SAN FRANCISCO — As an immigrant growing up in California in the early 1960s, Dr. Timothy P. White harbored no college aspirations until he was nearly finished with high school. His father had entered the workforce full-time after high school and expected him to follow suit.
But because he had many college-bound friends, the younger White broached the subject with his parents, who were swayed by the low cost of community college. He attended the two-year Diablo Valley College and transferred to Fresno State University for his bachelor’s degree.
Now, as chancellor of the 23-campus California State University system, White goes out of his way to ask students about their experiences and backgrounds, their needs and career hopes.
