Dr. Zelezny named president of the year

CSUB president honored by the California State Student Association

By California State University, Bakersfield

May 13^th, 2020

President Lynnette Zelezny, of California State University, Bakersfield was recognized as the Robert C. Maxson President of the Year by the California State Student Association (CSSA), Tuesday afternoon during the CSU Board of Trustees meeting.

President Zelezny is the first president at CSUB to be honored with this recognition.

“I am incredibly humbled and honored to receive the Robert C. Maxson President of the Year award from the California State Student Association,” said President Lynnette Zelezny.

Each year, all 23 campuses are invited to make nominations for top trustee, legislator or president. ASI President Aaron Wan, who leads CSUB’s students, decided to nominate President Zelezny, preparing a presentation and file on President Zelezny’s accomplishments.

“By the end of it, it looked like CSUB deserved the most recognition when it came to the presidency,” President Aaron Wan said.

“I just truly believe she’s the best president the CSU has. I can’t think of anyone else who would be best fit for the position in these types of changes. She really sets a positive tone for everyone at CSUB.”

It was President Zelezny’s view that students are equal partners at CSUB that distinguished her from the other nominees.

“I think what resonated with so many students from the other campuses is Dr. Zelezny’s commitment to shared governance, her dedication to putting students first in the decision-making,” said ASI Executive Director Ilaria Pesco.

Some of Wan’s colleagues throughout the CSU system commented that shared governance was abandoned at some campuses when COVID-19 forced the transition to virtual instruction. But that has not been Wan’s experience with President Zelezny.

“She really believes in the spirit of shared governance. She always puts students in the forefront positions,” Wan said.

Pesco echoed that sentiment.

“The minute everything happened with the pandemic, Aaron was at the table, having conversations. Dr. Zelezny prioritized his voice and having students there. That didn’t happen on the rest of the 23 campuses.”

Pesco added that President Zelezny believes in those ideas 365 days a year, pandemic or no pandemic.

Wan added that the focus on shared governance at CSUB applies not only to students, but faculty and staff as well.

President Zelezny said she was pleasantly surprised to hear the news of her recognition on Thursday.

“The reason I went into higher education was to positively impact the lives of students through scholarship and discovery. To receive this prestigious honor from students in the largest, most diverse public university system in the nation is validation of my life’s work and professional mission. Thank you, students, for this joyous honor. I will cherish it always,” President Zelezny said.

“I want to thank California State University, Bakersfield’s Associated Student President Aaron Wan and all students at CSU Bakersfield for their partnership, passion and pride in making our university a beacon of hope and opportunity for so many,” President Zelezny said.