Student Affairs Leader Named

A woman who has devoted her career to assisting adolescents and young adults in meeting and achieving their life goals is the newly named vice president for student affairs at Cal State Fullerton. Appointed following a nationwide search, Berenecea Johnson Eanes will begin her new role at the university in July.

She currently serves as vice president of student affairs at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, a college within the City University of New York. In this capacity, she provides vision, leadership and oversight to student services entities on campus, including student life, health services, accessibilities services, the Children’s and Women’s centers, athletics, community outreach and service learning, counseling, the college’s Urban Male Initiative and career services. In addition, she is associate professor and chair of the Counseling Department.

“Dr. Johnson Eanes’ experiences and skills will help us to continue advancing the university for many years to come,” said Mildred García, incoming president of Cal State Fullerton. “I know that she will be a strong colleague as she is deeply committed to the mission of CSU Fullerton.”

Over the last 15 years, Johnson Eanes has led student success initiatives for a wide range of institutions, including Hamilton College, Morehouse College, Columbia University and Georgia State University, as well as for John Jay College of Criminal Justice.

“I’m looking forward to my arrival at Cal State Fullerton,” Johnson Eanes said. “The diversity of the student population appeals to me. In many ways, the CSU system is similar to the CUNY system, so it’s an area where I feel comfortable. My experience has allowed me to work with diverse groups of students and deepen my understanding of their concerns.

“My goal is to ensure that student affairs continues to work closely with students and expand the guidance and access they need to succeed.”

A prolific writer and organizer, Johnson Eanes co-authored more than $4 million in grants for various initiatives, often focusing on student development.

“I anticipate getting to know the students, the team in student affairs and developing a better understanding of the Fullerton culture. I want to initiate and develop strong relationships with students, faculty and staff, and be a good partner in our shared enterprise of providing educational opportunities.”

Johnson Eanes earned her doctorate in social work in 2000 from Clark Atlanta University. She also received a master of social work from Boston University in 1992 and bachelor of science degree in public health from Dillard University in 1988. 

She succeeds Robert L. Palmer, who had served as vice president for student affairs from August 1997 until his retirement in December 2010. Silas H. Abrego has been serving as interim vice president since January 2011.