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Guidance through adversity

The president’s most challenging work, however, has taken place well beyond the reach of red ribbons and oversized scissors.

Not long after her arrival in 2014, reports began to surface that the state’s housing crisis was resulting in rising student homelessness across California. In response, ��ɫ���� rolled out a Basic Needs Program to address housing shortages, food insecurity and other student emergencies. Conoley played a significant role in expanding the program to include Laurén Chalmers ’83 Beach Pantry and Rapid Rehousing, and, by 2018, the program had become one of the most comprehensive in the CSU system, helping hundreds of students secure stable housing and stay in school.

As difficult as it was to navigate the housing crisis, though, it paled in comparison to the COVID-19 pandemic, which required that more than 30,000 students be educated remotely for 18 months. 

I think the pandemic made us a more compassionate university.

The monumental shift pushed ��ɫ���� to rapidly expand its technological capabilities, from launching a laptop and hotspot loan program to supporting 97% of coursework in remote formats — a dramatic increase from just 3% pre-pandemic. Virtual labs, adaptive learning tools and new faculty coaching models transformed how education is delivered at The Beach, and the many hardships and mental health repercussions of the pandemic resulted in a host of new support systems across campus. 

“I think the pandemic made us a more compassionate university,” Conoley said when the campus reopened in September 2021. 

Key achievements

While it’s difficult to pinpoint exactly what Conoley will be remembered for most, her tenure is marked by numerous significant achievements, including:

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  President's Joint Commission 
  Conoley prioritizes Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility (DEIA) initiatives that foster a sense of belonging among all students, faculty and staff, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, sexuality, gender identity, immigration status or disability. Among other things, she established a trio of presidential commissions to help tackle social justice issues. The President's Equity and Change Commission addresses the need for systemic inequities, minority representation and DEIA professional development and training; the �ʰ���������Գ�’s Commission on the Status of Women strives for gender equity; and the �ʰ���������Գ�’s Commission on Sustainability implements renewable energy projects, waste reduction programs, sustainable transportation, green buildings and environmental education.
   

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  Fundraising and Beach 2030
  One of Conoley’s defining achievements has been her success in fundraising, as she helped launch the two largest campaigns in university history: the Declare campaign, which raised $238 million, and the No Barriers campaign, which surpassed its $275 million goal by raising over $313 million. Both campaigns funded new scholarships, expanded academic programs and enhanced campus facilities — key components of Beach 2030 Strategic Plan, which Conoley devised as a roadmap positioning The Beach as a leader in equity, sustainability, student empowerment and community engagement.
   

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  The Long Beach Housing Promise
  As part of a broader effort to address housing insecurity among students, Conoley signed a memorandum of understanding, titled the Long Beach Housing Promise, with city leaders in 2023 to create affordable housing for students and their families. In June, ��ɫ���� broke ground on a new 424-bed residence hall — La Playa Hall — which will enable campus-wide housing to accommodate more than 400 students who are experiencing housing insecurity. 
   

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  Beach Wellness
  Beach Wellness was launched in 2018 to serve as a central hub for health support on campus. The comprehensive plan includes dozens of initiatives aimed at improving students' mental health and wellbeing. It is part of the university's effort to create a supportive campus environment, and Conoley has consistently guided The Beach toward a more holistic approach to student success. Acknowledging this commitment to prioritizing and promoting the mental well-being of it students, ��ɫ���� was recognized with the Active Minds Healthy Campus Award in 2016. 
   

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  Beach XP
  Conoley is credited with establishing the Beach XP program in 2023. Short for Beach Experience, Beach XP is a learning community modeled after BUILD and designed for first-time, first-year students with the goal of raising student retention and closing the achievement gap. Beach XP fosters connections among peers while providing personalized support and resources from day one. It includes smaller class sizes, college-specific cohorts, mentoring and social activities. 

García noted Conoley’s success in creating “a more diverse and inclusive campus environment, as evidenced by the university being named a Center for Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation by the American Association of Colleges and Universities.” And she applauded the No Barriers’ campaign for raising $37 million over its goal, an achievement she said “clearly shows an institution that has the respect and enthusiastic support of its alumni, the extended campus community and the region it serves.”

“I offer President Conoley my heartfelt gratitude and deep admiration for her remarkable leadership, García wrote. “Cal State Long Beach is a stronger and more vital institution for her service, and I wish her the very best in her life’s next chapter.

As for her own closing remarks Monday, Conoley reminded all students, faculty and staff that she is not going anywhere just yet and looks forward to “our remaining work together.”

“You are in my heart,” she said, “now and in the future.”

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