CSUB appointed Lynnette Zelezny, Ph. D. as the new president of the school, the first woman to serve in that role.

She currently serves as vice president for academic affairs at Fresno State University and has 30 years experience in higher education in the Central Valley. 

Mariela Gomez, Associated Students Inc. President of CSUB was one of the only students on the presidential search committee. She said she believes Zelezny will move the university in a positive direction. 

"I think she encompasses exactly what it means to put the focus on the students, to communicate effectively with campus administration, as well as promoting growth," Gomez said. 

Zelezny will be taking over for Horrace Mitchell who has been the president for almost 14 years. CSUB confirmed to 23ABC that Zelezny will be making the same salary as Mitchell. 

Gomez said students are enthusiastic and excited about the historic moment for the university. 

“CSUB provides an excellent education for its students, affording them, their families, and indeed the entire Kern community, the opportunity for a vastly better future,” Zelezny said in a statement. 

“I look forward to engaging with the CSUB campus community and university supporters in making that outstanding educational experience even more accessible.”

Zelezny is set to start in her new role by late June.