Following the retirement of former president Ellen Junn on Aug. 1, Dr. Susan E. Borrego has begun her tenure as interim president of California State University, Stanislaus in Turlock. Borrego’s term officially began on Wednesday, and it’s a position she will hold for approximately one year while the CSU Board of Trustees conducts a national search for the next regularly appointed president.
“I'm honored to join this remarkable community and to serve with all of you, our students, staff, faculty and community,” said Borrego. “Thank you to Dr. Junn for her leadership and for leaving the university in such a strong position for the future. I'm looking forward to working alongside the university's leadership team and faculty to maintain this impressive momentum. During this time of transition, as the Chancellor's Office and presidential search committee looks for the next president, we have important work to do together.”
Borrego explained that she will focus on four key areas during her tenure.
“First, we will continue to prioritize enrollment. As we know, enrollment is crucial for the growth and success of our university, and I will work with the leadership team to ensure that we attract and retain talented students who will thrive at Stan State. Secondly, we will continue to garner philanthropic support from the university. Financial support is essential for advancing our mission and providing transformative opportunities for our students. Thirdly, we will continue our progress to enhance and grow our Stockton campus to meet the needs of the San Joaquin community… Lastly, and perhaps more importantly, we will set the table for the next incoming president. It is imperative that we work together to ensure a seamless transition and maintain the continuity of progress.”
Borrego earned a bachelor's degree in speech and communication from Northwest Nazarene College, a master's degree in social science at Azusa Pacific University and a doctorate in education from Claremont Graduate School.
She most recently served as chancellor at the University of Michigan-Flint from 2014 to 2019 and is currently a consultant project director and special assistant to the president for the American Association of State Colleges and Universities. Prior to that, she held senior administrative roles at California State University, Dominguez Hills and California State University, Monterey Bay.
“Dr. Borrego is a principled, visionary and compassionate leader, guided by an unwavering commitment to inclusive excellence and student success,” said California State University Interim Chancellor Jolene Koester. “She has a proven track record of enhancing the student experience, supporting faculty excellence and engaging the broader community. Further, her recent work at the national level to advance authentic access and educational equity will serve Stanislaus State and the CSU well.”
Borrego and her cabinet will discuss upcoming plans and initiatives for the fall semester at the Fall Welcome Address, which is scheduled for Thursday, August 17 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Snider Recital Hall on the Stanislaus State campus. Those interested in attending can register at www.universityevents.csustan.edu/events.
The campus will also host a Bagels with Borrego event from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Aug. 30 at the John Stuart Rogers Faculty Development Center, offering campus community members an opportunity to meet and chat with the interim president.
