July 20, 2023
A Statement from Brenda Victoria Castillo, President & CEO of the
National Hispanic Media Coalition (NHMC)
For the first time in the history of the California State University system, in a state in which the Latino population is 40%, a Latina leader is at the forefront of higher education. Last week, Dr. Mildred García was named Chancellor of the California State University (CSU), the largest public four-year university system composed of 23 campuses throughout the state. NHMC is proud to witness the recognition of a Latina leader in higher education, and congratulates Dr. García for the well-deserved accomplishment.
Dr. García is a lifelong advocate for closing equity gaps in education, ensuring that students – especially Latinos – are supported to achieve excellence in their educational pursuits. In previous roles, Dr. García served as the President of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities, President of Cal State Dominguez Hills and Cal State Fullerton. During her tenure at Cal State Fullerton, the university graduated the most Latino students than any other campus in California, and increased the graduation rate for students overall by 65%. For half of the system’s 460,000 students who are Latino, Chancellor García will now represent them in more ways than one.
Dr. García is a profound and dedicated leader, committed to serving students across the state of California. She embodies our 2023 theme, “Latinos are the rule, not the exception,” through her distinct track record of defying barriers against Latino students in the education system and trailblazing as the first Latina in various leadership positions. NHMC looks forward to witnessing the impact Dr. García will make as chancellor of the CSU system.
Yours in the Movement,
Brenda Victoria Castillo
President & CEO
National Hispanic Media Coalition
