California State University, Los Angeles is on the cusp of a new era. The East LA institution named their first woman president to oversee the Golden Eagle community.
“Cal State LA welcomes President Berenecea Johnson Eanes to the Golden Eagle family,” reads a statement on the University’s website. “Eanes is the university’s ninth president. She is the first woman to serve in the position.”
Dr. Eanes began her new role eight days into the new year, after being appointed by the California State University (CSU) Board of Trustees in September. Leroy M. Morishita was Interim President for six months prior to Dr. Eanes’ appointment.
“I am honored to join this outstanding university and its vibrant and diverse campus community,” Dr. Eanes said. “I look forward to engaging and collaborating with Cal State LA’s talented students, staff and faculty to continue the institution’s journey to new heights in student success, research, scholarship and creative activity, and community engagement.”
The tenure is off to a productive start with Dr. Eanes launching the “100 Days of Listening” tour, a well-planned itinerary of open-invite town halls and 20-minute one-on-one meetings.
At the time of this writing, Dr. Eanes announced this year’s commencement will take place at the Los Angeles Convention Center near the Crypto.com Arena as a response to students requesting an iconic venue for graduation. She also kicked off Black History Month in a celebratory reception, attended a staff and student welcome on the Luckman Street of the Arts, spoke at the Spring 2024 Kick-Off hosted by the Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging and Faculty Affairs, and met with California legislators in Sacramento, CA for CSU Advocacy Day.
Throughout the tour, Dr. Eanes will gather information and deliver the results in a summation report. Those details will be used to craft a renewed University Strategic Plan.
“I see my 100 Days of Listening as a time for Golden Eagles to reflect on who we are as a community,” Dr. Eanes continues. “What are you proud of? What makes us distinct? What do we do well? This is also a time to share your thoughts on who we hope to be. How can we do more? Meet more needs? Grow in new directions?”
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Before Dr. Eanes, the position was filled by President P. Victor Peterson, President Howard McDonald, President Albert D. Graves, President Franklin A. Johnson, President John E. Greenlee, President James M. Rosser, President William A. Covino, and President Leroy M. Morishita, all male presidents.
President James M. Rosser, the first Black president of the University, made a legendary run that lasted 34 years until his retirement in 2013, the longest of any president appointed to Cal State LA. Dr. Eanes is the second Black president to occupy the role.
