President's Agenda

President Tomás D. Morales regularly engages with the local community, university partners, legislative representatives and educational leaders worldwide to champion CSUSB and its mission.

President Morales to receive the AAAED Cesar Estrada Chavez Award

The American Association for Access, Equity and Diversity (AAAED), an organization of equal opportunity, diversity and affirmative action professionals, named President Morales the recipient for the association's Cesar Estrada Chavez Award for 2019. “We are pleased to honor Dr. Morales for his outstanding leadership in higher education, spearheading the effort to cultivate our nation's future leaders from K-12 through college,” said AAAED President Richard Anthony Baker. The awards luncheon will take place at the Hyatt Regency Indianapolis on June 12, during the AAAED’s 45th National Conference and Annual Meeting. “This is truly a great honor to be recognized by the American Association for Access, Equity and Diversity,” Morales said. “But it is also a tribute to the outstanding efforts and commitment of our university to help our students excel. It is the lead focus of Cal State San Bernardino and goes to the heart of our educational mission.” Morales, who has led CSUSB since August 2012, was recently selected by Latino Leaders Magazine as one of the 100 most influential Latino Leaders in the country. He is also a recipient of the Ohtli Award, Mexico’s highest honor presented to a civilian outside the country. He has served as president of the board of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities and the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities.

To be informed is to be inspired. It is my pleasure to encourage you to continue reading this edition of CSUSB Magazine. Included in a great lineup of articles are …

A cover story on our Native American Enrollment & Achievement Initiative. Developed with the support of a $960,000 gift from the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, this initiative furthers CSUSB’s educational mission, increases college degree attainment within our region, and underscores our commitment to access and diversity.
Special acknowledgement of five individuals recognized for their excellence with the presentation of CSUSB’s 2018-19 outstanding faculty awards. This year’s lineup includes recipients of the Golden Apple – the university’s highest award for teaching, the Outstanding Professor, Outstanding Lecturer, Outstanding Faculty Advisor and Outstanding Service awards.
A look at four extraordinary new leaders joining the CSUSB community. A series of comprehensive national searches have culminated in the appointment of new deans for the College of Education and our Palm Desert Campus as well as new vice presidents of University Advancement and Student Affairs. By adding such experience and vision, we remain equipped to meet the needs and challenges of higher education.

As you continue exploring and remain informed about all things CSUSB, I know you will be truly inspired by how

We Define the Future.

Tomás D. Morales President

Coalition hosts program on DREAMers’ rights

A coalition led by state Assemblymember Eloise Gómez Reyes and the Cal State San Bernardino Undocumented Student Success Center hosted a forum, “DREAMers, Know Your Past & Know Your Rights,” in late October. The program, in which President Morales was in attendance, featured a series of panels that discussed the history of the Southwestern region, rights and services for DREAMers, and a panel of DREAMers and family members who have experienced deportations.

CSUSB president highlights the importance of education at Martin Luther King Jr. Prayer Breakfast

Several hundred attended the annual Inland Empire Concerned African American Churches’ 39th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Prayer Breakfast on Jan. 21, the state holiday commemorating the late civil rights leader. In his opening speech, President Morales quoted Dr. King’s essay, “The Importance of Education,” and emphasized the value of a college degree. "Preparing young people to succeed academically must be a community mandate. We need the help of local schools, churches, civic groups, elected officials and, most importantly, the families of potential students,” said Morales. “We do so because our children’s future – and the future of our world – depends on it. Moreover, it also demonstrates we are continuing the work of Dr. King, determined to achieve his vision and affirm his inspiring legacy.”

President Morales promotes higher education as part of Super Sunday

As part of the 14th annual California State University’s Super Sunday presentations throughout the state, President Morales spoke at St. Paul AME Church in San Bernardino on Feb. 10, where he emphasized the importance and value of a college degree. “A college degree, as we all know, can unlock life-changing and transformative opportunities to you and your family and your community. That is the key on how to prepare our young people for college,” Morales told the church members. “It’s never too early to prepare for college or never too late to return.” Morales was among the CSU leaders, including Chancellor Timothy P. White, and alumni who visited nearly 100 churches across the state to deliver a message encouraging the pursuit of higher education.

President Morales participates in HACU’s Capitol Forum on Hispanic Higher Education

In early April, President Morales served as the convener for the opening lunch plenary for HACU’s (Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities) 24th annual Capitol Forum on Hispanic Higher Education in Washington, D.C., as well as moderator for a panel about the collaboration between PreK-12 and higher education. Morales, who is a member of HACU’s governing board, highlighted the significance of establishing strong partnerships between PreK-12 and higher education, especially when it involves Hispanic-Serving Institutions like CSUSB.