He may have retired but now former Chico State University President Manuel Esteban will not be losing his title.

Thursday the California State University Board of Trustees is scheduled to name Esteban Chico State's "president emeritus."

According the resolution that will confer the title on Esteban, "He has greatly strengthened the relationship between the university and the surrounding community , through his personal participation on civic boards, speaking before local organizations, and inviting the community to be a more active partner with the university."

The resolution also praises Esteban, saying, "He has infused a stronger spirit of community into the university, establishing Founder's Week, and a distinguished alumni program, working actively with the Academic Senate to develop shared governance and establishing the Presidential Lecture Series which has drawn Nobel Peace Prize winners to campus."

Esteban took over as president at Chico State in 1993, and retired effective the end of June.

"During his tenure, the university has not only expanded its physical structure, including Nettleton Stadium, Bell Memorial Union/Bookstore, and upcoming Taylor Hall, but has also prepared itself intellectually by developing a comprehensive strategic plan fir the university," continued the resolution. In the agenda for the meeting, that is scheduled for Thursday morning in the CSU headquarters in Long Beach, it says, "On the advice of the board and members of the California State University, Chico, community, Chancellor (Charles) Reed recommends that D. Manuel Esteban be recognized both for his professional career with the California State University and his dedicated service to the people of California."