CSU Board of Trustees Honor Former CSULB Pres.
Former California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) Interim President Donald J. Para was honored at the most recent California State University Board of Trustees meeting. Para recently retired after serving as interim president at CSULB since July 2013 when then–President King Alexander left for Louisiana State University. New president Jane Close Conoley began her duties in July.
Excerpts from the resolution cited Para’s strong support for underserved communities, as well as access and diversity. It also noted his passion for the arts, as demonstrated by establishing the MBA/MFA degree in theatre management, making CSU Long Beach only the second university in the nation to offer this terminal degree.
“I was most fortunate to have been part of Cal State Long Beach for so many years. The great mission of the CSU and CSULB focusing on student success has changed the lives of the graduates and current students,” said Para. “I was honored to serve as interim president and equally honored to receive this resolution with such kind words from the CSU Board of Trustees”
The resolution also recognized Para’s reputation for collaboration and inclusiveness, while calling him the driving force behind the establishment of the Leadership Fellows Program at CSULB.
Para was appointed to the provost position in May 2010, and previously served as interim provost after formally ending his tenure of dean of the College of the Arts in 2009. He was with CSULB for 26 years. Before his appointments at CSULB, Para served as chair of the Department of Music at Cal State Los Angeles.
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Erin Purcell
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