Interview with California State University— ‘HOW I GOT HERE’ Notable alumni discuss how their CSU education charted a path to success.
JAMILLAH MOORE, ED.D.
Sacramento State, ’92/’95, President of Cañada College
How did your time at Sacramento State prepare you for your career?
I had an extraordinarily wonderful opportunity and experience with the CSU. It's where I learned how to go to college. It's where I learned how to do research. It's where I learned how to teach. It's also where I fell in love with being a student and learning how to help other students. If you would've told me while I was at Sac State, ‘You’re going to be a college president,’ I would have probably thought you were crazy.
Which skills that you learned at Sacramento State do you still utilize every day?
The ability to effectively communicate in a clear and concise manner has become an invaluable tool for me. I also learned how to navigate the political arena, which helped me not only while working inside the legislature but on college campuses. I got to watch how elected officials work and learn the importance of being a good public servant and a good steward of taxpayer dollars. I learned some of those skills at Sac State, and they have stayed with me.
Did you receive assistance that helped get you ready for the workforce?
During my time at the CSU, I participated in a program called A Semester at the Capitol. In Sacramento, I was able to get college credits while doing an internship inside the Capitol. Going into that program and then being an intern and seeing firsthand how policy was put together changed the direction of what I thought I wanted to do and what I actually ended up doing. That led me to earn my doctorate at the University of San Francisco. I would not have been able to go to the University of San Francisco if not for the CSU forgivable loan. If it weren't for the EOP [Educational Opportunity Program], financial aid and student services programs offered at the CSU, I would not have been able to go to college or to be successful. All of these things that have become building blocks to my career started as a student in the CSU, so I can't thank the CSU system enough.
What advice would you give to someone thinking about attending a CSU?
The CSU truly prepares and empowers students to succeed in a global and multicultural society. It offers invaluable teaching and learning opportunities and is the epitome of inclusive excellence. They're building people who can be assets to their communities. I will always advocate for students to find an affordable, high-quality education that really can open doors for them. For me, it is a CSU.
