Stanislaus State marked a historic moment with the investiture of Britt Rios-Ellis, Ph.D., as the University’s 13th president during a ceremony Friday, Oct. 3, at Ed and Bertha Fitzpatrick Arena. The event blended academic tradition with the spirit of the Central Valley, welcoming campus and community members to celebrate Stan State’s mission and future.
Rios-Ellis began her tenure on July 1, 2024. The Investiture, a longstanding academic tradition, formally celebrates her leadership and the University’s shared vision for the future.
From the moment guests arrived, the program reflected the University’s student-centered identity. Outside the arena, Ballico Taiko, a student drumming group from the Ballico-Cressey School District, set the tone with a powerful drum performance. Student-athletes lined the processional route, creating a corridor of Warrior pride as the platform party entered Fitzpatrick Arena in academic regalia.
Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Rich Ogle served as the emcee for the celebration. Jack Clarke Jr., chair of the California State University Board of Trustees, offered greetings on behalf of the board, welcoming Rios-Ellis and acknowledging the significance of the occasion. Additional greetings were offered by the speaker of the Academic Senate, chair and secretary of Staff Council, president of Associated Students, Inc. and chair of the Alumni Advisory Council.
Music, Family and Celebration
Musical performances throughout the program reflected the cultural richness of the region and the personal story of the president. The Stanislaus State Latin Jazz Ensemble took the stage early in the ceremony, led by Rios-Ellis’s husband, music educator and musician Enrique Rios-Ellis, on flute. The ensemble performed one of the president’s favorite songs, “La Bikina.”
One of the most heartfelt moments came when Rios-Ellis’s three children — Xóchitl, Enrique Jr. and Itzél — took the stage to share their reflections. As her daughter Xóchitl Rios-Ellis grew emotional, President Rios-Ellis wiped away tears of joy.
“What gives me hope is to see people like you in leadership — people who choose to lead with kindness, respect, integrity and empathy,” Xóchitl Rios-Ellis said. “To have watched you climb from professor all the way to the president of a university is incredibly inspiring, but above all it is well deserved.”
The Mariachi Juvenil Corazón Ranchero from Los Banos Unified School District, featuring students in grades K-12, followed with three songs, delighting the audience and filling the arena with the sounds of celebration.
Reflections and Recognition
The ceremony then turned to reflections from distinguished guests. Ron Carter, president and chief executive officer of Carter & Associates and a nationally respected leader in higher education, recognized as an A-C-E Sage and a longtime mentor to Rios-Ellis, offered heartfelt remarks recalling her leadership journey and the qualities that have defined her career.
The Chancellor of the California State University Mildred García followed with remarks praising Rios-Ellis’ vision and the compassion that drives her leadership.
“She calls it a spirit of cariño — a deep caring and commitment to the students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members who comprise the extended Stan State family,” García said. “Britt, there is no doubt in my mind that under your leadership this institution will reach even greater heights as a shining model of inclusive excellence, a powerful engine for social mobility and as a vital and essential community, economic, social and cultural hub for the Central Valley.”
As the final speaker, Rios-Ellis took the podium to close the ceremony with a message of shared purpose and gratitude.
“Please know that I am both deeply blessed and inspired by the trust you place in me to lead this extraordinary University,” she said. “Our gathering today symbolizes a unified commitment to nurturing a vibrant community dedicated to progress. This investiture is about us.”
Vision and Priorities
In her address, titled “The Pulse of Possibility and Leading with Cariño,” Rios-Ellis reflected on the University’s role as more than an academic institution.
“We have always aspired to be much more than an academic institution,” she said. “We are a beacon where dreams flourish and opportunities abound. Together, we are creating an environment wherein knowledge, diversity, respect and collaboration thrive, ultimately shaping a brighter future for the Valle Central.”
