CSU Chancellor Timothy White announces 2020 retirement

California State University Chancellor Timothy White announced Tuesday that he plans to retire next year after heading the university system since 2012.

White will continue as chancellor through the end of June 2020, and the CSU Board of Trustees is starting a search for his replacement.

According to CSU officials, graduation rates for both first-time and transfer students in the system are at all-time highs, and CSU’s general fund allocation has increased from $2.3 billion to $3.6 billion during White’s tenure.

CSU board chairman Adam Day said in a statement:

“Chancellor White has helped guide the CSU through a period of restoration and ensured that the state’s renewed investment in the university is repaid by creating opportunity for more students and preparing more graduates for California’s workforce to help power our economy.” 

According to CSU officials, White has championed diversity in the university system, and as a native of Argentina who immigrated with his family to the U.S. at the age of 8, has called for the federal government to find a permanent solution for students and employees affected by the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals policy.

White attended Diablo Valley College, earned his bachelor’s degree at Fresno State, his master’s degree from CSU East Bay and his doctorate from University of California at Berkeley.

The CSU Board of Trustees will begin its search for White’s replacement with a listening tour in November and December, including forums to be held across the state.