Shimel Her Saychou has been appointed director of the Cross Cultural and Gender Center.

Saychou has 18 years of experience in higher education, with eight years of experience at Fresno State. Prior to being named director, she served as the interim lead coordinator of the Cross Cultural and Gender Center as well as the coordinator of both Asian Pacific Islander Programs and Services and American Indian Programs and Services.

In addition to serving as director of the Cross Cultural and Gender Center, Saychou also serves on the executive board for the Asian Faculty and Staff Association and is an adviser for the Hmong Student Association and the Asian American Christian Fellowship.

Saychou is a two-time alumna of Fresno State, earning a bachelor's degree in liberal studies and a master's in higher education administration and leadership. She is currently in her final year of the Doctoral Program in Educational Leadership.