President Robert S. Nelsen, left, interacts with attendees of a previous Super Sunday at Antioch Progressive Baptist Church, where he spoke during services earlier in the day on Feb. 13, 2017, extolling the benefits of a college career. (Sacramento State/Rob Neep)

President Robert S. Nelsen and other Sacramento State leaders will fan out to local African American churches on Sunday, Feb. 24, attending services and touting the merits of higher education.

Campuses across the CSU have for more than a decade taken part in the annual “Super Sunday” event, which aims to increase the rate of African American students enrolling in and graduating from the system.

Top administrative and academic leaders attend Sunday services at traditionally African American churches and speak from the pulpit about the benefits of attending college. After each service, students and parents can meet with experts in admissions, financial aid and other areas.

Nelsen is scheduled to visit Shiloh Baptist Church, led by Pastor Anthony Sadler, on Sunday morning. Six other members of the Sac State administration will attend services at other churches.

Last week, CSU Chancellor Timothy White addressed congregants of Antioch Church in Long Beach. Outreach efforts such as Super Sunday are key to the CSU’s drive to improve completion rates and eliminate equity gaps among students from underserved communities.

 “Super Sunday is at the heart of what it means to be an anchor institution, to be truly engaged with our community,” Nelsen said. “We are deeply grateful that so many congregations have welcomed Sacramento State into their services.

"I am proud that this year we will be engaging in our largest Super Sunday yet, and I look forward to growing and deepening this collaboration even more in future years.”

Here is this year’s Sac State Super Sunday schedule:

• President Robert S. Nelsen at Shiloh Baptist Church, 3565 9^th, Sacramento, 10:30 a.m.
• Steve Perez, provost and interim vice president for Academic Affairs, St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church, 3996 14^th, 10 a.m.
• Lisa Cardoza, Nelsen's chief of staff, at Antioch Progressive Baptist Church, 7650 Amherst St., 10 a.m.
• Lorenzo Smith, dean of the College of Engineering and Computer Science, at Calvary Christian Center Elk Grove, 9499 Stockton Blvd., Elk Grove, 9:30 a.m.
• Diana Tate Vermeire, executive director, Office of Inclusive Excellence, at Center of Praise, 23^rd and Capitol Avenue, 9 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.
• Ed Mills, vice president for Student Affairs, at Genesis Church, 2801 Meadowview Road, at 9 a.m. and 11:a.m.
• Robyn Carter, interim vice provost for Faculty Affairs, at South Sacramento Christian Center, 7710 Stockton Blvd., 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. – Cynthia Hubert