FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — Dr. Joseph Castro, the former Fresno State president and California State University chancellor, has died.
Castro was in hospice care while battling cancer.
He passed away on Sunday at 58 years old.
Dr. Castro was the president of Fresno State from 2013 to 2020 before taking over as the chancellor of CSU.
He made history as the first California native and Mexican-American to become chancellor of the CSU system.
Dr. Castro resigned from that position a year later amid criticism of how he handled sexual misconduct allegations against a Fresno State administrator.
In 2023, he returned as a professor at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo but later announced his retirement due to serious health issues.
Dr. Castro’s family released a statement, saying in part, “First and foremost, Joe was a devoted husband, father, and man of faith. As a devout Catholic, he lived with humility, compassion, and an abiding commitment to serving others. His warmth, generosity, and conviction in the power of education to change lives touched his family most deeply and extended to students, colleagues, and communities across California and beyond.”
Castro will be laid to rest in Santa Barbara, where funeral services will also be held.
Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer released the following statement:
STATEMENT ON THE PASSING OF FORMER FRESNO STATE PRESIDENT, DR. JOSEPH CASTRO
“I’m deeply saddened to hear of the passing of my dear friend, Joseph Castro. He was a visionary in the education sector whose leadership and dedication opened doors for countless students and families across our community.
He always encouraged students to ‘Be Bold!’ and that spirit will live on through the lives he touched. His legacy of service and passion for creating opportunities will continue to inspire us all. My thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time.”
