Stan State alumnus Samantha Johnson returns to campus for a conversation about career growth, public service and the lessons that happen outside the syllabus.

Purpose. Community. Possibility. Watch the full 2026 Spring Welcome Address: https://youtu.be/uoF0wmcKBmI

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.Chapters: 0:00 - Welcome - Rosalee Rush, Vice President for Strategic Communications, Marketing and Partnership Engagement 2:05 - Greetings on Behalf of Staff - Jesus Jimenez, Academic Advisor & First-Year Success Program 5:04 - Greetings on Behalf of Students - Averie Stockeland, President, Associated Students, Inc. 8:37 - President’s Spring Address - Britt Rios-Ellis, President 37:14 - Academic Affairs - Rich Ogle, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs 49:01 - Business and Finance - Rose McAuliffe, Vice President for Business and Finance / Chief Financial Officer 53:02 - Student Affairs - Cindy Visot, Interim Vice President for Student Affairs 56:07 - Community Engagement and Belonging - Carolina Alfaro, Associate Vice President for Community Engagement and Belonging 1:05:53 - Closing Remarks - President Rios-EllisView the presentation slides: https://csustan.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/StanStatePublicDocs/IQDahUXonAGzRqctnh_kN9raAdqozPfjKM2-LkcA7Alz2Ts?e=5G8G91

In this episode, we welcome Samantha Johnson, a Stan State alumna who graduated in 2021 with a degree in sociology and now works as a field representative for California Assembly District 13.Samantha discusses how her Stan State experience helped her grow personally and professionally, from living in the residence halls and joining the Sociology Club to working at the Warrior Cross Cultural Center and serving as a resident assistant. She also reflects on studying abroad in Spain, navigating college as a first-generation student and learning to step outside her comfort zone.Now working in public service, Samantha serves communities including Tracy, Stockton, French Camp and Mountain House. She talks about the importance of civic engagement, constituent services and helping community members access resources through state agencies.Listeners will hear Samantha’s advice on networking, finding internships, cold messaging professionals, saying yes to meaningful opportunities and identifying the values that can guide a career path. She also shares why sociology prepared her to work with diverse communities and why public service is rooted in empathy, communication and accountability.Produced by the Office of Strategic Communications and Marketing, edited and recorded in the KCSS studios on the campus of Stanislaus State.

Indie dream pop duo The Two Lips perform live at Stanislaus State. Fresh off their Coachella performance, the talented Latina/Filipina duo, best friends Jewlz and Andrea, brought their signature sound to Turlock for an unforgettable community concert.Part of the Presidential Celebration Series, this free outdoor event drew more than 500 students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members to the University Student Center lawn for an afternoon of live music, DJ sets and local food trucks.Thank you to our event sponsor, Mocse Credit Union, for helping make this special event possible.#StanState #TheTwoLips #PresidentialCelebrationSeries #StanislausState #DreamPop #LiveMusic #Coachella #TurlockCA #UniversityStudentCenter

Interested in learning more about studying Philosophy at Stan State? Hear what student Alex Ayers has to say about his experience studying philosophy.

🎓 It’s #MajorMonday! We’re spotlighting the diverse programs that make #StanState shine. From the arts and sciences to business, education and beyond, Warriors are preparing for meaningful careers and bright futures. ❤️💛

Congratulations to our Class of 2026. Once a Warrior, Always a Warrior! #graduation #university #Warriors #StanGrad