It’s June 2015, and amid Snapchat dog filters, the Mayweather-Pacquiao fight and anticipation for “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” Dave Edwards was selected to serve as executive director of Cal State Fullerton’s Associated Students Inc.
Over the past decade, his leadership has helped transform ASI into a vibrant, student-driven organization that serves more than 43,000 Titans.
Highlights of his tenure include:
- The successful expansion of the Titan Student Union, creating more space and resources for students
- The successful opening of the ASI Food Pantry, addressing food insecurity and supporting students in need
- Championing the ASI Student Wellness Initiative, passed in March 2025, to support student health and well-being
“His entire priority is students,” said Keya Allen, ASI associate executive director. “Dave has transformed this campus when it comes to the way students are seen and heard.”
Change of Plans
As a college student, Edwards didn’t plan to pursue a graduate education, much less in California.
While studying broadcast journalism at the University of Evansville, Edwards realized most journalists worked in New York or California, which were places he didn’t want to live. Finding journalism wasn’t for him, he turned to a close mentor who always seemed to be having fun — the dean of students at UE.
“I don’t want to say I fell into it, but I got to a point where I wanted to do something enjoyable as a career,” Edwards said.
Before completing his undergraduate degree, Edwards worked to get into a graduate program, bringing him one step closer to working in higher education.
Midwest Education to the Sunny CSU System
Edwards built his higher education skills at Midwest and East Coast universities, then helped create programs at the newest university in Ohio. Drawn by California’s access-focused, equitable system, he joined the California State University system and moved to Southern California.
“Once I accepted the job at Cal Poly, I remember wanting to sightsee, so I asked how long it would take to see the Hollywood sign,” Edwards said. “After they responded about four to five hours, I said, ‘Oh no, how bad is L.A. traffic?’ thinking I had applied to Cal Poly Pomona and not San Luis Obispo.”
Edwards enjoyed working at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo before he moved to Southern California and spent 11 years at Cal State Long Beach as associate executive director of ASI and executive director of the University Student Union. While at CSULB, he became the first person to receive an independent doctorate degree from the entire CSU system.
Student-Centered at His Core
Edwards studied the California Master Plan for Higher Education and developed a strong appreciation for the CSU system and ASI.
“The key is letting students get from point A to point B, the journey of decision-making that helps students learn from their time with ASI,” Edwards said. “That is core to why we’re doing what we’re doing: providing space for students to experiment, try, fail and grow. It would be so much easier if the professional staff just did the work, but our job is to teach and help the student leaders and employees create their developmental outcomes.”
Edwards also emphasized that ASI’s unique role within the CSU system sets it apart from other associated student organizations at higher education institutions nationwide.
“That’s what truly makes ASI organizations in the CSU unique. It truly is learn-by-doing,” Edwards said. “Most student government organizations across the nation are simply clubs. Here at CSUF, our students are getting professional, real-world experiences that help them apply what they learned in the classroom. Nothing like this exists in the nation.”
As an executive director supporting the needs of diverse students, he navigates constantly changing needs. He believes staying close to student leaders — the heart of ASI — is key to his success.
“Being able to learn a plethora of information and learn from his leadership has been a pleasure,” said Gavin Ong, former chair of the ASI board of directors. “I’ve always felt comfortable joking with him and sharing experiences without judgment.”
This collaborative spirit makes higher education a unique melting pot of ideas and workflows.
“In higher ed, collaboration is built in,” Edwards said. “Bring smart people together, give them a problem and they’ll find the best solution, even if it’s not exactly what you expected.”
Edwards has remained committed to student-focused higher education throughout his career, which is evident in the heartfelt letters he receives annually from graduating Titans.
More Than a Title
Outside of student lives, Edwards also has a profound effect on his colleagues.
“In my first interview for higher ed at Cal State Long Beach, he made me feel comfortable and like I could be myself,” said Christina Cardenas, ASI director of organizational communications and outreach. “He’s always had this air of confidence and sense of mentorship.”
Others have seen Edwards bring a fresh perspective to ASI.
“Dave has led ASI to be so much more than it has ever been,” said Jeff Fehrn, ASI chief of organizational operations who has worked at the organization for more than 25 years. “His commitment to service, to improve and advance, to advocate, and to mentor was something I hadn’t seen before.”
Edwards’ dedication to mentorship extends beyond student leadership, leaving a lasting impact on young professionals across the organization.
“Personally, I have grown a lot working for Dave,” said Andrea Okoh, ASI director of human resources. “Dave saw something in me that I didn’t see in myself and brought me to ASI to help make a difference.”
Allen, who’s worked with Edwards for more than 20 years, described their relationship as yin and yang.
“Many universities don’t give student leaders the agency Dave does,” Allen said. “He reminds campus partners, ‘I work for a nonprofit — students are my bosses. I have to run this by them.’ He sets a tone of respect for their leadership across campus.”
For Allen, standout moments were witnessing the ribbon cuttings for the TSU expansion and grand opening of The Pantry, reflecting the trust Edwards had given her.
“Once you’re on his team, Dave trusts you to do the job he hired you for and use your skills,” Allen said.
Allen remembered her first day at CSUF, when Edwards surprised her with a new project — she’d be planning and constructing the new addition to the TSU.
“I walked in and said, ‘It’s hot in here,’” Allen said. “And he goes, ‘Yeah, the air conditioner’s off — since you’re building the new addition to the TSU. I forgot to tell you — you’re in charge now. You’re building a new building. But don’t worry, you can probably do it with your eyes closed. After all, you already built the one at Long Beach.’”
Allen laughed when she looked back at that moment, surprised and impressed by Edwards’ confidence in her abilities. It was one of many times he entrusted her with something big and believed she could handle it without hesitation.
That same belief in others defined much of their early work together. During their time at CSULB, they each served as a mentor to U.S. Rep. Robert Garcia, a former ASI president and student enrolled in the same doctorate program as Edwards. After graduating, Garcia often reached out to thank them for their lasting impact. Their influence was so significant that he invited them to help plan his 100-day celebration as mayor of Long Beach.
A Family Man and Beach Lover
Accomplishments aside, Edwards described himself as sarcastically funny and driven, with a love for family. To him, family can also be the important people you’ve met along the way.
“As you get older, some folks you’ve known for so long become like extended family,” Edwards said. “I can’t imagine a world where they’re not with me.”
That same sentiment of belonging found its way into his relationship with California’s coast. A Midwest native, Edwards first heard the ocean on a pitch-black night in Morro Bay. Drawn in by the sound of the waves, he followed them to the sand and from that moment on, he was hooked.
“When you’re in from the South or the Midwest, California is pretty much a couple things. It’s San Francisco, it’s Hollywood and it’s the beach,” said Edwards. “It’s crazy because it’s just not something I experienced before then.”
A devoted family man and beach lover, Edwards continues making an impact as a passionate higher education leader.
Just the Beginning
Reflecting on his time with ASI and the advice he often shares with students, Edwards offered a perspective shaped by both experience and optimism.
“You’re going to live a long life, but when you’re young, you can choose from a lot of different paths. When you get older, your opportunity to be free and do something wild gets much more difficult,” Edwards said. “Give everything a try and pursue passion and dreams. I know it seems like you have years and years ahead of you, but you only get one go about this.”
By Isabel Martinez