Focus on academic reputation

Elevating the academic image of Cal State Long Beach is at the top of the Spring 1997 agenda for the University, CSULB President Robert Maxson says. Maxson says he will continue to emphasize the recruitment of academically talented high-achieving students through the President's Program.

Launched by Maxson a year and a half ago, the program was designed to attract valedictorians and National Merit Scholars. CSULB currently has 54 valedictorians and National Merit Scholars on campus. These students have received full scholarships to the University, funded by alumni, corporations and other supporters of the University.

The program caught the attention of Bill Lockyer, president pro tempore of the state Senate, who is serving as acting governor of Calif. while Gov. Pete Wilson is on an Asian trade misson. On Jan. 19, Lockyer issued a proclamation calling the President's Program a model program to be adopted for the California State University and University of California systems.

"We're extremely honored that Sen. Lockyer recognizes the benefits of offering California's best and brightest students the advantage of an excellent undergraduate education," Maxson says. "This high profile program has had an enormous influence on our campus."

Average SAT scores of entering freshmen at CSULB have increased 29 points since the program began, according to University officials. Recruiting and retaining the best faculty are necessary to sustain and support the University's mission, Maxson says. "Recruiting blue chip faculty is essential for us," Maxson says.