President Mildred García Receives Three-Year Review from CSU Board of Trustees

This fall, the first three-year review of Mildred García, president of California State University, Dominguez Hills, was conducted by the CSU Board of Trustees and CSU Chancellor Charles B. Reed. The process concluded on Nov. 17 with a discussion by the trustees and an open letter from Chancellor Reed.

Using criteria established by the Board of Trustees in 1984, the review evaluated García on her performance as president and the progress of the institution, including overall management, educational leadership, community relations, major achievements of the campus and the president, and personal characteristics of the president. Faculty, staff, students, alumni, and community representatives were invited to submit written comments responding to the trustees’ criteria.

Highlighted achievements by García and the CSU Dominguez Hills campus over the last three years included full 10-year reaccreditation by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) until 2018; attaining enrollment target in spring 2009; reducing the structural budget deficit; spearheading a collaborative and inclusive strategic planning process; increasing positive media coverage; and winning the NCAA Division II Men’s Soccer Championship in 2008.

In his letter, Reed says that despite the current controversy over the future of academic programs during the statewide budget crisis, García has many loyal supporters both on- and off-campus among faculty and community stakeholders.

“They believe in her ideas and vision, support the people she hired, admire her determination, appreciate that she is visible on campus... and feel that she cares deeply about the university’s future,” writes Reed. “Community members and business people are highly supportive of President García.

“Dr. Mildred García has an outgoing personality and brought to Dominguez Hills a great deal of energy, optimism, and pride,” Reed continues. “She is not deterred by critics. Her personal story gives her an extra advantage and credibility in being a role model for many students served by CSU Dominguez Hills.”

To read the complete letter in pdf format, click here.

- Joanie Harmon