Dr. Blanchard’s visit to the Turlock campus included meetings with President Ellen Junn and her Cabinet. He also spent time with the Academic Affairs and Student Affairs leadership teams, as well as the Graduation Rate Excellence & Assessment Team (GREAT).
A presentation on Stan State student research, led by Associate Professor of Biology Matthew Cover, ranged from digital facial reconstruction in anthropological finds, by grad student Melissa Leyva, to post-apocalyptic fiction’s treatment of females, by English major Monica Gudino. Susana Diaz, a grad student in social work, addressed Latina perspectives on genetic testing for cancer risk. Biology major Georget Oraha studies water penny beetles. Josephine Hazelton, a grad student in public administration, hopes to further gender equity in transportation.
The visit included a campus tour and a meeting with Academic Senate Speaker of the Faculty Cathlin Davis. Student leaders of the Associate Students Inc. (ASI) and University Student Union (USU) spoke with Blanchard at the Student Union, which will soon begin construction on its makeover.
The CSU Division of Academic and Student Affairs provides leadership and assistance to campuses in the areas of student success, faculty support and community engagement. Dr. Blanchard leads the CSU’s Graduation Initiative, which aims to increase student success.