Sacramento State President Luke Wood addressed students, faculty and staff during the annual spring address on Thursday, Jan. 22. Funding, enrollment statistics, campus expansion and a new focus on arts were all discussed.

Wood began by revisiting his four presidential imperatives, financial sustainability and building Sac State as a national recognizable brand.

RELATED: Q&A: President Luke Wood addresses leadership changes, campus growth and student protests

Wood said Gov. Gavin Newsom’s proposed 2026-27 state budget includes new ongoing funding for the California State University system. The funding was described as a positive sign for the university’s future.

“If budget documents truly reveal our values, then this proposal is evidence that our governor values what we do in the California State University and recognizes the essential role our system plays,” Wood said.

Wood said that Sac State will continue its focus on long-term stability while simultaneously expanding programs and student services on campus. He said the university is focused on making strategic investments that support student success without sacrificing fiscal sustainability. Wood said this approach will allow Sac State to grow responsibly while continuing to serve a diverse student body.

Wood reported that enrollment is on track to reach record levels for the spring semester, with more than 28,000 students enrolled as of Wednesday, Jan. 21 and projections exceeding 30,000 by the beginning of instruction on Jan. 26. Last fall, about 30,164 students were enrolled at Sac State, exceeding the CSU’s goal.

Wood said the growth reflects increased demand for Sac State’s academic programs and student support services. Wood added that the university is preparing to accommodate the influx of new students by expanding course offerings and instructional capacity.

According to a campus-wide email sent Wednesday, Jan. 21, Sac State will be adding approximately 40 new course sections in high-demand areas based on waitlist data. It also said that there are currently more than 39,000 open seats available across existing course sections.

“We are on track once again to have record spring enrollment. Our enrollment management team has pushed their efforts into overdrive,” Wood said.

Wood said the university plans to expand the Hornet Fast Track offerings to meet student demands as part of the university’s broader effort to support record-high enrollment levels. Hornet Fast Track is an initiative through Sacramento State’s College of Continuing Education that offers accelerated, fully online courses designed to help students stay on track toward their academic goals. He said the expansion will focus on high-demand core classes essential for graduation.

Wood highlighted progress on the Sac State Placer Campus, including approval to begin work on a forensic science lab that will function as an active crime lab in collaboration with Placer County.

Wood also mentioned the plans for a campus in downtown Sacramento that would combine multiple education, housing and workforce development opportunities.

RELATED: Students express feeling ignored as fees increase

Wood announced that 2026 will be known as the university’s “Year of the Arts,” emphasizing the importance of creative disciplines and outlets.

“This focus allows for us to take advantage of the real practical benefits that come from the process of creating and consuming art,” Wood said. “Art supercharges creative and critical thinking. It boosts emotional intelligence. It promotes civic engagement and cultural awareness. These are the characteristics we want in our graduates.”

Wood said he encourages students and faculty to participate in campus performances, exhibitions and creative programming that will take place throughout the semester.

Wood ended the address by introducing new and returning cabinet members, noting that the university has now adopted permanent leadership across all divisions. The announcement comes after a period of budget restrictions that included a hiring freeze and several vacant administrative positions across campus.

“Permanent leadership brings deeper institutional commitment and the continuity essential for tackling complex challenges like enrollment growth and long-term budget planning,” Wood said. “For the first time since my presidency began in July 16, 2023, our cabinet has permanent leadership across all divisions.”

The 2026 Spring Address concluded with introductions of new and returning cabinet members, who discussed how their divisions will support the strategic goals the university has set and how they will help with moving them forward.