My mission today remains the same — to spotlight Fresno State’s inherent value and crucial contributions to our region, state and nation. I will continue to advocate tirelessly to win support for our students and expand our ability to serve the Central Valley. As the cornerstone of our region, Fresno State provides the most vigorous path toward growing a robust economy and ensuring a prosperous future. Now, more than ever, we stand resolute in our commitment to our students and community. We will continue to bolster our financial foundation by advocating for greater state allocations, garnering philanthropic contributions, building collaborative industry partnerships and securing external grants.

Though Measure E did not pass, it called much-needed attention to the $500 million dollars of deferred maintenance at Fresno State – this amount represents a disproportionate 15% of the entire California State University’s deferred maintenance.

Moving forward, I plan to take every opportunity to meet with local and state legislators to advocate for the funding of Fresno State, and the entire system, so we can remain innovative and competitive.

In my many conversations over the last few months, no one expressed a lack of belief in the value of a Fresno State degree, nor a lack of support for our institution. Indeed, the majority of the critics expressed that the State needs to stand by its obligation to address deferred maintenance. This sentiment indicates an opportunity for us to harness and mobilize those shows of support moving forward — to promote the reality that an investment in Fresno State is an investment in the greater regional economy, and the best way to meet the needs of communities across our fertile Valley.

With gratitude,

Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval, Ph.D.
President