2 weeks Ago
At Cal State Fullerton’s convocation Thursday, new university president Ronald Rochon gave his first major public address since taking the reins of the college nearly two months ago. In his 30-minute “State of the University” speech in front of faculty, staff and a smattering of students at the Meng Concert Hall on campus, Rochon tried to strike a balance between signaling a fresh start for the school and committing to plans already in action before his arrival. “I don’t believe you need a new leader coming in with a new vision,” he said.
“I believe you need a president coming in who understands your vision.” Vincent E. Vigil, left, senior associate vice president and dean of students, takes a selfie with California State University Fullerton President Ronald S.
Rochon, center, and Associate Dean of Students Carmen Curiel following Rochon’s first convocation address since becoming CSUF’s 10th president at the Meng Concert Hall on the campus of Cal State Fullerton on Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024, in Fullerton. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG) Faculty and staff fill the Meng Concert Hall on the campus of Cal State Fullerton as California State University Fullerton President Ronald S.
Rochon gives his first convocation address since becoming CSUF’s 10th president on Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024, in Fullerton. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG) California State University Fullerton President Ronald S.
Rochon gives his first convocation address since becoming CSUF’s 10th president at Meng Concert Hall on the campus of Cal State Fullerton on Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024, in Fullerton. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG) Faculty and staff sit in the audience and listen as California State University Fullerton President Ronald S.
Rochon gives his first convocation address since becoming CSUF’s 10th president at Meng Concert Hall on the campus of Cal State Fullerton on Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024, in Fullerton. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG) California State University Fullerton President Ronald S.
Rochon talks about moving to Southern California from the midwest as he gives his first convocation address since becoming CSUF’s 10th president at Meng Concert Hall on the campus of Cal State Fullerton on Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024, in Fullerton. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG) Faculty and staff fill the Meng Concert Hall on the campus of Cal State Fullerton as California State University Fullerton President Ronald S.
Rochon gives his first convocation address since becoming CSUF’s 10th president on Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024, in Fullerton. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG) California State University Fullerton President Ronald S.
Rochon gives his first convocation address since becoming CSUF’s 10th president at Meng Concert Hall on the campus of Cal State Fullerton on Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024, in Fullerton. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG) California State University Fullerton President Ronald S.
Rochon gives his first convocation address since becoming CSUF’s 10th president at Meng Concert Hall on the campus of Cal State Fullerton on Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024, in Fullerton. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG) California State University Fullerton President Ronald S.
Rochon, center, greets members of the faculty and staff following his first convocation address since becoming CSUF’s 10th president at the Meng Concert Hall on the campus of Cal State Fullerton on Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024, in Fullerton. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG) Vincent E.
Vigil, left, senior associate vice president and dean of students, takes a selfie with California State University Fullerton President Ronald S. Rochon, center, and Associate Dean of Students Carmen Curiel following Rochon’s first convocation address since becoming CSUF’s 10th president at the Meng Concert Hall on the campus of Cal State Fullerton on Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024, in Fullerton.
(Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG) Rochon, 63, said he will shepherd Fullerton’s preexisting strategic “Fullerton Forward” plan as he laid out first-year goals that align with the university’s aims to foster student engagement, bolster equity and inclusion initiatives and streamline operational efficiency. The president, who held the same role at Southern Indiana University prior to accepting this post, also made clear his intentions to “mend a campus culture” rattled by a Cal State faculty strike last winter. Rochon is Fullerton’s second top executive since summer 2023 when president Fram Virjee retired and was replaced by interim Sylvia Alva.
“My grandma used to say, ‘You can’t unscramble eggs, son. But you can press a reset,’” Rochon said. “So, I’m asking everyone: Let’s press a reset.
” Rochon is a talented orator who speaks with a ministerial presence. On Thursday, he commanded the attention of his audience in a speech filled with laughter, solemnity and calls for the campus community to uphold its commitments to social justice and social mobility. “I’m not naive enough to think that we can correct every social concern, but I am bold enough to tell you that this university can control our footprint.
We can do something about this place this time, this space,” Rochon said after the Southern California newcomer expressed concern about the number of unhoused individuals he has seen in Orange and Los Angeles counties since moving to Fullerton this summer. Rochon also took time in his speech to introduce himself to the Cal State Fullerton community on a personal level, sharing details about his family, faith and morning routine. Rochon thanked his wife, Lynn, for “providing me guidance and support each and every day,” saying his mornings begin with daily prayer and a greeting to his wife.
He and Lynn are parents of two adult children. Their son, Ayinde, is a doctoral student at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign studying education policy organization and leadership — just like his father. Their daughter, Nia, is a freelance marketing specialist based in Southern California.
Rochon also gave a shoutout to the family’s 13-year-old dog, Jaz. After the speech, Academic Senate president Matt Jarvis said he was impressed with Rochon’s enthusiasm to unite the campus community, though he added that it’s too soon to evaluate Rochon on any substantive policy issues. For the most part, Rochon did not get into the specifics of his policy platform other than to affirm his commitment to the school’s five-year strategic plan and announce his resolve to boost resources for Black students’ success.
Otherwise, Rochon focused on painting a picture of himself as a leader driven by his values, including teamwork, kindness, social justice and inclusion. He also expressed his excitement to be at the helm of Cal State Fullerton and his gratitude to have a role that he called a stewardship of state resources. Rochon finished his speech with an appeal to faculty and staff to share in his excitement for work.
“Regardless of our titles across campus, we have an incredible opportunity to serve,” he said. “Join me in serving, uplifting, engaging, inviting new opportunities. Let’s open the door wider so more students who are worthy of being with you can be here.
That’s what Cal State Fullerton is about.” Related Articles.
