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Name: Benjamin Kirk
Title: Communication Specialist
Department: College of Arts and Humanities
Academic Degree(s):

• B.A. in Business Administration, Marketing and Management, Fresno Pacific University
• M.A. in Higher Education Administration and Leadership, Fresno State

How long have you worked at Fresno State?
I have worked here since 2018.

Are you a Valley native?
I was born in the Bay Area and moved to the tiny town of Sierra Village in the Sierra Nevada mountains near Sonora, when I was 8 years old. After completing my GE at Columbia Community College, I transferred to Fresno Pacific University to complete my bachelor's degree. Following graduation, I moved back to the Sonora area for nearly two years before moving to Fresno to pursue a career in broadcasting. After 18 years in radio and television, the last ten as the Web Operations Manager for ABC30, I wanted to try something new and found my new home here as a Bulldog.

Do you have a campus mentor or someone who has helped you in your career?
Yes, several. Jacquelyn Glasener with the Alumni Association was my mentor through the campus mentorship program. She was instrumental in my return to grad school to complete my master's degree. While in the HEAL program, Drs. Ignacio and Susana Hernández were both invaluable in guiding my career focus.

Lisa Bell at University Marketing and Communications was, and continues to be, instrumental in training for my position and guiding me in everyday matters. I also have to give credit to my boss Dr. Honora Chapman, who has always been a great cheerleader and given me fantastic advice. There are so many others, and it's impossible to name everyone, but I'm truly appreciative of the guidance and mentoring I've received here.

Tell us about your department and what people may not know about it.
What I love about the College of Arts and Humanities is our students are working to make a life around their passions. There is a prevalent idea in society that it's a long shot to be a successful artist, musician, writer, actor, television journalist, etc. There is often a perception that only a few ultra-successful people have made it, and everyone else struggles. From what I've seen, reality is very different than this perception. While we have some superstar alumni, I find it inspiring that so many are able to make a living being who they are and doing what they love.

What are you most passionate about in your field and why?
I am passionate about connecting with people on a human level through storytelling. I enjoy exploring people's physical and emotional responses— the texture, the smells, the tastes, the fear, the elation —to how meaningful moments impact our students' development and outcomes. I then try to reflect that humanity in my stories in a way all people can relate.

What is a memorable moment you had at your job?
I've had many memorable moments in my job, but I think my first commencement ceremony is one that really stands out. There is just something really satisfying about watching students succeed in closing one chapter and moving on to the next. I was not expecting it to be such an emotional experience, and now I look forward to it every year.

What is the most interesting or unusual job you've ever had?
I worked in a converted gas station garage factory making sandals for "Alp Sport Sandals" in Columbia, CA. In addition to making the sandals in the factory, I helped run the factory store and worked to get river rafting guides to wear our product — so I did a bit of river rafting at that time.

I also accompanied the owner on sales trips to craft fairs and trade shows in Arizona and Nevada. During one of those trips, the factory burned down and we later moved into a real warehouse-style factory. A short time later, the Deckers Outdoor Corporation bought the company, so I spent a year or so working for TEVA Sports Sandals, manufacturing their Alp model.

What do you like to do for fun in your spare time?
I enjoy being outdoors and exploring — biking, skiing, hiking, fishing, camping, etc. I also enjoy thrifting and ArtHop with my kids.

What is something interesting about you that most people don’t know?
I once attempted to hitchhike down the California coast — but it rained nearly the entire trip. I got a ride to San Francisco on a beautiful spring day and took public transportation down to Half Moon Bay. I ended up in a tent for two days before getting bored and giving it a go.

After a few hours of walking in the rain, a nice lady picked me up and took me to a bus stop in San Gregorio where I caught a couple of buses down to Santa Cruz. After two nights in a youth hostel and hearing about snow in the Santa Cruz Mountains, I gave up and caught a Greyhound to Fresno to stay with a friend. While the trip was a disaster, I made a lot of great memories.