California State University Chancellor Timothy White visited California State University, Northridge on Monday, Sept. 10, as part of his statewide tour of the 23-campus CSU system.
During the daylong visit, White met with students, faculty and staff; toured the campus; and learned about academic and student-life programs, as well as current issues facing the university.
“I think of the CSU as the Baskin Robbins of higher education,” said White during an hour-long town hall meeting at the Plaza del Sol Performance Hall in the University Student Union. ”There are 23 flavors in our enterprise. What matters to Northridge is related to and different than what matters to Channel Islands … or San Bernardino.”
He noted that CSUN was his 15th stop on the tour.
White, who took over as chancellor of the CSU system in December of last year, said he has identified four areas to focus on: student access, affordability, quality and completion.
In addition to the town hall meeting, White met with members of the Associated Students, the Faculty Senate and employee union leaders. He, along with CSUN President Dianne F. Harrison, toured several of CSUN’s unique facilities, including the Center of Achievement Through Adapted Physical Activity, the Matadome, the Oviatt Library’s Learning Commons and the fuel cell plant. White frequently chatted with members of CSUN’s diverse student body throughout the day, particularly during his visit to the library and the University Student Union. He concluded his tour of the campus by participating in the ribbon cutting ceremony to officially open the Matador Achievement Center in Bayramian Hall. The new center will provide academic support to student athletes.
In the evening, White met with alumni and friends of the university community, including representatives from the CSUN Foundation, at the Valley Performing Arts Center.
White said he “felt welcomed” by the campus and was impressed by our outstanding programs and facilities.
President Harrison said it was an honor to host Chancellor White.
“The chancellor showed that he shares CSUN’s values and priorities,” Harrison said. “I look forward to continuing to work with the chancellor to ensure that the CSU system provides access and a quality college education to all.”