Fresno State's University President, Dr. Joseph Castro, was appointed as the new chancellor for the California State University school system Wednesday.

Castro will replace Chancellor Timothy White to oversee the CSU as the eighth chancellor. Castro will assume his duties over the largest system of higher education in this country on Jan. 4, 2021.

He is the first Mexican-American to become chancellor for the university system, which has 23 campuses across the state, including California State University, Bakersfield.

"I am truly grateful for and excited about this unique and wonderful opportunity, and I look forward to working with the talented faculty, staff and presidents of the 23 campuses as well the Board of Trustees and executives and staff at the Chancellor's Office to further increase achievement for our 482,000 students," Castro said in a press release.