President Hughes decides to remain at CSU Stanislaus

TURLOCK - In an announcement to the University community today, Dr. Marvalene Hughes, President of California State University, Stanislaus, said that in the course of evaluating opportunities presented to her at Colorado College, she had resolved that "My heart remains committed to serving as the President of California State University, Stanislaus."

President Hughes was one of three finalists from among 300 candidates for the presidency at the prestigious liberal arts college. Dr. Hughes said, "The dignity and professionalism of the college's pursuit of my candidacy was flattering, and I wish to commend them for a superb search process. This is a fine college that will offer enormous educational opportunities among its peer institutions for the future."

Dr. Hughes said that she and her husband, Dr. David Brinks, "have carefully re-examined our progress and our commitment to continue our responsibilities here and have determined to reaffirm our commitment to the University and to all the internal and external members who support our efforts to position this fine institution as the 'University of Choice." She added, "We also realize that we have bonded with many friends and chosen to remain with those who have become so special to us over the 8-year period of my presidency."

The President is quick to give credit to the team she chose for the many accomplishments at CSU Stanislaus during her presidency. Enrollment has doubled to more than 7,500 students. A much-needed building program was launched to accommodate the growth and to keep pace in the coming years as the population of the San Joaquin Valley booms. The building projects over the eight years are: the Demergasso-Bava Hall, which houses the College of Education, the College of Business Administration, professional programs and faculty offices; the Mary Stuart Rogers Educational Services Gateway Building and the John Stuart Rogers Faculty Development Center, which both were dedicated last Thursday; the Bio-Ag Dome; and the Bernell and Flora Snider Music Recital Hall.

Dr. Hughes also was instrumental in getting the state to establish a permanent home for CSU Stanislaus-Stockton at the former Stockton State Hospital, a 102-acre site which will accommodate increasing enrollment demand in that community, where 1,200 students now attend classes. The site is slated to become a university park in the future, serving as a model for city, university and private partnerships in developing educational opportunities.

Academic programs also have thrived during the last eight years under the University strategic plan spearheaded by President Hughes' administration. Scholarship support is up dramatically as a result of an improved fund-raising campaign under Development and University Relations. CSU Stanislaus has its first endowed chair, the Rolland Starn Endowed Chair for Agricultural Studies, and will start an Agricultural Studies program this fall, along with the addition of a new four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing program.

"Please accept my appreciation for understanding my exploration of this opportunity. Was never distracted from our shared vision in this process," President Hughes said in concluding her communique to CSU Stanislaus faculty, staff and students. "The University is poised to attain greater heights through initiatives that are strategically focused. I remain committed to this calling, and I ask that you stand by me and guide my administration as we continue to pursue the highest goals for our campus. I value your masterful efforts and look forward to continuing to serve as your President."

Contact: Don Hansen (209) 667-3391