URGENT UPDATE: Cal Poly Humboldt has officially welcomed its new president, Dr. Richard Carvajal, who started his role earlier this week. Carvajal, previously the president of Valdosta State University in Georgia, is making history as the university’s first Latino president.
This transition is significant for the university, which recently achieved a notable 3.8% enrollment growth, nearly double that of the California State University (CSU) system. Carvajal’s leadership is expected to drive further enrollment expansion while addressing the challenges of a changing funding landscape.
In a press release, CSU trustee and presidential search committee chair Leslie Gilbert-Lurie praised Carvajal’s “proven record of spurring growth and fostering positive change.” Carvajal, who spent much of his childhood in Humboldt County, brings a deeply personal connection to the area, having grown up working in his father’s janitorial business in Eureka.
Reflecting on his roots, Carvajal shared, “This is home for me. I grew up here… it’s a place that made me into me.” His experiences, including times of homelessness during his youth, provide him with a unique insight into the challenges faced by many students today. “We’re in the opportunity business,” he emphasized, highlighting the transformative power of education.
As he embarks on his new role, Carvajal aims to ensure that more students can experience the life-changing moment of graduation. “Commencement is my favorite day of every year,” he stated. “If we’re really doing our job… then we have many of those students who want to stay here and make their life here.”
Carvajal is keen to balance growth with maintaining the quality of education. He is focused on developing sustainable enrollment strategies, aiming to nearly double the student body from a low of just over 5,000 students in the 2021-22 academic year. “We have had several years of declining enrollment… but we are now on an upward trajectory,” he noted.
In an effort to connect with the university community, Carvajal kicked off his presidency with a “Donut Day,” inviting students and staff to engage with him personally. He expressed his commitment to being accessible, stating, “I want our students to know who their president is.”
Looking forward, Carvajal aims to guide Cal Poly Humboldt through a changing educational landscape and enhance the academic experience. He described the university’s recent polytechnic designation as a historic investment in its future.
As Dr. Carvajal settles into his role, the community is eager to see how his initiatives will shape the university’s trajectory. With ambitious goals for both enrollment growth and educational excellence, all eyes will be on Cal Poly Humboldt as it embarks on this new chapter.
For continuous updates on Dr. Carvajal’s initiatives and their impact on Cal Poly Humboldt, stay tuned.
