Dr. Walter Strong, California State University, Stanislaus’s first vice president for Development and University Relations, has tendered his resignation to take a new leadership post early next month at Charles Drew University of Medicine and Science.

At CSU Stanislaus, Strong guided the university through a fund-raising effort that raised more than $32 million during his seven and a half years at the institution.

“I am pleased to have been given the opportunity to serve CSU Stanislaus under the excellent leadership of its president, Dr. Marvalene Hughes,” Strong said.

“Development and University Relations has contributed mightily to the Stanislaus mission, and I’m very proud of the talented people who have worked with me in advancing the university. Her vision will continue to inspire members of the outstanding team she has chosen, all of whom are staunch supporters of the university and the external community.”

Hughes commended Strong for his legacy of excellent leadership in shaping the area of university advancement, to which he brought a new level of experience and expertise.

“He has made an enormous impact in a relatively short period of time,” she said. “He has been a tireless leader in strengthening ties between the university and the community and in bringing greater awareness and visibility to university academic and support programs.

“His efforts have contributed greatly to the positive reputation of CSU Stanislaus as a leading educational institution,” she added.

At CSU Stanislaus, Strong was responsible for development, university relations, athletics, media relations, public affairs, marketing, community affairs, alumni relations and all aspects of university fund-raising.

His leadership efforts in the first capital campaign helped the university raise close to $26 million, exceeding the goal by $1.5 million and concluding the drive two years earlier than expected.

“It’s all about positively changing lives, and I have enjoyed leading the effort through advancement,” said Strong. “This is a wonderful university, and it deserves the very best support from the community and others who are interested in securing the future of the communities we serve.”

Strong will become vice president for University Affairs at the Los Angeles institution in early September.

Charles Drew University includes a College of Medicine and a College of Allied Health. Students in the College of Medicine receive a four-year M.D. degree through a training program with the UCLA School of Medicine. The College of Allied Health prepares students for careers in the health sciences.