UPDATE: Cal Poly Humboldt has officially welcomed its new president, Dr. Richard Carvajal, this week, marking a significant milestone for the university. Carvajal, previously president of Valdosta State University in Georgia, is the first Latino to lead the institution and aims to drive ambitious enrollment growth amid a challenging funding landscape.
Carvajal brings a wealth of experience and a personal connection to Humboldt County, where he spent part of his childhood. “This is home for me,” Carvajal stated during an exclusive interview on Friday. He shared his journey from humble beginnings, including periods of homelessness, to becoming a leader in higher education. “I called the back seat of a 1973 Ford Thunderbird my home,” he recalled, emphasizing his commitment to supporting vulnerable students.
The university recently achieved a remarkable 3.8% enrollment growth, nearly double the California State University (CSU) system’s average. Carvajal’s immediate focus will be to sustain this upward trajectory, aiming to nearly double enrollment from just over 5,000 students in the 2021-22 academic year. “We are in the opportunity business,” he declared, highlighting the transformative power of education for students eager to build their futures in the North Coast region.
As part of his outreach, Carvajal kicked off his presidency with “Donut Day,” engaging with students and staff to foster community relations. He plans to be actively involved in campus life, attending various events to understand the needs and aspirations of the university community. “I want to hear from them. What do they love, so that we can protect and enhance it?” he remarked.
Carvajal’s leadership style is characterized by inclusivity and collaboration, a point emphasized by Leslie Gilbert-Lurie, CSU trustee and chair of the presidential search committee, who praised his “proven record of spurring growth and fostering positive change.” This approach is expected to be crucial as Cal Poly Humboldt navigates the evolving educational landscape.
With a historic polytechnic designation recently granted, Carvajal sees this as a pivotal moment for the university. He is committed to ensuring that academic programs are responsive to the needs of students and the community. “We want more and more folks to get to that special day, that life-changing day of commencement,” he stated, underscoring his dedication to student success.
As Carvajal settles into his new role, many are watching closely to see how he will balance growth with quality education in a rapidly changing environment. The coming months will be critical as he outlines his strategic vision and works to solidify Cal Poly Humboldt’s reputation as a leading institution in higher education.
Stay tuned for further updates on Dr. Carvajal’s initiatives and the university’s plans for the future.
