The Dean’s Office is pleased to announce this year’s Convocation Ceremony keynote speaker, College of Education alumni and current president of California State University, Fullerton, Dr. Ronald Rochon.

With more than three decades in higher education, Rochon has held a variety of teaching, research, and leadership positions at several major universities. Prior to Cal State Fullerton, he served as the president of the University of Southern Indiana from 2018 to 2024. Rochon has held faculty appointments in educational policy, history, and organizational leadership during his career.

“The opportunity to speak at this year’s College of Education Convocation has humbled me beyond words,” says Rochon. “I am so excited to return to the place where so many amazing selfless thinkers and doers poured into my life both personally and professionally. I am thankful for being allowed to share a brief message with newly minted educators and scholars who are about to leave the University of Illinois to better the world—pouring their intellectual gifts into others—mostly, complete strangers. This is what my Alma Mater continues to do—improve the world, the Illinois way.”

Born and raised on the South Side of Chicago, Illinois, Rochon is a first-generation college graduate. He earned a bachelor’s degree in animal science from Tuskegee University, followed by a master’s degree in animal science and a doctorate in educational policy studies from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

Rochon has dedicated his career to advocating for educational excellence, student success, access, and equity. A collaborative academic leader, he is known for always placing students at the center of his work. He and his wife Lynn’s shared commitment to fostering opportunity and success has made a lasting impact at every institution where they have served. But Rochon says his Alma Mater holds a special place in his heart, forever.

“Being part of this Convocation experience, with my son Ayinde graduating with his Ph.D. from my home department is icing on the cake,” says Rochon. “I’m extremely proud of the work Ayinde has done during his time in the College and cherish the connection through the Illinois experience that we'll always be able to share.”