Cal State Student Association - CSSA

CSSA takes distinct honor in recognizing these extraordinary leaders who have demonstrated their commitment and dedication in helping support students during their academic journey.

Congratulations👏 to our 2025-26 CSSA Award Recipients 🎉:
🏆Bob Linscheid Trustee of the Year: Dr. Yammilette Rodriguez, CSU, Board of Trustees
🏆Administrator of the Year: Dr. Carolyn O’Keefe, CSU Office of the Chancellor
🏆Robert C. Maxson President of the Year: Dr. J. Luke Wood, California State University, Sacramento
🏆Faculty Excellence: Dr. Mary Currin-Percival, San José State University
🏆Student Advocate of the Year: Tanner Schinderle, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo

Every year CSSA student leaders select honorees in each category, recognizing individuals who have made exceptional contributions and created a positive impact across their university and throughout the CSU system.

We appreciate the awardees for making a meaningful difference in the lives of students and the communities they serve. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with all of you and advancing our efforts in cultivating a more supportive environment for students today and for generations to come.

Meet the newly elected 2026-27 California State Student Association (CSSA) Executive Officers! June 1 marked their first day serving in their new roles. 👏🎉
◾️President Artur Gafurov
◾️Chair Tia Saunders
◾️Vice President of Finance Brandon Trigo Foley
◾️Vice President of Legislative Affairs Rodrigo Rojas Garfias
◾️Vice President of Systemwide Affairs Ashely Smith

The team is excited to advocate for the 470,000 plus students across the 22 California State Universities on vital issues such as affordability, financial aid, basic needs, wellness and mental health support services, student success and more.

Please help us congratulate the team as they enter their Exec era 🤏 this academic year with CSSA. Let’s go! ⭐️

We extend our congratulations 🎉 to Senator Sasha Renée Pérez () on being honored as CSSA’s 🏆 2026 Legislator of the Year.

Presented by the 2025–26 Executive Officers at CSSA’s 2026 California Higher Education Student Summit (CHESS), these awards recognize their outstanding leadership and steadfast dedication to advancing higher education and supporting student success.

We thank her 👏 for her continued advocacy and partnership serving California’s college students, and look forward to continuing this important work together.

The clock is ticking! Register to vote or update your registration for the 2026 Primary Election at registertovote.ca.gov/collegestudents. For the full toolkit visit the link in our bio!

Applications are now open for the Cal State Student Association’s (CSSA) 2026-27 Executive Officer positions! Executive Officers work collaboratively with students to advance CSU student priorities in higher education policymaking at the systemwide, state
and federal levels.

Each role carries defined responsibilities and a one-year term of service. The following are open CSSA leadership positions:
◽️President
◽️Chair
◽️Vice President of Finance
◽️Vice President of Legislative Affairs
◽️Vice President of Systemwide Affairs

For detailed information on eligibility requirements and how to apply, please click the link🔗here ➡️ https://calstatestudents.org/involvement/elections/ . The deadline to apply is 🗓️ Friday, March 27, 2026 at 5 p.m. And, feel free to connect with current Executive Officers and/or staff to learn more about each role.

Help make a difference to improve the lives of over 450,000 CSU students.

The CSU Student Trustee application deadline is quickly approaching – 🚨we are less than a week away.🚨

We are looking for leaders who are committed and ready to advocate for our diverse and ever-evolving CSU community at the highest governing level.

Think you’re a great fit or know someone who is? If so, please click the link in our bio to learn more and apply today!

📅Deadline: Monday, Jan. 26, 2026, by 5 p.m.