Dear Titan Community,

Today is a momentous occasion. My day and time to serve this awesome university has finally arrived. Unfortunately, my physical presence has been delayed due to the global technology outage this past week, which impacted flights across the United States. That said, there’s no need for concern as my new scheduled arrival will be later this week. As I prepare to travel across the country with my family, I have taken time to reflect on this incredible new chapter. In doing so, I thought that it would be important for me to briefly share my Cal State Fullerton “why”—the reason why I accepted this presidential appointment.

The following statements that I will make, may sound like something coming from an imagined “Administration 101” course required for all university presidents, but please let me assure you that my sentiments are more than genuine. In fact, most, if not all new presidents articulate wonderful statements to and about their new institutions—this is what should happen. I am no different in wanting to ensure that each of you know how humbled and excited I am that I was selected to work with you while serving as the new president of Orange County's sole nationally ranked CSU institution.

With that being said, as excited as I am to embark on this new journey, the reality is that California is new territory for me. I have a great deal to learn about my new professional home, as well as the entire CSU system and I lean on each of you for support during this transition. The global pandemic taught me many lessons during my previous presidency. Among them—we are all co-dependent and in need of support. I also learned that our students come to us with life happening at full speed. Some attend CSUF while working a full-time job, some serving as the primary source of income for their entire family. While others come to us with housing, food, technology, and possibly personal insecurities. Put simply, I learned that we need each other. In fact, through intentionality, being respectful and collaborative across ALL CSUF programs, this phenomenal campus will continue to thrive—ensuring all of our success. So please, be confident in understanding that as I start my tenure, while acclimating to this new environment, that I firmly know and believe that your intellectual and professional gifts are treasures of service for the entire Fullerton community. This is how CSUF has positively distinguished itself among other campuses across our entire nation.

As you get to know me, you’ll see that I am in complete awe of the transformative power of higher education. I am honored to work with each of you (faculty, staff, students, and administrators) as we execute the mission, and vision of the CSUF campus. The work done by our team—serving human beings (most of them complete strangers) in educational, and non-educational spaces, both on and off campus—classrooms, laboratories, theaters, offices, sports fields and courts, libraries, dining, and residence halls—each of these locations, as well as so many others, are all sacred spaces of teaching, learning, hope, and possibilities. CSUF, this is my “why.” Because of people like you—those of you who teach and those of you who prepare meals (titles matter not), everyone who serves this great place with collaborative energy and purpose, matter! You are an important reason for the continued success of our public university. 

Finally, colleagues, I am thankful for your commitment to the well-being of our most important constituent—our students. Please remember, that they have chosen us, CSUF! I am committed to serving our students the way I would want my own family to be served. Let us commit to their full intellectual, emotional, social, cultural enhancement as well as their physical safety, as they pursue clarity regarding life’s purpose. I provide this charge because I know that it is achievable! In fact, because of selfless people just like you, a young African American first-generation student, from the South Side of Chicago found his way to Tuskegee University to meet complete strangers who had an unwavering commitment to his potential. Today, that young man begins his tenure as president of Cal State Fullerton within the largest and most diverse educational system in the United States. I am forever grateful and indebted to the faculty, staff, and the entire Titan community. Together, we are transforming lives.

Thank you for your kind and generous welcome,
Fullerton Forward!

Ronald S. Rochon
President