Joseph I. Castro, the first Mexican American and first California native to lead the California State University system and Fresno State, died Sunday at age 58 after battling cancer.

Mr. Castro was being treated at the UC Irvine Medical Center, and his family expressed gratitude to the team there for its compassion and professionalism.

He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Mary; his sons, Isaac and Jess; his daughter, Lauren; and his daughter-in-law, Marilyn.

“As his family, we take comfort in knowing that Joe’s life was guided by a desire to open doors of opportunity for others,” his family said in a statement. “From his days as a young child in Head Start to his later years in higher education, he held fast to the belief that education could strengthen families and transform communities. His influence continues in the many people he encouraged, supported, and inspired along the way.

“First and foremost a husband, father, and man of faith, (he) lived with humility, compassion, and devotion to service. He took joy in teaching and mentoring hundreds of students and faculty throughout his 35-year career.”

Mr. Castro was born in Hanford, California, on Nov. 21, 1966, and raised by his single mother and grandparents, who immigrated from Michoacán, Mexico. He was the first in his family to attend college, earning a bachelor’s degree in political science and a master’s degree in public policy from the University of California, Berkeley, and a Ph.D. in higher education leadership and policy from Stanford University.

Related Story: Joe Castro: A Life Cut Far Too Short, but His Legacy Marches On

Community Reacts With Sadness and Praise

Fresno State graduate Erika Rodriguez said in a social media post: “Dr. Castro was a man of great generosity, kind-hearted, and always committed to helping others succeed.

“I had the very great honor to be apart of Dr. Castro’s very first class of President’s Scholars in the Smittcamp Family Honors College. … Over the years as I went on to complete my bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Fresno State, I got to see Dr. Castro on several occasions. My absolute favorite was when my dad got to meet him at the President’s House following a leadership ceremony. Thank you Dr. Castro for shining a light on what can be achieved in the community.”

Educational consultant Angie Barfield wrote of Mr. Castro on Facebook: “He didn’t just invite you to the table, he pulled out your chair and made sure you were comfortable too.”

Fresno State President Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval said that the university would lower its flags to half staff in Mr. Castro’s memory.

” His story — from Hanford to Stanford and back to serve the Valley — inspired and resonated with many, and he dedicated much of his professional life to expanding access to higher education,” Sandoval said in a statement posted on Fresno State’s digital news site.

Sandoval also alluded to the controversy that cut short Mr. Castro’s tenure at CSU chancellor — a political uproar over his alleged mishandling of sexual harassment complaints against a university executive while he was president of Fresno State.

Said Sandoval: “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.”

Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer described Mr. Castro as “a visionary” in a statement.

“I’m deeply saddened to hear of the passing of my dear friend, Joseph Castro,” said Dyer. “He was a visionary in the education sector whose leadership and dedication opened doors for countless students and families across our community.

“He always encouraged students to ‘Be Bold!’ and that spirit will live on through the lives he touched. His legacy of service and passion for creating opportunities will continue to inspire us all. My thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time.”

Said Peter Robertson, the director of Fresno State’s career development center, in a social media post: “Thank you, Dr. Joseph Castro, for leading by example, with your heart, and inspiring others (including me) to do the same. Your support of and uplift to all Fresno State students was a remarkable opportunity for me to witness. It also provided me motivation to enroll in and complete the Doctoral Program in Educational Leadership at Fresno State.”

Rep. Jim Costa said of Mr. Castro: “To me, Joe was more than a colleague; he was a dear friend. I will remember him not only for his many accomplishments, but for his kindness, generosity, and heart. He was a true son of the Valley who never forgot where he came from and never stopped giving back.”

Career Highlights

Mr. Castro began at the University of California Office of Governmental Relations in Sacramento; later held faculty and leadership posts at five UC campuses (Berkeley, Davis, Merced, Santa Barbara, San Francisco). At UCSF, he was vice chancellor of student academic affairs and professor of family and community medicine.

President, Fresno State (2013–2020) – First Mexican American and first native Californian to lead the university. Boosted graduation rates, launched innovative programs, expanded scholarships, and strengthened community partnerships to support student success. Under his leadership, Fresno State earned top national rankings as an engine of social mobility (U.S. News & World Report, Washington Monthly, Money Magazine).

Chancellor, California State University (2021–22) – First Californian and first Mexican American to lead the nation’s largest and most diverse public university system, serving nearly 500,000 students. Highlights of his tenure included securing the largest budget in CSU history (2021–22); launching CSUCCESS, a first-of-its-kind initiative that provided iPad Air devices to as many as 35,000 first-year and transfer students to help close the digital divide; and forging a $50 million public-private partnership with Apple Inc. and Gov. Gavin Newsom to create the Global Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) Equity Innovation Hub.

Later roles – Senior advisor to the president, University of California Office of the President; senior advisor to Sixth Street, a global investment firm; advisory board member, Stanford Graduate School of Education; and consultant to the University of the Pacific.

National Leadership and Recognition

Mr. Castro served on boards including the Lumina Foundation, WASC Senior College and University Commission, the Campaign for College Opportunity, Mountain West Athletic Conference, and College Football Playoff. He also served on the Board of the Stanford Graduate School of Education, receiving its 2016 Alumni Excellence in Education Award.

His honors included the Ohtli Award (the Mexican government’s highest recognition for individuals serving Mexican and Mexican American communities abroad) in 2016, the California State Student Association’s President of the Year Award (2018), the Founders’ Award from the American Association of Hispanics in Higher Education (2021), and Fresno City Council District 4’s Man of the Year (2018), among others.

More Information, Share Memories

More information, including ways to share memories, is posted at https://joseph-castro.com/.