As Sacramento State’s eighth president, Nelsen oversaw a historic rise in graduation rates and the University’s growing influence in the region. He will retire in July 2023.
Building on lessons from her parents, Salma Pacheco, atop a notably diverse collection of student leaders, offers an ambitious agenda as the University celebrates its role as a Hispanic Serving Institution.
The Sac State senior, who plans to open a nonprofit for families escaping domestic violence, is one of 23 students selected for the CSU’s highest recognition of student accomplishment.
He used his annual speech kicking off the academic year to highlight the University’s impact and growth since its founding in 1947, and to outline plans for what comes next.