Spring Welcome Address Focuses on Student Success, Regional Impact and Cariño

With the spring semester underway at Stanislaus State, President Britt Rios-Ellis and members of the campus' leadership team called on the University community to advance a shared responsibility: expanding student success, strengthening regional partnerships and deepening the University's impact across the Central Valley.

Speaking to faculty, staff, students, alumni and community partners gathered in person and online during her Spring Welcome Address on Feb. 4, Rios-Ellis and members of Cabinet outlined priorities for the months ahead that reflect Stan State's role as a driver of social mobility, workforce preparation and opportunity for the region it serves.

Stanislaus State President Britt Rios-Ellis speaks at the 2026 Spring Welcome Address on Feb. 4, 2026

Rooted in moments of reflection and remembrance, the address underscored how Stanislaus State's past continues to shape its purpose. Rios-Ellis pointed to the leaders, communities and histories that have defined the University - from honoring Indigenous stewardship and celebrating Black History Month to remembering the legacy of President Emerita Marvalene Hughes - as foundations for the work ahead and a reminder that progress is built on responsibility, courage and care.

"As you can see, our history catalyzes our vision," Rios-Ellis said. "Today is about shaping the context - the why - and the where in terms of the direction we are heading."

Across the California State University system, she noted, institutions are being asked to evolve and strengthen their impact on students, the workforce and the communities they serve - a call to action she said resonates strongly with Stan State's mission and regional role.

Leading with Cariño and Clarity of Purpose

Throughout the address, Rios-Ellis returned to cariño - care with warmth - as a defining value that shapes the University's culture and differentiates its approach to student success.

"As a public University accountable to our students, our region, our partners and taxpayers, we must be clear and compelling about why we exist, how we serve, and the impact we deliver," she said.

She connected that message to broader national conversations about higher education and public trust.

"One thing is very clear throughout our nation: the need for public higher education has never been greater," Rios-Ellis said. "Let Stan State show the world what is possible, let us be the exemplar for cariño in community, and let's work together to ensure that the Stan State signal is loud and clear."

"One thing is very clear throughout our nation: the need for public higher education has never been greater. Let Stan State show the world what is possible, let us be the exemplar for cariño in community, and let's work together to ensure that the Stan State signal is loud and clear."

-President Britt Rios-Ellis

Welcome remarks were also shared by staff representative Jesus Jimenez and Associated Students, Inc. President Averie Stockeland, who encouraged engagement and connection as the semester begins. Jimenez described cariño as a daily practice reflected in how employees support students across the University.

Jesus Jimenez, Academic Advisor & First-Year Success Program

"Because our students don't just need our services - they need our steadiness," Jimenez said. "They need us to show up. To be here. To be fully present."

Stockeland advocated students to explore campus life, emphasizing involvement and leadership as pathways to belonging.

"I encourage you to find at least one way to fully step into campus life," Stockeland said. "These moments of involvement are where connections are built, ideas are sparked and many students discover a deeper sense of connection to this campus."

Strategic Planning and Student Success Framework

Looking ahead, Rios-Ellis emphasized that the University's evolving Strategic Plan will build on lessons learned while positioning Stan State to scale effective practices.

She underscored the importance of aligning institutional work with CSU Forward and the CSU Student Success Framework, which she described as a more integrated, student-centered approach spanning access, belonging, persistence and post-graduation success.

"At Stan State, this framework affirms our commitment to aligning academic programs, advising and student support services, so that our systems work together in service to the Central Valley."

Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Rich Ogle provided additional academic updates, including enrollment trends and a proposed college reorganization process.

"We are showing promise in the area of new students," Ogle said. "We are continuing to bring in new students who want to be here and want to benefit from the transformative power of education and the support that our staff gives."

Associated Students, Inc. President Averie Stockeland

Ogle noted that while continuing student enrollment remains an area of focus, the University is strengthening partnerships and support strategies aimed at helping students persist and graduate.

He also outlined plans to engage in a policy-driven process to reorganize colleges within Academic Affairs to create a College of Health, Education and Human Services while maintaining a four-college structure.

"Doing so, I believe, will amplify our ability to instantiate that strategic pillar around being part of the solution dealing with the healthcare needs and the behavioral healthcare needs of the Central Valley," he said.

Research, Innovation and Regional Workforce Needs

Rios-Ellis highlighted faculty-led research and academic innovation as essential drivers of regional impact, including a $400,000 National Science Foundation grant led by Professor Jake Weigel.

She also pointed to growing demand for healthcare and human services professionals as an area where the regional workforce needs to align closely with the University's academic mission.

Additional healthcare workforce investments include a $2.5 million grant secured by nursing faculty, led by nursing faculty member Sheri Coburn, to expand simulation learning capacity at the Stockton Campus, followed by an additional $800,000 grant to support a state-of-the-art clinical simulation laboratory.

Stockton Momentum and Campus Growth

The president previewed upcoming milestones tied to the University's expanding regional footprint, including the dedication of Willow Hall at the Stockton Campus in March.

"Willow Hall reflects our shared belief in the power of education to open doors, uplift communities, and shape a stronger future for our region, especially in Stockton where it is needed the most," Rios-Ellis said. "The growth and evolution of our presence in Stockton have been shaped by years of advocacy, leadership and partnership, including the work of elected officials, campus leaders and community champions who believed deeply in expanding access and opportunity in San Joaquin County."

She also noted continued collaboration with civic leaders across the Central Valley to strengthen partnerships that connect students to career pathways and regional economic development.

Leaning into HSI Servingness

Assistant Vice President for Community Engagement and Belonging Carolina Alfaro highlighted the role of belonging in advancing student success, noting that campus initiatives are designed to close retention and graduation gaps through culturally responsive programming, leadership development and community partnerships as part of the University's work as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI).

"Belonging is not separate from student success - it is foundational to it," Alfaro said. "As an HSI, our commitment to servingness is about impact, not just identity," she said.

Returning to the stage during closing remarks, Rios-Ellis described the University's continued evolution as an HSI and its commitment to moving from demographic designation to intentional action.

"We are thrilled to report that we are now in the 'leaning in' phase of owning and intentionalizing our HSI status," she said, noting that the University has submitted a self-evaluation to Excelencia in Education and is moving forward with its Seal of Excelencia application.

As part of that work, she announced new one-time funding of $100,000 for 10 grants to support faculty and staff collaborations aimed at advancing HSI servingness across the University.

"These grants are designed to encourage innovation, cultural resonance, collaboration among faculty and staff, and support ideas that help us move from intention to impact," she said.

Rios-Ellis closed by encouraging the campus community to remain focused on alignment, advocacy and shared purpose as the semester unfolds.

"When we create the right structures, culture, engagement opportunities and expectations, our students enroll, become involved and thrive throughout their educational journeys despite these volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous, or what we call VUCA times," she said.

"When we examine our student and community assets, and lead our respective lives and work with cariño, we differentiate Stan State at a time when our students need hope, compassion and support now more than ever."

Watch the Full 2026 Spring Welcome Address