At the annual Fall Assembly, President Joseph I. Castro said educating the next generation of leaders through teaching, research and public service is what Fresno State does best.

Efforts in this area have resulted in widespread national distinction over the past year from U.S. News and World Report, Washington Monthly, the American Association of State Colleges and Universities and the Association of Public Land Grant Colleges and Universities, among others.

Dr. Castro recognized dedicated faculty and staff for their pursuit of excellence:

• Jennifer Randles, a sociology professor, has won national awards from the American Sociological Association and the National Council for Family Relations.
• Ken Ternate, the coordinator of the Dog Days: New Student Orientation program, has served Fresno State for 12 summers, organizing the welcoming of 5,200 freshman and transfer students and 2,000 guests.
• Luke Shields, Men’s Tennis Head Coach, was named the 2017 Mountain West Men’s Tennis Coach of the Year.
• Tom Uribes , the University’s public information officer, is retiring after after nearly 30 years of dedicated service.

Dr. Castro said one of his personal goals is to be open and honest about supporting the university’s student success mission.

His vision for Fresno State is to be a national leader in graduation rates. He plans a six-year graduation rate of 70% and a four-year rate of 39% on the horizon.

Addressing a recent workplace quality survey of faculty and staff conducted with Modern Think, he stated the following:

• Virtually every new permanent dollar received from the state in the past four years has been used for faculty and staff compensation.
• Benefits costs alone for staff and faculty at Fresno State increased to approximately $80 million, up from $50 million in 2013-14.
• Over 100 talented staff members have participated in and benefited from enhancing their overall knowledge of the university through the Administrative Academy.
• Since 2013, the university has invested about $100 million in improving its physical and technological infrastructure. Fresno State will invest $26 million in new funds during 2017-18 to support infrastructure projects. The new plan to upgrade teaching and learning spaces extends through 2019 and will include a total investment of about $11 million.

Dr. Castro urged members the campus community to be a model for the Central Valley on how freedom of speech – in a civil and respectful way – leads to a stronger teaching and learning environment.

See more.