UNIVERSITY CONVOCATION AND INVESTITURE

Dr. Berenecea Johnson Eanes—trailblazing ninth president and first woman to lead California State University, Los Angeles—arrives with a lifelong conviction that higher education is "one of the most important social justice issues of our time." Cal State LA already stands at the pinnacle of that mission, ranked no. 1 in the nation for upward mobility, and serving more than 22,000 remarkably diverse students who mirror the future of Los Angeles and the nation. As we celebrate her Investiture under the banner, "We Are LA: Empowering Dreams, Transforming Lives,'' President Eanes calls on the entire Golden Eagle family to redouble our commitment to transforming first-generation dreams into degrees.

As president of York College, City University of New York, Dr. Eanes set a collaborative tone through a campuswide listening tour that strengthened community partnerships and opened doors of opportunity for thousands of first-generation scholars. Bringing that same spirit to Cal State LA, she has forged alliances that will spur innovation across the arts, sciences, and civic life. Her scholarship in social work centers on real-world impact—examining enrollment patterns, the pandemic's effects, and the evolving value of public higher education—ensuring her decisions are grounded in both data and compassion.

At Cal State Fullerton, Dr. Eanes reimagined student programming and implemented initiatives that increased six-year graduation rates by 30 percent and four-year rates by 65 percent. She consistently turned bold ideas into measurable gains for students who might otherwise be left behind and championed immersive learning, holistic wellness, and an unwavering dedication to equity—leadership that earned her the prestigious CSU Wang Family Excellence Award. 

Known for her radiant smile, infectious laughter, and boundless empathy, President Eanes leads with both head and heart alike. She sees every Golden Eagle as a catalyst for progress in their families and communities, and she challenges us to dream audaciously while doing the hard work of transformation. As we mark this historic Investiture—the celebration of Cal State LA's first woman president in our 78-year history—we rededicate ourselves to the promise that under Dr. Eanes' visionary leadership, the university will soar to new heights, proving that when we empower dreams, we truly transform lives.