Vernon B. Harper Jr. has been officially appointed as the permanent president of California State University, Bakersfield (CSUB), following his interim role since late 2023. His confirmation came during a recent meeting of the California State University board of trustees, which also tackled financial difficulties within the system, including a projected budget shortfall of $400 million to $800 million for the 2025-26 fiscal year due to expected funding cuts.
Strategies for Addressing Budget Reductions
Harper has indicated that CSUB aims to reduce the impact of these budget reductions on students. An increase in student enrollment by 4% to 5% this year is expected to help lessen financial pressures. Harper’s strategy involves bolstering support for high school graduates and community college transfers from Kern County, who generally have lower college readiness levels compared to state averages.
Collaboration with Local K-12 Schools
To address this, CSUB collaborates with local K-12 schools to improve student eligibility for college through the A-G requirements. Harper plans to enhance academic support through initiatives such as the CSUB teacher education program and a pilot program aimed at informing middle school students about guaranteed admission opportunities based on their academic achievements.
Challenges and Outreach for Underrepresented Communities
Despite advancements in graduation rates, challenges remain, particularly for underrepresented communities. This has led to the implementation of additional outreach and support systems, including the Umoja program for Black students.
Looking Ahead
Harper’s presidency begins at a challenging time for the CSU system, which is grappling with significant financial constraints. However, he remains optimistic about advancing student success and strengthening community engagement.
Source: EdSource