Provost's Message - December 13, 2017

A Message From Provost Jersky

As this year comes to a close and the holiday busyness fills the air – I am reminded of how much we accomplished to date. These only reflect a few highlights, but all are momentous for our campus.

• We dramatically increased our 2016-2017 4-year graduation rate for freshman from 16% - 25% in one year!
• This fall we received another record breaking number of applications to our campus – 105,000.
•  Last academic year, faculty and students generated over $50 million in grant funding.

There are so many other achievements, but one that is most remarkable and recent is the award of the National Conference on Undergraduate Research 2021 to our campus. Over 4,000 students from all areas of scholarly endeavors will be coming from all over the country to present their research, creative activity and scholarly work. This conference will not only bring attention to our campus but put our faculty’s research on the national stage.

This year also brought several changes to our Long Beach family. One notable change is the retirement of Mary Stephens, Vice President, Department of Administration and Finance. Mary has always been a respected colleague, and has grown to become a cherished friend. I will miss serving beside her on the President’s executive team, as well as all the hard-working integrity and energy she possesses.  She has been an innovative leader who is passionate about students, and was a master of maximizing resources for our campus.  Her last day is this Friday, December 15. Mary – you will be missed.

In closing, I want to wish you all joyous, safe and happy holidays this year. I appreciate all the hard work you do and the dedication you bring to continue our mission of educating the next generation. Your contributions to ‘the Beach,’ the CSU and the state are invaluable, and I am thankful for you all.  

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News

• California State University, Long Beach Wins Bid to Host 2021 National Conference on Undergraduate Research
• Migration of @csulb Email to Office 365
• Do you have a Zero Cost Course Materials (ZCCM) Class?
• Last Chance to Preview Your Course: BeachBoard to Update January 1
• Faculty and Graduate Students Celebrate Completion of Public Knowledge Media Training

Faculty in the News

• Professor Phatana Ith Compiles Cambodia Town Women's History
• Professor Kristin Mahood Study Finds People Born Without Tongues Able to Differentiate Wine Tastes
• CSULB names a design shop after a student killed in Paris terrorist attack
• Chris Lowe - Professor, Marine Biology & Director of the Shark Lab: California's juvenile white sharks may be headed for Mexico

In Memoriam

Dr. Arlene Lazarowitz from Liberal Arts passed away December 5. Arlene was a passionate advocate, both for the rights of lecturers and for the disabled. She served on numerous department, college, and university positions.