Who is Ronald Rochon, new president of Cal State Fullerton?

Ronald Rochon, 64, joined Cal State Fullerton in July.

Salary: Rochon’s salary, effective on his start date, was $498,130, according to a CSU chancellor document.

His compensation package includes a $1,000 auto allowance and standard benefits for executive classified employees, including reimbursement for travel and relocation expenses.

Favorite book: “The Education of Blacks in the South, 1860-1935,” written by Dr. James D. Anderson of the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign.

Mentors: Anderson, who was part of the Educational Policy Studies Department at the University of Illinois when Rochon studied there, and Dr. Janice Bahr with the University of Illinois, who taught animal physiology. Bahr frequently encouraged Ronchon to take “opportunity” and “be present and bring your best.”

Hobby: Cooking on “Big Green Egg” charcoal grill. His favorite dish is salmon cooked on cedar wood.

Exercise: Treadmill, four times a week.

Most famous person he’s met: Colin Powell, diplomat and four-star U.S. Army general who was the 65th secretary of state from 2001 to 2005. “He talked about the significance of humility while leading,” according to Rochon. Powell died in 2021.

Family: His wife is Lynn, and son, Ayinde, 27, is completing his doctorate degree at the University of Illinois. Daughter Nia, 24, just earned a Master’s in Business Administration with an emphasis in marketing from the University of Southern Indiana.

Where he lives: El Dorado Ranch, 225 W. Union Ave., Fullerton. In 1989, the Chapman family donated the 4.5-acre property to Cal State Fullerton to serve as the residence for the CSUF president.

Credentials: President of the University of Southern Indiana in Evansville, 2018-2024, provost from 2010-2018; previously worked as professor with Texas A&M University, Washington State University and the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. He served as the inaugural dean of the School of Education at Buffalo State University.