CSUSB President Tomás D. Morales Announces Departure After Transformative 13-Year Tenure

California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB) is set for a significant transition as President Tomás D. Morales announced on August 21 that he will conclude his distinguished 51-year career in higher education at the end of the 2025-26 academic year. This pivotal announcement, made during the university’s Convocation, marks the end of an era for CSUSB and the broader Inland Empire region, highlighting a presidency defined by remarkable growth and development.

A Legacy of Strategic Growth and Campus Expansion at CSUSB

President Morales’ tenure at CSUSB has been characterized by unprecedented progress in institutional advancement, fundraising, and infrastructure development. Under his steadfast leadership, the university successfully completed a $54 million fundraising campaign, which effectively doubled its endowment and fortified its financial stability. Furthermore, a second fundraising campaign, currently in progress, is already surpassing its initial goals, demonstrating robust donor confidence in CSUSB's promising future.

Beyond impressive financial achievements, President Morales consistently prioritized campus expansion. He oversaw the strategic addition of over 552,000 square feet of new space across both the San Bernardino and Palm Desert campuses. These significant developments have substantially enhanced facilities for students, faculty, and staff, underscoring CSUSB's enduring commitment to providing a modern, supportive learning environment for all.

Championing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) at California State University, San Bernardino

A fundamental aspect of President Morales’ leadership at CSUSB was his profound dedication to fostering an inclusive campus community. He was instrumental in establishing a dedicated Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Board, which implemented proactive measures to address systemic inequities and actively promote a welcoming environment for every student. This vital initiative truly exemplifies CSUSB's mission to offer transformative opportunities for underrepresented communities.

Making a Regional Impact Through Collaborative Leadership in Higher Education

President Morales’ influential leadership extended well beyond the confines of CSUSB. He played a pivotal role in co-founding Growing Inland Achievement, a prominent regional organization. This initiative has successfully secured over $25 million dedicated to significantly improving college attainment rates across the Inland Empire. His leadership in this collaborative effort clearly demonstrates his unwavering commitment to expanding educational access and strengthening the region’s vital workforce within higher education.

A Distinguished Career Leading Higher Education Institutions

Prior to his transformative role as University President at CSUSB, Tomás D. Morales held several other key leadership positions in higher education. These included serving as President of the College of Staten Island (CUNY) and as Provost at Cal Poly Pomona. His extensive experience and a proven track record of successful leadership have undoubtedly positioned CSUSB for continued excellence, innovation, and sustained growth.

The Search for a New University President to Lead CSUSB Forward

The California State University (CSU) Board of Trustees will now initiate a comprehensive search for President Morales’ successor. This process will ensure significant campus community input to select a new University President who deeply aligns with CSUSB’s core values and strategic vision. While President Morales’ departure marks the conclusion of a remarkable era, it also presents an exciting opportunity for CSUSB to build on his enduring legacy and further advance its standing as a premier institution of higher education.