Mike Pronovost has been named director of DISCOVERe, the mobile technology program that has operated on campus since 2014 providing students with engaging material through the use of laptops, tablets or smartphones.

Pronovost has worked on campus in a variety of roles over the last five years, including project coordinator, hub manager, service desk manager and most recently as interim director of DISCOVERe. He has served on more than 15 University committees. Pronovost also has a solid background of professional experiences, including network and systems analyst for Dan Gamel's RV and the director of technology at San Joaquin Memorial High School.

His experience as founder and chief executive officer of a technology startup company has earned him numerous awards from the Forbes 30 under 30, Chamber of Commerce’s Entrepreneur of the Year, National Empact 100, and two awards from the White House on technology innovation. In November 2014, he was recognized at the United Nations headquarters for his work and background around technology, infrastructure and mobile devices in education.

Pronovost received his bachelor’s degree in business from Fresno State and earned his Masters of Business Administration at Fresno State in 2018.

As the director of DISCOVERe, Pronovost will continue to guide the program in its primary goal of infusing mobile technology into the classroom experience, providing students with engaging material through the use of laptops, tablets or smartphones. By integrating technology throughout the academic experience, students can master digital literacy skills that are critical for jobs in today's workplace.

President Joseph I. Castro has bestowed emeritus status on Jim Michael, former executive director of Technology Services, who retired in 2017 after more than 28 years of service to Fresno State. His title will be executive director of Technology Services emeritus.

Orlando Leon, chief information officer, nominated Michael for his exemplary leadership while at Fresno State serving on various committees on and off campus. Michael led efforts to implement the DISCOVERe program and to enhance wireless networks and printing services. He advocated for the creation of a CIO role and played a key part in the transition to a CIO-led IT organization and in strategic planning for IT and consistently demonstrated his dedication to IT in service of student success.

Dr. Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs, has been named one of 24 fellows in the inaugural Academia de Liderazgo (Leadership Academy) of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities.

The program is designed to increase Hispanic representation in presidential positions in higher education. Selected fellows will participate in an array of leadership development activities designed to prepare them for leadership roles in the full spectrum of institutions of higher learning, but with a focus on leadership positions within Hispanic-Serving Institutions and Emerging HSIs.

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Fresno State President Joseph I. Castro will represent the Mountain West Conference as a newly appointed member of the College Football Playoff Board of Managers.

The board governs College Football Playoff business, property and affairs. The board develops, reviews and approves annual budgets, policies and operating guidelines. It has authority over all aspects of the company’s operations.

“We are grateful to have President Castro join the group,” said Bill Hancock, executive director of the College Football Playoff. “He is an engaging leader and a forward-thinker, and he will be a great addition.”

Castro is one of 11 university presidents on the board, which represents the 10 Football Bowl Subdivision conferences and Notre Dame. The Mountain West was previously represented by Dr. Tony Frank, the former president of the Colorado State University campus in Fort Collins, who now serves as chancellor for the Colorado State University system.

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