17 Jun Dr. Dave Edwards: A Decade of Dedication
It’s 2015. Amid Snapchat dog filters, the Mayweather-Pacquiao fight and anticipation for “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” Dr. Dave Edwards was selected to serve as executive director of Cal State Fullerton’s Associated Students Inc. (ASI).
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 wellbeing
“His entire priority is students. Dave has transformed this campus when it comes to the way students are seen and heard,” said ASI Associate Executive Director Keya Allen.
Change of Plans
Dave Edwards during the start of his career in higher ed at Cal State Long Beach. / Credit: CSULB ASI
As a college student, Edwards didn’t plan to pursue higher education, much less in California.
While studying broadcast journalism at the University of Evansville (UE), Edwards realized most journalists worked in New York or California—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: his 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,” said Edwards.
Before graduating undergrad, Edwards quickly 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—or so he thought.
“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,” said Edwards. “After they responded about four to five hours, I said, ‘Oh god, 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 but sought a more diverse student population. 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 CSUF system before leading ASI at CSUF.
Student-Centered at His Core
Edwards standing with ASI CSUF’s top 3 student leaders for the 2024-2025 academic year. / Credit ASI Marketing, Communication and Design
Edwards studied the California Master Plan for Higher Education and developed a strong appreciation for the Cal State 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. That is core to why we’re doing what we’re doing; providing space for students to experiment, try, fail and grow,” said Edwards. “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 further emphasized this in how ASI differentiates from other campus organizations.
“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 truly 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,” former ASI Board of Directors Chair Gavin Ong said. “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,” said Edwards. “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, evident in the heartfelt letters he receives annually from graduating Titans.
More Than a Title
Edwards speaking during ASI Accounting Manager Lusia Komala’s Retirement ceremony. / Credit: ASI Marketing, Communications and Design
Outside of student lives, Edwards also has a profound effect on his colleagues.
“In my first interview for higher ed at Long Beach state, he made me feel comfortable and like I could be myself,” said ASI Director of Organizational Communications and Outreach Christina Cardenas. “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 ASI Chief of Organizational Operations Jeff Fehrn, 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.”
Dave’s 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. Dave saw something in me that I didn’t see in myself and brought me to ASI to help make a difference,” said ASI Director of Human Resources Andrea Okoh.
Yin & Yang Leaders
Edwards and Allen pose alongside actress and writer Issa Rae during ASI’s Beyond the Conversation installment. / Credit: ASI Marketing, Communications and Design
ASI’s Associate Executive Director Keya Allen, who’s worked with him for over 20 years, describes their relationship as yin and yang.
“Many universities don’t give student leaders the agency Dave does,” said Allen. “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, a standout moment was witnessing the Titan Student Union and Food Pantry expansion ribbon cutting, reflecting the trust Edwards had given her.
Edwards, ASI staff and campus partners at ASI’s food pantry ribbon cutting ceremony. / Credit: ASI Marketing, Communications and Design
Early in their partnership, U.S. Rep. Robert Garcia, D-Calif., then ASI President —was mentored by Edwards and Allen. After leaving CSULB, he 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 Long Beach City mayor.
“Once you’re on his team, [Dave] trusts you to do the job he hired you for and use your skills,” said Allen.
She vividly remembers her first day at CSUF, when Edwards dropped a surprise on her — she’d be planning and constructing the new addition to the TSU.
“I walked in and said, ‘It’s hot in here,’” said Allen. “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 laughs when she looks back on that moment, surprised and impressed by Edwards’ confidence in her abilities.
Allen and Edwards work hand-in-hand, making lasting memories for their campus and in their friendship.
Family, Beach and a Life Well-Lived
Edwards, alongside his partner and two teenage sons. / Credit: Christina Cardenas
Accomplishments aside, Edwards is self-described 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,” said Edwards. “I can’t imagine a world where they’re not with me.”
As a non-California native, Edwards also fell in love with the beach after hearing ocean waves for the first time during a pitch-black night in Morro Bay. A short walk led him to the sand, and from that moment, 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
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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,” said Edwards. “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.”