From first-generation college student to the first Latina in the nation to run a four-year public higher education system, Chancellor García is recognized for improving academic outcomes for students across the CSU system
NEW YORK, Feb. 12, 2025 -- California State University Chancellor Mildred García, a first-generation college student turned trailblazer instrumental in helping students across the CSU system achieve academic success by spearheading policies and programs to help improve graduation rates and make college more affordable, is the recipient of the 2025 TIAA Institute Hesburgh Award for Leadership Excellence in Higher Education.
The award is sponsored by TIAA Institute, the research division of TIAA, a leading provider of secured retirements for the not-for-profit market and administered by the American Council on Education (ACE).
Named after the former president of the University of Notre Dame and longtime TIAA board member, Rev. Theodore M. Hesburgh, C.S.C., the award is presented each year to a current college or university president or chancellor for outstanding leadership of their institution and broad impact on higher education and society.
"The California State University's 23 institutions are rated among the best in the nation on affordability and for promoting social mobility—and Chancellor García has played an enormous role in making that happen," said Surya Kolluri, Head of TIAA Institute. "The first in her family to earn a college degree, she has inspired countless students through her trailblazing career and visionary leadership."
García became the university's 11th chancellor in 2023, making her the first Latina in the nation to run a four-year public higher education system, but her dedication to student achievement began long before becoming chancellor.
For nearly two decades, Chancellor García has championed for students across CSU by building partnerships to improve academic outcomes.
Chancellor García is accredited with improving graduation rates and nearly tripling new philanthropic gift commitments during her time as president of CSU Fullerton. She also served as the first Latina president at CSU Dominquez Hills where she increased retention rates for first year and transfer students, eliminated a structural deficit of $2.8 million and exceeded enrollment targets. Chancellor García also increased alumni donors and donations and obtained the university's first endowed professorship.
"The arc of Mildred García's life and career exemplifies the transformational power of education and reflects Rev. Hesburgh's commitment to student success and institutional excellence," said Ted Mitchell, ACE President and TIAA Board Member. "From a first-gen college student to the dynamic leader of the nation's largest four-year public university system, Millie has focused her considerable acumen and deep compassion on advocating for her students and expanding the pipeline of creative and dedicated higher education leaders. I am proud to call Millie a dear friend and valued colleague."
In 2014, Chancellor García opened the first Dreamer Center at CSU Fullerton – a resource center that supports undocumented, mixed-status families, and allies in the CSU system.
As a first-generation college student of Puerto Rican descent, Chancellor García fulfilled the dream of many, while creating pathways to a lifetime of achievement for students to follow.
"I am deeply honored and profoundly humbled to receive this prestigious award," said Mildred García, Chancellor, The California State University. "It is especially meaningful given that Reverend Hesburgh so wonderfully embodied the core values that I hold dear, and that I will continue to aspire to on behalf of the diverse and talented students I so proudly serve."
Established in 1993, the Hesburgh Award recognizes leadership and commitment to higher education and contributions to the greater good. It's presented to a current college or university president or chancellor who embodies the spirit of the late Rev. Hesburgh, who was appointed by President Eisenhower to the newly created Civil Rights Commission. The winner is selected by an independent panel of judges. To learn more, visit TIAA's Awards page.
About TIAA Institute
The TIAA Institute is a think-tank within TIAA, conducting cutting-edge research in the areas of financial literacy and longevity literacy, lifetime income, retirement plan design and behavioral finance in the context of retirement. The Institute provides consulting services for higher education and the broader nonprofit sector. For more information, visit www.tiaainstitute.org.
About TIAA
TIAA is a leading provider1 of secure retirements and outcome-focused investment solutions to millions of people and thousands of institutions. It shared $5 billion with participants in 2023, on top of the stated guarantees, and has $1.4 trillion in assets under management (as of 12/31/2024)2.
About California State University
The California State University is the nation's largest four-year public university system, providing transformational opportunities for upward mobility to more than 460,000 students from all socioeconomic backgrounds. More than half of CSU students are from traditionally underrepresented backgrounds, and more than one-quarter of undergraduates are first-generation college students.
About the American Council on Education
ACE is a membership organization that leads higher education with a united vision for the future, galvanizing our members to make change and collaborating across the sector to design solutions for today's challenges, serve the needs of a diverse student population, and shape effective public policy. As the major coordinating body for the nation's colleges and universities, our strength lies in our diverse membership of more than 1,600 colleges and universities, related associations, and other organizations in America and abroad. ACE is the only major higher education association to represent all types of U.S. accredited, degree-granting colleges and universities. For more information, please visit www.acenet.edu or follow ACE on X (formerly known as Twitter) @ACEducation and LinkedIn american-council-on-education
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1 As of June 3, 2024. Based on data in PLANSPONSOR's 2024 DC Recordkeeping Survey, #1 by total 403(b) assets and #1 by 403(b) ERISA plans.
2 As of December 31, 2024, assets under management across Nuveen Investments affiliates and TIAA investment management teams are $1,387 billion.
TIAA Institute is a division of Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association of America (TIAA), New York, NY.
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