Dr. Berenecea Johnson Eanes is focused on meaningful conversations that lead her institution forward.
For the past 18 years of her distinguished career in higher education, Eanes has worked at public institutions. After more than four years as president of York College, City University of New York, in January 2024 she became the ninth president of California State University, Los Angeles (Cal State LA), the first woman to serve in the position.
“I very much think it has been invigorating for me over the years to see the data-driven decisions that lead us to doing things with our students that are amazing,” she says. “Although public higher education can be challenging, it is gratifying, rewarding and impactful in ways that are measurable and not measurable.”
Having served as vice president for student affairs at Cal State, Fullerton, from 2012–19, Eanes was familiar with the Cal State system. Her inspiration to take on the presidency of Cal State LA was fueled by its mission of fortifying the workforce of California, serving students who are first-generation, low-income and from underrepresented groups, having stellar faculty and committing to the student experience.
Dr. Berenecea Johnson Eanes
“The campus itself has a rich history in the community of East Los Angeles and is an anchor institution for that community,” Eanes says.
The California State University system is piloting direct admissions, in which students will not have to go through the traditional admission application process. Eanes appreciates the innovative approach and hopes it is successful, but understands like any pilot program, issues may arise. “It is a dynamic, bold and good step in the right direction,” she says. “You have to try something to get any outcome.”
Eanes is interested in participating in thought projects that examine actual experiences. These include looking at enrollment patterns, the impact of the pandemic on public higher education and the national conversations about the value of higher education. Taking a hard look yields conversation and research that then become the foundation for the future of public higher education.
