President's Letter

Dear friends of Cal State Monterey Bay,

I am consistently impressed by our students’ determination and resilience, the ingenuity and commitment of our faculty, and the dedication and professionalism of our staff. A hallmark of our university is that CSUMB Otters care for one another in difficult times, “Raft Up” and help each other succeed. This is a special place of learning and support within an inclusive community.

Now, more than ever, the region needs more college-educated people in the workforce. Our graduates leave us having acquired critical thinking and analytical problem-solving skills with which they will contribute toward social and economic progress on the Central Coast, across California, and beyond.

When we emerge from our current state, today’s students will be more flexible, adaptable, and prepared for unforeseen circumstances. Their resourcefulness will carry them forward to boosting industry, reinventing services, and providing new ways of engaging disadvantaged populations.

Throughout 2020 we leveraged our culture of creativity and innovation to continue delivering on our mission. Our faculty and staff’s accomplishments in this extraordinary time are a testament to their dedication to our students. Over the summer and winter breaks, faculty rolled up their sleeves and mastered the skills necessary to continue delivering effective learning opportunities. Faculty provided context about issues of social justice and created new programs that will contribute to a thriving region. Our staff devised innovative ways to provide student support, and fostered opportunities to keep us connected.

I am proud that our students and alumni continue to create, contribute, and thrive in the spirit of service they learned while at CSU Monterey Bay. I am humbled by the outpouring of support from our community through generous donations that meet student needs. That support makes the dream of a college education a reality for so many in our area, improving their lives and the lives of their families.

I am hopeful we will return soon to a vibrant, immersive, in-person educational experience. I look forward to welcoming everyone back to campus.

Sincerely,

Eduardo M. Ochoa, President