CSUS presidential candidate Alexander Gonzalez spoke in an open forum on campus in front of about 200 students and faculty yesterday and told the crowd how he envisions Sac State’s future.

Gonzalez said he would like to see CSUS find a better image.

“I want people to think of the state capital when they think of Sac State,” said Gonzalez. “I think it will be very valuable for this institution to find its niche.”

Gonzalez said his primary reason for wanting to lead the university is that it is his duty. He has 23 years of experience with the CSU system, and has been the president of CSU San Marcos since 1997.

He also looks forward to increasing the number of Latinos on campus. Only 12 percent of the students enrolled at CSUS are Latino.

“We can look at student issues through outreach and strategic planning, and hopefully raise the number of Latinos enrolling in college,” said Gonzalez.

Some attendees were skeptical, though, on Gonzalez’s talk of outreach since the recent proposed budget cuts, aiming to cut outreach by 50 percent. Gonzalez said he would like to see outreach looked upon as a function of the university that should be affected as least as possible.

Gonzalez also emphasized the idea of realigning academic and student affairs in order to increase effectiveness.

“If we realign the two, it may even create new positions,” said Gonzalez. “It will only improve things and help students in the long run.”

Gonzalez spoke of his experiences with fund raising at CSU San Marcos. He said fund raising is a very crucial part of the job, especially with the expected budget cuts.

One attendee asked Gonzalez how he would implement a plan to retain more students.

“We need to get students directly involved with faculty, and to make the campus an even more inviting environment. Getting students involved in student government and various campus-wide activities is a very important part of that,” said Gonzalez.

When asked what his true vision is, Gonzalez answered, “My true vision is trying to produce the best qualified individuals who are going into the workforce. I want to see them graduate and to become productive members of the state.”

Gonzalez’s experience includes having provided 18 years of service at Fresno State as a professor of psychology, provost and vice president. He has been president at CSU San Marcos since 1998 and has a total of nearly 24 years under his belt with the CSU system.

Candidate J. Clark Kelso spoke at an open forum on Tuesday and candidate Karen S. Haynes will speak on Friday.

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