Very simple contrast that can sum it up:
* During Bob Maxson's BEACH PRIDE era, the University finally started to get the recognition it deserved as a great academic institution. It was already a great school but very under the radar/underrated. 350+ President's Scholars (high school valedictorians/top scholars) on campus each year at minimum. Emphasis on identity/BEACH PRIDE - and I was part of a group that helped carry that when we were on campus.
** Alums regularly started telling each other
"GO BEACH"
* F. King Alexander: knew the potential THE BEACH had and helped carry that + further enhance campus life with first year student dorm requirements, acquiring dorms on PCH, etc. More academic recognition.
Since then the campus has been one of the most applied to schools in the entire country. Very popular and not easy to get into (quite difficult for students outside of the local radius).
LB State has been one of the standout campuses in the state, and definitely in the CSU alongside SDSU, Cal Poly SLO, etc.
Seems like the current leadership, at least on the surface, has been intent on reversing that progress, ironically (which is insane). All for, it seems, political ideologies. Jane once said something to the effect that she didn't like admissions acceptance rates being so low. And folks wonder why alums are disengaging... It's not rocket science (which, by the way, is still a big highlight in Long Beach State's academic reputation).
GO BEACH
What does this mean? "especially when your campus focuses doesn’t focus on achievement but rather placates."
I respect Dan, but we have been stagnant. This might be our last chance to hire a coach who can lift the program higher.
Engagement of all donors, fans, students, alumni is the issue. Athletics is tough, especially when your campus focuses doesn’t focus on achievement but rather placates.
I’m in full support of the change, and also realize nothing is guaranteed from our next hire.
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