The Maddy Professor

California Senator Jim Costa (ret.) of Fresno has returned to his alma mater as the third Kenneth L. Maddy Professor at California State University, Fresno.

Costa, a 1974 graduate, maintained close ties with the University during his 24 years in the California Legislature. He retired from the Senate this last year, at the end of his term. He is a spokesperson for The Maddy Institute, mentors Maddy Scholar Interns and Costa Scholar Interns, provides guest lectures, advises the Institute in the development of its program and assists the Executive Director in fund raising for the Institute. His two-year term started April 1. "We are absolutely delighted that Jim Costa has joined us," said Fresno State President John D. Welty. "Jim has been an outstanding public servant and brings a wealth of knowledge about government and service to our students."

Previous Maddy professors were Dr. Harold H. Haak, former president of Fresno Pacific University and California State University, Fresno and Daniel Whitehurst, former mayor of Fresno. Costa, who earned his bachelor’s degree in political science, selected California State University, Fresno as the recipient of his legislative papers and created a scholarship endowment for student interns at The Maddy Institute. Costa is passionate about citizen participation in public policy. He believes The Maddy Institute can serve an important role in training and providing opportunities for future elected officials in the San Joaquin Valley.

He served as president of the National Conference of State Legislatures, advocating their role in our country, and he firmly believes in the organization’s motto that state legislatures are the country’s "Laboratories for Democracy."

He continues to be active as a member of the National Conference Foundation Board. Costa’s 24-year legislative career was noted by significant accomplishments in the public policy arena involving water, transportation and agriculture. His legislative accomplishments were many — contributing much to the Valley. Costa served as an aide to Congressman John Krebs and later served as administrative assistant to Assemblyman Richard Lehman from 1976-78. He was elected to the state Assembly from 1978-94 and represented the 16th Senate District from 1994-2003. He chaired the Senate Agriculture and Water Resources committee and served on three other committees: Finance, Investment and International Trade, Housing and Community Development, and Transportation.