Turlock  –  Mr. Ron Foster, President and CEO of Foster Farms, has contributed $500,000 to California State University, Stanislaus to fund The Foster Farms Endowed Chair in Business Economics with an emphasis in econometrics. 

The chair holder who will have expertise in Econometrics will engage in economic forecasting for the region and help business leaders, investors, and citizens make informed decisions based on a thorough understanding of the current economic environment. Research conducted by the endowed chair will also measure the fiscal impact CSU Stanislaus has on the Central Valley.

President Shirvani said, “I am grateful to Ron for his continued support of the University and for his enduring dedication in advancing the Central Valley. This endowment will greatly advance the economic growth and prosperity of the area.”

Interim Provost Dr. Herman Lujan and Dr. Nael Aly, Dean of the College of Business Administration, will conduct a national search to fill the Foster Farms Endowed Chair in Business Economics position.  At universities throughout the nation, endowed chairs are given to distinguished teachers and scholars whose presence attracts outstanding faculty, students, and experts in their given field. 

The Foster Farms Endowed Chair in Business Economics will teach classes, conduct research, mentor students, and add expertise to the business and economics programs at CSU Stanislaus, benefiting both students and the community.

This is the third endowed chair at CSU Stanislaus, with the first granted in 2002 in agricultural studies and the second earlier this year in education. Endowed professorships represent a long-term private investment in the future of the University.