This story was updated on Aug. 26 with more information.

Castro’s Legacy

Castro was born in Hanford, California, and was raised by his grandparents and mother, according to his CSU biography. He acknowledges their hard work as a reason that led Castro to attend the University of California, Berkeley. 

As Fresno State president, Castro implemented many influential programs that are still assisting students today. 

In 2014, he implemented DISCOVERe, a program that offers devices such as iPads and Surface Gos for students and faculty. What started as a service to 900 students has grown to over 7,000 students served today.

Another notable program Castro implemented during his tenure was the Amendola Family Student Cupboard as a way to combat the increasing food insecurity that was surrounding Fresno State’s campus. Since its implementation in 2014, there have been over 500,000 visits to the Student Cupboard, serving over 30,000 students. 

As the first Latino president of Fresno State, Castro was an advocate for first-generation students and more diversity within the campus. During his first year as president in 2013, Hispanic students made up 38.8% of the student population. By the end of his tenure, Hispanic students made up 53% of the student population. 

Although Castro had a short tenure as CSU chancellor, he helped secure a budget of $7.4 billion for the CSU, the largest budget in CSU history. 

After Castro stepped down as chancellor, he continued to serve in leadership positions such as senior advisor to the president at the University of California Office of the President and board member at the Stanford University Graduate School of Education.

Those who wish to share their memories and condolences for Castro can go to his memorial website.

ORIGINAL STORY (posted Aug. 25)

Joseph Castro, former Fresno State president and California State University (CSU) chancellor, is dead at 58 after a long battle with cancer.

Castro served as Fresno State president from 2013-20. In 2020, he was appointed by the CSU Board of Trustees to serve as the CSU chancellor.

His wife, Mary Castro, posted a tribute to her late husband.

In 2022, Castro was under scrutiny for how he handled sexual misconduct allegations against former Fresno State Vice President Frank Lamas, who was accused of sexual harassment, bullying and workplace retaliation while serving alongside Castro.

During the fallout, Castro ultimately resigned from his position as CSU chancellor.

A year later, Castro became a public policy professor at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo but resigned due to his increasing health issues.

Fresno State President Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval released a statement about Castro to the university.

“Dr. Castro made history as the first person of color to serve as president of Fresno State and later as the first Valley native, first Californian and first person of color to lead the California State University system as chancellor,” Jiménez-Sandoval said. “While his tenure in leadership included moments that prompted important conversations within our community, we mark his passing with compassion and care for all who loved him.”

Jiménez-Sandoval said that Fresno State will be lowering its flags to half-staff to honor Castro’s life.

This story will be updated.