Mary Papazian recently took over as San Jose State University’s 29th president, becoming the third female president in university history. Relocating from Connecticut, Papazian says her goal is to transform San Jose State’s campus into a more inclusive and connected environment.

How long have you lived/worked in the Bay Area? Is this your first time here?

I moved from Connecticut to San Jose this past July. While I was born and raised in Los Angeles and have made numerous trips to the Bay Area as a child, this is the first time I have lived and worked here.

What are some of your favorite parts about living in the Bay Area?

The incredible diversity, the moderate climate, seeing mountains every day, and knowing that the ocean is close by. I also love the innovative culture that permeates the region and its bold, imaginative personality.

Are there any events in San Jose or at SJSU you are looking forward to?

I can’t wait to experience my first San Jose State commencement. It is always an incredibly moving experience. Watching students celebrate the completion of their degrees with family and friends—and SJSU issued more than 9,000 degrees last year—reminds us of the extraordinary promise and value of public higher education in America.  The fact that SJSU is the oldest public university in the West makes this even more special.

What is one thing you would change about San Jose?

Its humility. There is so much here, and it deserves to be more widely known and celebrated. The city of San Jose needs to become far better known, recognized as the gateway to the Silicon Valley, with a more active, engaged downtown area.

What are some things you would like to change at SJSU?

SJSU needs to become a leader in the region and in higher education, more broadly, as an engine of innovation and creativity. We need to break down our own silos, step out into the community with confidence and pride, continue to be a pipeline of opportunity for our diverse student population, and challenge ourselves to be leaders in innovation and change.

What encouraged you to pursue a career at SJSU?

As a native Californian, I had always hoped my career would eventually bring me home, and SJSU provided the perfect opportunity. It is a place of rich history—the founding CSU, the original parent of my alma mater UCLA and a campus committed to the values of diversity and social justice. Yet it also is located in the heart of the Silicon Valley, the global center of innovation and change. This is a unique combination that no other university—public or private—can claim, and it brings unique possibilities. I hope to be able to challenge our campus and community to think aspirationally, and to provide the stability that will empower us to make the structural changes needed to realize our collective vision.

How do you like to spend your free time?

I don’t really have a lot of free time—no university president does!—but I do enjoy politics, traveling, engaging with my Armenian community, reading, and spending time with my husband and two daughters.

Who is the most interesting person you’ve met in San Jose so far?

That’s a hard one. I have met wonderful, dedicated people at all levels at the university and in the community, so it’s hard to choose just one. This is just an incredible community, and we feel privileged to be a part of it.

What do you enjoy most about living in San Jose?

The incredible weather, the diversity, the friendliness of the people, and the beautiful Rose Garden right near our home.

Do you have any words of wisdom for the students?

Think big, work hard and believe in yourselves. Then good things will happen!