
What does being recognized as a community expert mean to you?
Being recognized as a community expert is an affirmation of my deep connection with the Central Valley. It reflects my professional dedication to Fresno State, as well as my personal story as an immigrant from Mexico who grew up in Fowler, working on my father’s small farm.
Growing up, it took a while for me to realize that I could call this Valley of Plenty home. That sense of belonging and ownership came with the years, accompanied by the realization that my father, Alfonso Jiménez, had been working in the fields since 1951. That legacy gave me focus when it was my turn to work hard, contribute to our Valley’s success, and provide personally invested leadership.
My experiences shaped my understanding of the challenges and strengths of this region, which, in turn, prompt ideas for new solutions. As an educator and leader, my goal is to contribute to the region’s cultural and economic strength, building pathways to success for all the students and communities I serve.
How do you support students from your affinity group in your role? Are there any specific resources you’d like to highlight?
I support LatinX and all immigrant students by championing programs and initiatives that create a welcoming and empowering environment. These efforts create benefits for all our communities.
For example, Bulldog Bound, our direct-admissions program, helps all local students view higher education as an achievable goal. Additionally, Fresno State is proud to have earned the prestigious Seal of Excelencia certification in 2021, with recertification this year. This certification reflects our commitment to not only enrolling but intentionally serving LatinX students.
This certification speaks to our focus on improving outcomes in retention, financial support, and degree completion for LatinX students, while strengthening our efforts to serve all students. Anything we do with LatinX individuals impacts all demographics.
We have also developed strong partnerships with local organizations, such as Fresno Housing, and expanded food security initiatives through collaborations with the U.S. Army Civil Affairs. These efforts are aimed at addressing essential needs and ensuring that students from underrepresented communities have the support they need to succeed.
Ultimately, the same services that empower one group greatly benefit all our students.
How has your identity influenced your commitment to supporting this affinity group?
As an immigrant myself, I understand the complexities of navigating a new culture, language, and educational system. Hence, my identity allows me to build bridges of understanding with all of my students.
One connection I have to all of our communities is that I grew up witnessing the hard work of my family, and I see the same hard work in families across our Valley. It is this deep-rooted connection with people in the region that drives my passion to make education more accessible for all.
My experiences help me connect with students and provide me with insight into their needs. That’s why I love the President’s Connection Booth; there, I’m able to meet all my students!
What do you see as the key challenges facing students from this affinity group, and how can these be addressed?
I think the challenges are the same for all first-generation students: these students come from humble backgrounds, and housing and food security are major challenges. Yet, possibly the greatest challenge is combating impostor syndrome. Some of our students drop out because they feel alone navigating the complexities of college while seeking a sense of belonging.
That’s likely my most important motivation for dedicating two hours of every month to the President’s Connection Booth—so that my students know that I am there for them, to help in the ways I can, and to encourage them to continue with their education.
I’m proud that Fresno State has expanded its essential needs services, ensuring that students have access to key support systems. As a co-vice chair of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Minority-Serving Institutions Federal Advisory Council, I also advocate on a national level to ensure that institutions like Fresno State have the resources to address these challenges and help foster the next generation of diverse leaders.
What impact have your efforts had on students and the broader campus community?
I am proud that under my leadership, Fresno State has not only risen in national rankings but has also solidified its role as a leader in social mobility. By focusing on expanding access and creating supportive environments, we have impacted thousands of students from underrepresented backgrounds.
The university’s growing research profile and strategic partnerships are helping to create new opportunities for students, and our community engagement is transforming the region’s workforce and culture. I’m also very glad that I’ve brought a more ‘personal’ element to the presidency—I’m accessible, enjoy meeting students, faculty, and staff, and have a passion for promoting our university; the stronger we become at Fresno State, the stronger our Valley region will be.
What advice would you give other faculty who want to support marginalized or underrepresented groups?
I would advise other faculty to believe in the knowledge that our students carry within them. It is clearly documented that when a professor believes in the intrinsic potential of students, they rise to the occasion and excel in the discipline.
When I was in the classroom, I built meaningful relationships with students by engaging in active mentorship. By understanding the individual experiences of my students, I was able to support their unique needs. I also highly encouraged students to fall in love with the material. When giving them assignments, I took care to ensure that they weren’t chores. Their coursework represented the opportunity to develop their own intellects in understanding and discussing complex literary and philosophical concepts.
When I would give them study guides for exams, I would say to them: “Get to know the study guide well, so that when you take the test, you feel proud of yourself.” On the day of the test, I would remind them: “Enjoy the test, as it’s an opportunity to showcase your intellectual growth.” I believe that encouragement made a difference in creating an ecosystem of success.