Dr. Joseph I. Castro, the eighth president of California State University, Fresno, died on August 24 at age 58. Castro was recognized as the first Mexican American, first Valley native, and first Californian to serve as president of Fresno State from 2013 to 2020. He later became the first Mexican American chancellor of the California State University system.
Castro’s career began in Hanford and included academic achievements at the University of California, Berkeley and Stanford University before returning to serve in the Central Valley. His work focused on expanding access to higher education, particularly for first-generation students.
During his presidency at Fresno State, Castro encouraged the university community to “be bold” and initiated programs aimed at student success and social mobility. He also promoted support for first-generation students and advocated for both academics and athletics to advance together. Under his leadership, Fresno State achieved higher national rankings in publications such as Washington Monthly and U.S. News & World Report for its efforts in social mobility and improved graduation rates.
Castro is survived by his wife Mary, their sons Isaac and Jess, their daughter Lauren, and daughter-in-law Marilyn.
Those wishing to honor Castro’s legacy are encouraged to contribute to the Castro and Borges Family Basic Needs Endowment Fund at Fresno State.
