Sacramento State President Luke Wood addressed the campus community on August 21, outlining his vision and priorities for the coming academic year during the annual Fall Address. Speaking in the University Ballroom, Wood acknowledged ongoing challenges with state funding and federal policies but emphasized that Sacramento State is continuing to adapt and serve its students.
During his remarks, Wood introduced four main initiatives designed to guide the university through current financial pressures. These include helping students receive a “return on investment” from their education, achieving greater financial independence from state budget fluctuations, building Sacramento State into a national brand, and fostering an environment of hope and dignity for all members of the campus community.
“The light that shines here at Sacramento State is far greater than the darkness of our times,” Wood said.
Wood described efforts underway to implement these initiatives. To prepare students for future careers, he cited increased internship opportunities and new courses focusing on Artificial Intelligence and other emerging fields. The university also aims to become less reliant on state funding by streamlining operations and allocating resources more strategically.
In pursuit of national recognition, Sacramento State has recruited high-profile athletic coaches such as former Sacramento King Mike Bibby and football coach Brennan Marion. The university hopes that successful sports programs will help elevate its profile across the country.
The president also highlighted ongoing work to support Native American repatriation efforts as part of broader moves to create a culture rooted in dignity and accessibility. Additional resources have been directed toward expanding Cultural and Academic Resource Centers, enhancing mental health support services, and strengthening basic needs programs for students, faculty, and staff.
These steps are intended to ensure “creating a campus culture where dignity and accessibility isn’t an afterthought; it’s foundational to everything we do,” Wood said.
On the same day as the address, nearly 1,000 new students attended Convocation ceremonies welcoming them into what is known as the Hornet Family. Among them was Courtney Tanksley, a Sociology transfer student from Cosumnes Community College who brought her eight-year-old daughter along.
“I’m older and I wanted to show my kids a little bit of the college experience and show them how college can be,” she said. “And it’s also a celebration for myself. Even though it may be a late milestone, it’s still a celebration, and I want to be part of this University.”
Jennifer K Morita contributed reporting for this story.
