President Emeritus

J. Michael Ortiz led the university to increased graduation rates, to improved student access to educational programs and to numerous citations for academic excellence. He also enhanced the quality of student life on campus. By 2013-14, enrollment had increased to approximately 22,500 students.

Significant building projects completed include the addition of a three-building complex of student residential suites, a renovated and expanded University Library, a new College of Business Administration complex, a new Veteran’s Resource Center and the Bronco Recreation and Intramural Center. Several building projects received LEED designation, demonstrating the university’s continued commitment to sustainability.

Ortiz is credited with securing the largest cash gift in the history of the CSU system, a $42 million donation in 2011 from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation to serve underrepresented students, including military veterans and former foster youth. A champion for first-generation and underrepresented students, Ortiz worked with the CSU Chancellor’s Office to expand its black, Latino and Asian American Pacific Islander initiatives.