
Dr. Vernon Harper Jr., the newly appointed president of California State University, Bakersfield (CSUB), is stepping into his role with a clear mission: to make CSUB the first choice for local students while strengthening its ties to the community. In an interview with Kern Sol News, Harper shared his journey into higher education, his goals for the university, and his passion for student success.
Dr. Harper shared that his journey to becoming CSUB’s president stemmed from a deep intellectual curiosity and a passion for learning. His early interest in education led him to a career as a professor, where he found fulfillment in research, publishing, and mentoring others. Wanting to make a broader impact, he transitioned into administrative roles about 16 or 17 years ago.
As he excelled in leadership positions, mentors encouraged him to consider a university presidency—an idea that once seemed distant but became attainable through dedication and hard work. He emphasized that while no one is guaranteed such a role, positioning oneself through education and commitment creates the best opportunities for success. He sees higher education as a powerful tool for personal and community growth.
“My path is just an example of the fact that if you commit yourself to something and you’re willing to put in the work, you put yourself in the best opportunity to be there,” commented Dr. Harper. “Being a university president wasn’t guaranteed for me — it’s not guaranteed for anyone, but it’s about putting yourselves in the best position possible.”
Dr. Vernon J. Harper envisions CSUB as “Kern County’s University,” deeply connected to the region and its people. His goal is for CSUB to be the first choice for local high school graduates, a mission supported by the university’s growing enrollment, which recently surpassed 10,000 students.
He emphasized Kern County’s resilience and close-knit community, stating, “The reason that people in Kern County stick together is because no one’s coming to help us.”
Harper also highlighted the importance of aligning CSUB with Kern County’s key industries—not just oil and agriculture, but also renewable energy, healthcare, and emerging fields like AI and automation. Additionally, he aims to expand the university’s role as a Hispanic-serving institution while striving to be more inclusive of Black, Asian, and Pacific Islander students.
“We want to reflect the region’s diversity, the state, and the world overall. We want every single person, regardless of their background to want to be at this campus and for it to feel like their own, that’s our goal,” stated Harper.
To meet the federal threshold for a Black-Serving Institution, CSUB needs to increase its Black student population from 400 to 1,000 over the next several years. Harper emphasized the importance of direct community engagement and targeted recruitment efforts, which will be a focus for the university’s new Vice President for Enrollment and Student Services.
Dr. Vernon J. Harper’s vision for CSUB is shaped by his experiences at institutions that have served as pillars for their communities. “I’ve been part of lots of institutions that are fulcrums for their community, levers to help lift the entire community,” he said, noting that some universities he’s worked with are decades or even a century ahead of CSUB. He believes CSUB can play a similar role, becoming a central foundation for Kern County’s growth and development.
When it comes to diversity, equity, and inclusion, Harper emphasized that respect is not just an initiative but a fundamental human right. He praised the work of Dr. Shale Marks, CSUB’s faculty associate for diversity, equity, and inclusion, and stressed the importance of policies that ensure all members of the campus community are treated with dignity. “It’s critical to expect that, and to make sure that in really significant roles, we’re representing the diverse communities that we serve,” he said.
Dr. Vernon J. Harper is driven by the belief that education is a powerful tool for personal and community growth. He finds deep fulfillment in dedicating his career to helping students elevate themselves and their futures, stating that serving in this capacity gives his life purpose, meaning, and victory.
Despite financial challenges, Harper remains committed to advancing CSUB’s students and community. He reassured students, faculty, and alumni that “this budgetary period will pass,” but the university’s mission to invest in students and their future will remain unchanged. “As always, go Runners.”