Sen. Monteith Honors CSU Stanislaus President Marvalene Hughes as 2001 Woman of the Year

State Senator Dick Monteith honored Dr. Marvalene Hughes, President of California State University, Stanislaus, as the 2001 Woman of the Year for the 12th Senate District during a March 12 ceremony at the Capitol. The award honors women who have devoted themselves to improving their community by showing great civic leadership.

As the first woman and the first African-American selected as President of California State University, Stanislaus, Dr. Hughes is a highly regarded administrator and academic who has served in key leadership positions at universities throughout the country. Since being named as President of CSU Stanislaus in 1994, Dr. Hughes has successfully worked with her faculty, staff and students to elevate the University's profile and expand its role as a significant community resource.

"Marvalene has been a pillar of support to our community," stated Senator Monteith. "She has proven to be an excellent leader and has worked hard to establish CSU Stanislaus as a major university in the San Joaquin Valley. I am pleased to have had the opportunity to work with Marvalene on issues of importance to the valley. She is well deserving of this honor."

Dr. Hughes has demonstrated her commitment to the community by working closely with valley leaders to build coalitions in higher education and to create access to arts and cultural programs. While being involved with the Modesto Symphony and an active supporter for the proposed Performing Arts Center, Dr. Hughes has boosted the appeal of the valley by bringing distinguished speakers to our region such as Secretary of State Colin Powell, Former Secretary of State James Baker and Cokie Roberts, as well as entertainers Bill Cosby and Willie Nelson.

A renowned leader in the higher education community, President Hughes has dedicated her life to service. One of nine successful children, she earned her B.S. and M.S. degrees from Tuskegee University and her Ph.D in Counseling and Administration from Florida State University. She has also done post graduate work at Harvard University, New York University, Columbia University and continuing education at UC San Diego.

"Education is a public commodity which promotes intellectual achievement and individual autonomy, improves society and communities, fosters good citizenship, preserves and cultivates diverse cultures, and builds a better nation and world," Dr. Hughes said. "Education is a nation's, a state's, and a community's investment in the future."

"Marvalene is the type of woman that promotes excellence in education," Sen. Monteith said. "She has enriched the lives of her students and her community by dedicating herself to the needs of higher education. I congratulate her on a job well done."