Legacy Gala

Champion for Student Success

President Morales expanded academic support programs and launched innovative summer bridge initiatives that significantly strengthened student success. During his tenure, the four-year graduation rate more than doubled, rising from 12.5% for the Fall 2012 cohort to 27.6% for the Fall 2021 cohort. Pell-eligible student graduation rates increased from 8.7% to 27%, and transfer student two-year graduation rates improved from 31.4% to 46.6%, reflecting a sustained commitment to access, equity, and completion.

Record-Breaking Fundraising & Endowment Growth

He successfully completed CSUSB’s first comprehensive fundraising campaign, raising $54 million and helping propel the university’s endowment from $19.2 million to $67.8 million — a 253% increase during his tenure — significantly expanding support for student scholarships, academic programs, faculty excellence, and strategic campus priorities.

Advancing Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Dr. Morales established CSUSB’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Board, reinforcing the university’s commitment to inclusive excellence and representation.

Regional Educational Leadership

He spearheaded the first truly bi-county college attainment initiative, leading to the founding of Growing Inland Achievement, a 501(c)(3) organization that has raised more than $25 million to improve educational outcomes across the region.