Hello, and buenos días, Stan State Warriors and Friends! I simply cannot express how excited and honored I am to be serving as Stanislaus State’s 13th president. I want you all to know that at each step of the application process, the more I learned about you, the more I became enamored with Stan State. I love the fact that every student we encounter knows that we collectively support their success. I am deeply honored and feel blessed to be joining this vibrant and dedicated community.    I want to start by expressing my heartfelt gratitude to our everyone involved in the presidential search committee and transition process. I especially want to thank Interim President Sue Borrego for her passionate and dedicated leadership, for answering what may have seemed like endless questions, and for always keeping the well-being of Stan State at the core of this transition.  I have been living in Modesto and exploring the Central Valley for just over a week now, and what has impressed me the most has been the consistent kindness of our respective communities. Your friendliness and optimism, despite the challenges we may face, is contagious. The evident cultural fabric I observe daily is an unspoken asset for our community’s growth and I look forward to engaging in English y en español and learning more about your dreams for the future of this great University. Your optimism and sense of unity is reflected in our students, and it just reinforces Stan State’s reputation as a welcoming place that fosters belonging and a “sí se puede” attitude. I am eager to listen, learn and engage with you at our Turlock and Stockton campuses and across our six-county region to hear more about your dreams for our University and your respective communities. Building strong relationships and bolstering an inclusive, collaborative environment will be at the heart of my leadership.   I am looking forward to rolling up my sleeves and working hard for the betterment of Stan State and for our entire region.This next year, I am excited to work with alumni, faculty, staff, University leadership and our community and industry partners to build needed pipeline programs to strengthen our economy and serve the needs of the Central Valley. Together, we will build opportunities for folks to join Stan State’s mission, ensuring that our contributions to the welfare of our surrounding communities are as strong as possible. As we continue to build partnerships, educate, and prepare the best and brightest, we will develop opportunities to innovate and positively impact our region.    At Stan State, we transform futures, one student and one family at a time. With a focus on equity, my goal is to ensure that everyone who wants an education belongs at Stan State.   If you see me around, please stop and say hello! Saludáme por favor. I can’t wait to meet you!     Together, we are invincible. ¡Recuerden que juntos todo podemos! Somos Guerreros And as Warriors, together, we are Warrior Strong!