Editors’ note: San José State University’s influence extends far beyond the four corners of Washington Square. As the oldest public university in the West, SJSU has continually adjusted to meet the needs of the changing times. Looking ahead over the next decade, the Transformation 2030 strategic plan has (including through a worldwide pandemic) and will continue to guide the university forward. The following is an excerpt from one of President Mary A. Papazian’s final messages (before she steps down from SJSU’s presidency) about how Transformation 2030 had been truly transformative for SJSU.

As I prepare to speak at my final commencement ceremonies in December and step down from my role as president at San José State at the end of the year, I would like to reflect on Transformation 2030 and the incredible progress we have made in making this a living, breathing, actionable strategic plan.

Most of us were working exclusively at home during the pandemic, so it might be understandable if some members of our campus community assumed we might hit the “pause button” on Transformation 2030 during that period. It is an understatement to say that was not the case.

In fact, the laser-like manner in which SJSU’s faculty and staff has remained focused on the plan’s 10-year goals — even in the midst of so much change and transition — has greatly impressed me. I have, for a long time, known that our faculty and staff are second to none, and their resolute commitment to supporting our educational mission and to reaching our goals during such a turbulent 18 months truly is awe-inspiring.

Our newly refreshed Transformation 2030 website tells the story, with current and detailed updates that reflect its ongoing implementation. So rather than summarizing those updates here, I instead encourage you to review the site and learn for yourself about the amazing progress that has been made to date. As the name implies, SJSU is transforming before our very eyes.

Want to learn more?

Read President Papazian’s full blog post

Top photo: Javier Duarte/Aerial view of San José State University and downtown San José.