Ushering in a new era at Fresno State University, the 8th President, Dr. Joseph Castro, took the podium for the first time.
"I am 100 percent dedicated to helping students succeed at Fresno State," Castro said.
The Hanford native hit a note among his counter parts.
"This work is deeply personal to me as the first Valley native to serve as president of Fresno State," Castro said.
With 19 days on the job, Castro gave a look at his ideas for the future, including more open and honest communication.
"I have a lot of twitter followers. I think I'm getting close to 900 now; it's been a lot of fun. A great way to connect with students and it doesn't replace the personal interactions that are needed," Castro said.
Doctor Castro also wants to embrace technology and get tablets into the hands of students.
He is also making student success and increasing the number of graduates a top priority. Although the state budget is stable this year, he says there is work to be done.
"Private support is crucial to our mission to serve students and our fundraising efforts will continue in earnest," Castro said.
Castro says to meet the growing demands for education in the Valley; it will take everyone to help pave the future for Fresno State.
"I know with your help we can make Fresno State an even greater university for the generations to come," Castro said.
Castro says even though he studied the Fresno State presidency, now that he's in office, there never seems to be enough time.
