CSULB prepared the educators now running the region's biggest schools and colleges

For college presidents and school district superintendents who are Cal State Long Beach alumni, leadership stems from the personal connections they made with professors at The Beach. Whether it was that extra word of support or the encouragement to reach higher, that guidance made a big difference, one that has stuck with them throughout their careers.

Many cite the education, training and experiences they received at The Beach, most commonly in the College of Education.

“The programs in our college emphasize equity-based, student-centered and community-focused knowledge and competencies that prepare our students to lead,” said Anna Ortiz, dean of the College of Education. “Rigorous and experienced faculty connect students to broad networks, and our alumni are excellent at mentoring our graduates who enter their districts and community colleges.”

Five of the region’s top education leaders trace their paths back to CSULB, and recently reflected on their journeys.

Jill Baker ’98, ’99, a Distinguished Alumna, is the first female superintendent of Long Beach Unified School District, the fourth largest in the state. She has strong memories of Thelma Moore-Steward, a professor  in the College of Education.

“She really was a mentor to me. She taught me not only to be curious, but to look around at my work as a teacher and to think differently about the role I could have as a teacher leader,” said Baker, who is retiring after six years on June 30. “The human connection I made with professors lasted long beyond my master’s degree.”

Baker also cites Marilyn Korostoff as a professor who was instrumental in changing the way she thought about education. “I started to focus on multiculturalism, diversity in schools, and how I could make a difference for students of all races and ethnicities.”

Angelica Suarez ’93, ’96, president of Orange Coast College, wasn’t even sure she’d make it through college when she first arrived at CSULB. “I remember first coming onto the campus, I was quite lost,” said the first-generation college student, immigrant from Mexico and English language learner. “I found my way to the EOP (Educational Opportunity Program), and the people there were very supportive. They helped me navigate the campus and  imposter syndrome.”

Suarez eventually obtained her bachelor’s degree in psychology, then a master’s degree in counseling psychology. She now leads the largest community college in Orange County.

She credits Cynthia Johnson and Kay Goddard, professors in the College of Education, as being supportive and caring, yet rigorous.

At CSULB, “I felt seen, I felt valued. That I mattered. That my voice mattered — that was fundamental in creating that sense of care for me.” She strives to implement that tenet in her current position.

Creating a culture of care — that has to happen by design.

Lifelong mentors

Suarez isn’t the only higher ed leader who came from humble origins. John Hernandez ‘92, a Distinguished Alumnus and president of Irvine Valley College, emigrated from Cuba in 1967, when he was 7 years old.

He also remembers Johnson, a principal founder of the Student Development in Higher Education program at CSULB.

“She took a keen interest in me,” Hernandez said.  “I’ve been blessed throughout my entire career that I’ve had mentors who believed in my potential, long before I embraced it myself. And that was Cynthia Johnson. She was instrumental in motivating and encouraging me to do doctoral work.”

At the Commencement ceremony for his master’s degree in counseling, he remembers Johnson embracing him and saying, “You are not done. A doctorate is on your horizon.”

And sure enough, it was.  

Mike Muñoz ’04, ’05, ‘10, superintendent and president of Long Beach City College, credits William Vega and Anna Ortiz as having “a profound and lasting impact on both my personal and professional development.”

“Even after I graduated from CSULB, they continued to mentor and guide me throughout my career,” he said. “I am deeply grateful for their continued support and leadership.”

Erin Simon ’11, superintendent of Bellflower Unified School District, recalls a family atmosphere in her doctoral cohort. At the same time, she remembers a “heightened sense of rigor” and a “true standard of excellence.”

Professor Korostoff was her cohort’s leader, and she “made it known that it wasn’t going to be a cakewalk.”

“She encouraged us to keep pushing, to keep growing. To be the best versions of ourselves. I learned how to be clear and up front with what the expectations are. To hold people accountable. And I truly believe that comes from love.”