Incoming President Andrew Jones greets CSULB at 2025 Convocation
Highlighting past accomplishments while aspiring to new levels of prominence, The Beach community welcomed a new academic year - and a new campus leader - at 2025 Convocation.
Provost Karyn Scissum Gunn introduced Andrew Jones, recently announced as the Cal State Long Beach’s incoming president, during Convocation, the ceremonial start to a new academic year. Jones is a Beach alumnus who serves as California State University executive vice chancellor and general counsel until classes begin on Aug. 25.
“I believe deeply in the mission of this university — to be a place where learning thrives, where all are welcome and where diversity and equity are not just celebrated, but are essential to who we are,” Jones said from the stage at Carpenter Performing Arts Center. “Our north star has not changed. We will continue to protect academic freedom, elevate equity and inclusion, and ensure that every member of our community is seen, heard and valued.”
Jones shared his personal connections to CSULB, which he attended as a first-generation student. He thanked Professor Emerita Barbara George, in the audience, for setting him on the course to his legal career.
“I know that in this room there are many, many Barbara Georges — faculty, staff and friends of the university who will teach, inspire and mentor students this year just like Professor George did for me. That is the ‘secret sauce’ of this university," he said.
Jones will lead CSULB while the CSU Board of Trustees searches for a long-term successor for retiring President Jane Close Conoley, who led CSULB for more than 11 years.
“In a year from now, if we can look back and say that we honored our differences with respect, that we met our challenges with determination and integrity, and that we kept our focus on student success — then it will have been a very good year indeed,” Jones added. “I am so grateful to be back at Cal State Long Beach to serve alongside each of you, and to celebrate all that we are going to accomplish together.”
Foundations of accomplishment
The theme for 2025 Convocation, “Waves of Change: Honoring the Past, Envisioning the Future” befits the gathering’s purpose as a time to celebrate recent accomplishments, inspire new ones and reaffirm The Beach’s perennial commitment to inclusive excellence in all aspects of campus life.
“Our dynamic approach is rooted in the belief that higher education should serve all learners, wherever they are on that journey,” Scissum Gunn said. “Whether it’s a first-time, first-year student entering a traditional degree pathway, a returning adult learner seeking new credentials or a graduate student advancing their research and expertise – we meet them where they are, and we propel them forward.”
CSULB has earned recognition for its engineering and nursing programs and, within the CSU system, the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics here is the top generator of mathematics and statistics degrees, Gunn said. The College of Liberal Arts’ distinctions include having one of the CSU’s top programs in human development.
Across all majors, CSULB graduation rates have significantly improved, with the four-year rate more than doubling over the past decade. More than 40% of CSULB undergraduates now earn a degree within four years.
Beach students are also benefitting from philanthropy. Dan Montoya, vice president of University Relations and Development,reminded the audience of the successful No Barriers campaign and revealed that CSULB will soon crest the $1 billion mark in cumulative support over the campus’ existence.
Long Beach State Athletics also closed the last school year on a high note, with the Men’s Volleyball Team bringing home The Beach’s 16th national championship in all sports. Student athletes also captured Big West Championships in Women’s Beach Volleyball, Men’s Golf, Men’s Water Polo,and the Men’s Volleyball team won the conference’s Regular Season Title.
'Nothing short of extraordinary'
The 2025-26 year promises to be an exciting time at The Beach. Construction crews working on the new La Playa residence hall and redesigned University Student Union will transform the built environment and the coming months will also be a time for new activity within the intellectual space.
The College of Health and Human Services is welcoming the first students pursuing the new Doctor of Public Health degree. Also, a quartet of faculty members will go forward with research supported by CSU AI Educational Innovations Challenge Awards and all academic units will serve thousands of students pursuing traditional degrees or alternative credentials boosting their professional skills.
“Thank you for your continued dedication to our shared mission to be a force for public good,” Scissum Gunn said. “Thank you for putting students at the center of everything you do. Thank you for the critical role you play in this collective success. This story we call ‘The Beach.’ What we accomplish together – as a united Beach community – is nothing short of extraordinary.”
