Investiture of
BERENECEA JOHNSON EANES, PH.D.
as the Ninth President of
California State University, Los Angeles
January 23, 2025
Dear Golden Eagles,
I appreciate the support and effort of those who were preparing for a series of investiture activities to celebrate a new day at Cal State LA.
While it is important to mark the rituals of beginnings, endings, and transitions, our energy as a community needs to be focused elsewhere as we recover from the devastating LA fires. Therefore, I have postponed the investiture to a date to be determined later.
As our community heals, the engagement of our University is more important than ever. Investiture was always intended to be an opportunity for those able to give to support our shared work. For those who are still in a position to contribute to Cal State LA, I would ask that you support the Golden Eagle LA Fires Recovery Fund.
We are in LA; We are of LA; We are LA.
Sincerely,
Berenecea Johnson Eanes, Ph.D.
President
Golden Eagles LA Fires Recovery Fund
For those who are looking for ways to help, the Golden Eagle LA Fires Recovery Fund will support immediate needs of Cal State LA students, faculty, and staff who have been affected by the devastating wildfires across Los Angeles County.
About the President
Berenecea Johnson Eanes was appointed by the CSU Board of Trustees to serve as president of California State University, Los Angeles. Her tenure began January 8, 2024. Eanes is Cal State LA’s ninth president and the first woman to serve in the position.
Under her leadership at Cal State LA, the University is in the process of developing a comprehensive strategic enrollment plan, centering greater engagement with LA’s historically marginalized communities as well as a retention mindset to minimize the loss of students who stop-out mid-journey. Enhancing student success is also a key area of focus for the president, acknowledging the benefits that flow from timely graduation for individuals, families, and the region. The leadership team is additionally working to develop a facilities plan that will ensure the University meets today’s and tomorrow’s educational needs. Lastly, the president is building new bridges aligned with the idea that “We are LA,” a city and region of tremendous culture, creativity, and transformation.
Eanes previously served as president of York College, City University of New York, where she provided strategic leadership and counsel to approximately 1,100 faculty, staff, and administrators beginning in 2019. Eanes also served as a professor in the Department of Social Work at York. Her appointment as president of Cal State LA marked a return to the CSU for Eanes, who previously served as vice president for Student Affairs at California State University, Fullerton from 2012 to 2019, where she delivered leadership and oversight for myriad student success programs, as well as new campus infrastructure and the university’s strategic plan.
Eanes earned a bachelor’s degree in public health from Dillard University, a master’s degree in social work from Boston University, and a doctorate in social work from Clark Atlanta University.
CONTACT US
For questions about investiture,
contact our team at [email protected].