James. M. Rosser, who has served as president of California State University-Los Angeles for the past 33 years, has announced that he retire on June 30, 2013. Rosser has served as the sixth president of the university and professor of healthcare management since 1979.
In making the announcement to an assembly of the university’s faculty, Dr. Rosser stated, “I have had the good fortune to serve this institution in collaboration with an outstanding faculty, administration and staff, past and present. Thank you for the value you have added to my life and for the superlative service we have collectively provided to Cal State L.A., our students, this community, state, and nation.”
President Rosser holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in microbiology and a doctorate in health education, all from Southern Illinois University Carbondale. Prior to becoming president at CalState Los Angeles, he was the vice chancellor of the Department of Education of the State of New Jersey. Earlier he served on the faculty at Southern Illinois University Carbondale and the University of Kansas.
Dr. Rosser,
I was one of those students at SIU, Carbondale when you were the director of the Black Studies Program. I considered you a role model as an African American administrator that I most admired. Eventually I became an English instructor and Chairperson of my department for twenty years. I tried to pattern my self and sense of leadership from your influence. As I now seriously consider retirement, I thank you for providing a positive role for me to follow. I only hope I influenced others in the same manner.
Fritz E. Bush, Jr.