and Student Success.

Popsicles With the President

Faculty and staff eagerly waited in line to greet President Rochon at the Popsicles With the President event. The president thanked the campus community for extending a warm welcome to him and his family.

President Rochon posing with Lou Correa.

Connecting With Legislators

Congressman Lou Correa and President Rochon met to discuss legislative issues concerning higher education and to share why Cal State Fullerton’s work is critical to fueling California’s workforce. Correa graduated from Cal State Fullerton with a bachelor’s degree in economics and is a longtime supporter of the university.

President Rochon and Provost Dabirian seated at table conversing with ASI student leaders.

Conversations With Student Leaders

Associated Students Inc. leaders met with President Rochon to learn more about his commitment to student success. Rochon looks forward to engaging with student leaders across multiple organizations to enhance the educational experience for all Titans.

President Rochon speaking at front of room to members of Administration and Finance

Meeting Administration and Finance

President Rochon met with members of the Division of Administration and Finance. The division, which is led by Alexander Porter, manages a wide array of operations from maintaining and enhancing university buildings and grounds to providing important business support services.

President Rochon holding Jaz while in airplane.

CSUF Bound

President Rochon’s journey to Cal State Fullerton began with a flight from Indiana. The new president was accompanied by his family and faithful 13-year-old cockapoo, Jaz.

President Rochon posing

Dear Titan Community

In his first letter to the Cal State Fullerton community, President Rochon reflected on the transformative power of higher education and shared his excitement to become the university’s 10th president.