September 25, 2023

Saying Goodbye With Gratitude: Honoring Mildred García’s Legacy

AASCU president to become chancellor of the California State University system on Oct. 1.

Dr. Mildred García.
Dr. Mildred García

We salute Dr. García for her steadfast commitment to the nearly 350 public colleges, universities, and systems she led as president and CEO of AASCU.

She knows firsthand the transformational power higher education has on students, particularly the underrepresented student populations, their families, and the nation. This dedication has been her North Star throughout Dr. García’s long and distinguished career.

We at AASCU wish her nothing but the best as she embarks on her next professional journey to lead California State University, the nation’s largest and most diverse four-year university system.

Dr. García's reflections on five years at AASCU.

The CSU Board of Trustees appointed Dr. Mildred García to serve as the 11th chancellor of the California State University—the first Latina appointed to lead the nation’s largest and most diverse four-year university system.

Dr. Garcia's last staff meeting in September 2023.

Dr. García’s last AASCU all-staff meeting in September 2023.

Dr. Garcia with incoming board chair Ron Rochon and outgoing board chair, Heidi Anderson.
Dr. García with AASCU Board Chair-elect Ron S. Rochon, and current AASCU Board Chair Heidi M. Anderson.
Visiting Luis A. Ferrao Delgado, president of the University of Puerto Rico.
Visiting Luis A. Ferrao Delgado, president of the University of Puerto Rico.
With Chuck Welch, president of the Arkansas State University system.
With former AASCU Board Chair Chuck Welch, president of the Arkansas State University System.
Interviewing Assistant Secretary for Postsecondary Education Nasser Paydar.
Interviewing Assistant Secretary for Postsecondary Education Nasser Paydar.
Dr. García with niece Josie Berchini.
Dr. García on HEGRC panel with AACC President Walter Bumphus, APLU President Mark Becker and UMES President and AASCU Board Chair Heidi M. Anderson.
Dr. García celebrating the Chinese New Year with Madam Xu Xueyuan of the Chinese Embassy in the United States.