California State University, Stanislaus is mourning the passing of President Emerita Marvalene Hughes, the University’s eighth and longest-serving president, who died Jan. 3 at the age of 88.
A visionary leader and historic figure in Stanislaus State’s history, President Emerita Hughes served as the University’s president from 1994 to 2005 and was the campus’ first woman and first African American president. She guided Stan State through a period of remarkable growth and transformation that strengthened its academic foundation and expanded access and opportunity for students throughout the Central Valley.
During her tenure, Stan State’s enrollment doubled to more than 7,800 students, and the University’s Stockton Campus moved to its permanent home at University Park. In addition, the Turlock campus added $135 million in new buildings and facilities, including four scenic lakes that, together with the President Emerita Marvalene Hughes University Reflecting Pond, form the University’s 12-million-gallon landscape water management system — a defining feature of the campus today.
Following her service at Stanislaus State, President Emerita Hughes went on to lead Dillard University in New Orleans, arriving just weeks before Hurricane Katrina devastated the campus. Through determined fundraising and advocacy, she helped rebuild and expand the institution, guiding its recovery during one of the most challenging periods in its history.
Hughes continued to shape higher education nationally through service on boards and panels for organizations including the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Accrediting Commission, the American Council on Education and the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU). She also joined President Bill Clinton and Vice President Al Gore in launching the federal High Hopes for College for America’s Youth initiative and co-founded the Millennium Leadership Institute, which is now part of AASCU, to support the development of future higher education leaders.
“President Emerita Hughes’ leadership and vision helped shape the beloved University we proudly serve today,” said Stanislaus State President Britt Rios-Ellis. “Her commitment to public higher education, access and student success reminds us that we stand on the shoulders of those who came before us and are entrusted with carrying that legacy forward for future generations. It is a profound honor to lead in her footsteps, and I will be forever grateful for the strong legacy she built at Stanislaus State. We hold Dr. Hughes’ family, loved ones and all those impacted by her leadership in our thoughts and hearts during this difficult time.”
In 2017, the University dedicated the President Emerita Marvalene Hughes University Reflecting Pond in her honor, reflecting on her leadership and recognizing her lasting impact on the physical and cultural landscape of the University.
In the coming days, the University will share a more detailed Warriors Remember tribute honoring President Emerita Hughes’ life and legacy. Members of the campus and broader community who wish to share remembrances or reflections are invited to do so through an online submission form.
Those who wish to honor her memory by making a gift in support of Stanislaus State and its students may do so through University Advancement through the Dr. Marvalene Hughes Memorial Gifts form.
Additional information about memorial services will be shared as details become available.
