The following statement can be attributed to CSU Interim Chancellor Jolene Koester:
“Throughout his tenure leading the California State University Maritime Academy, President Thomas A. Cropper has done exceptional work to integrate our most unique institution into the California State University system and the Vallejo community, while enhancing the academic excellence of the university.
In his decade-long service, President Cropper has consistently demonstrated a commitment to student success and to improving the student experience. He spearheaded facilities improvements across campus and helped to secure funding for a new training ship. Under his leadership, the university has undertaken a series of meaningful actions to advance diversity, equity and inclusion and to serve as a national model for maritime academies.
Cal Maritime cadets graduate with critical leadership skills and a global perspective that allow them to make immediate and positive impacts in the maritime industry and in their communities.
I applaud President Cropper's long and distinguished career of service to the CSU and to the maritime industry."
On November 28, 2022, Cal Maritime President Thomas A. Cropper announced that he would retire from his role on August 1, 2023.
An interim president will be appointed to lead the university, and the CSU will launch a national search to identify Cropper's successor. Under university policy, the chair of the CSU Board of Trustees, Wenda Fong, and Interim Chancellor Jolene Koester will select a committee comprised of campus and community stakeholders who will be publicly announced at a later date. Thereafter, campus and community input will be sought in an open forum held on the Cal Maritime campus.
About the California State University
The California State University is the largest system of four-year higher education in the country, with 23 campuses, 477,000 students and 56,000 faculty and staff. Nearly 40 percent of the CSU's undergraduate students transfer from California Community Colleges. The CSU was created in 1960 with a mission of providing high-quality, affordable education to meet the ever-changing needs of California. With its commitment to quality, opportunity and student success, the CSU is renowned for superb teaching, innovative research and for producing job-ready graduates. Each year, the CSU awards more than 132,000 degrees. One in every 20 Americans holding a college degree is a graduate of the CSU and our alumni are 4 million strong. Connect with and learn more about the CSU in the CSU NewsCenter.