[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 207 (Friday, December 15, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1240]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 RECOGNIZING PRESIDENT LYNETTE ZELEZNY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. KEVIN McCARTHY

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, December 15, 2023

  Mr. McCARTHY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today, along with my friend and 
colleague, Congressman David Valadao, to recognize President Lynette 
Zelezny on her retirement today as President of California State 
University, Bakersfield. Over the course of her 35-year career in the 
education field, President Zelezny has inspired students, professors, 
and administrators through her passion for improving the academic 
success of our next generation, especially within the California State 
University system.
  President Zelezny's career with the California State University 
system started in 1974 with her enrollment in Humboldt State 
University, where she earned her Bachelor's Degree in Psychology in 
1979 and her Master's Degree in Psychology in 1981. Following her 
completion of a Doctorate in Social Psychology at Claremont Graduate 
University and an MBA from the Craig School of Business at California 
State University, Fresno, President Zelezny stayed at Fresno State, 
serving in a variety of educational and leadership roles. Most notably, 
President Zelezny served as Chief Academic Officer, Provost and Vice 
President of Academic Affairs at Fresno State. In 2018, President 
Zelezny made history when she became the first female President of 
California State University, Bakersfield.
  Over the past five years, under President Zelezny's leadership, 
California State University, Bakersfield has successfully navigated new 
challenges and achieved several important milestones. She not only led 
the university through the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic but did so 
with an unwavering commitment to the well-being of students and 
faculty. One of President Zelezny's top achievements has been 
developing CSUB's California Energy Research Center into a robust hub 
for energy research throughout the Central Valley. As Kern County gains 
and sustains ever more national importance as a hub for energy 
production, future generations in our region will look back on 
President Zelezny's initiative with great appreciation.
  A true champion of Central Valley education, particularly in 
Bakersfield, President Zelezny's passion for the community has been a 
driving force behind her efforts. She recognized the unique challenges 
and opportunities presented in the region and strengthened the ties 
between the university and our community.
  On behalf of the Central Valley of California, we would like to 
express our gratitude for President Zelezny's leadership to California 
State University, Bakersfield and her role in shaping the future 
careers of countless students. We would like to congratulate President 
Zelezny on a well-deserved retirement, a successful career in 
education, and for her many contributions to our community.

                          ____________________