Please join the Division of Equity and Engagement in welcoming Varselles to Fresno State!

The Division of Equity and Engagement is thrilled to announce the appointment of Varselles L. Cummings as the director of the Cross Cultural and Gender Center at Fresno State. A Fresno native and proud 2004 graduate of Edison High School, Varselles returns to his roots after two decades away, bringing with him a wealth of experience and a passion for fostering inclusive excellence on college campuses.

Varselles earned his B.A. in mass media communication from Wilberforce University, the first privately founded historically black college in the nation located in Wilberforce, Ohio. His undergraduate years were marked by active involvement in co-curricular and extracurricular activities, ranging from the Student Government Association to Residence Life to Choir. This diverse engagement sparked his interest in the field of higher education and student affairs.

Following his graduation in 2008, Varselles remained at Wilberforce University, serving as an admissions counselor for two years. In 2012, he earned his master's degree in postsecondary educational leadership with a specialization in student affairs from San Diego State University (SDSU). During his time at SDSU, he worked in the Resident Education Office and served as the graduate advisor for the Afrikan Student Union.

Varselles then expanded his professional journey to Texas, working at Texas Christian University as a Hall Director from 2012-2015. Later, he became an intercultural specialist in the Department of Multicultural Services at Texas A&M University, advising Aggie Black Male Connection (ABMC), Black Student Alliance Council (BSAC), and Southwest Black Student Leadership Conference (SBSLC). Most recently, he served as the director of the Center for Diversity and Inclusion at the University of Houston.

With over 15 years of experience in various capacities on college campuses, Varselles is eager to contribute to the vibrant community of Fresno State. His commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion is evident in his career, and he is excited about the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in his hometown.

Reflecting on his approach to education and leadership, Varselles shares a quote from the great poet Tupac Shakur: "I may not change the world, but I guarantee that I will spark the brain that will change the world." This quote has been integral to his philosophy as an educator and leader. Varselles expresses his excitement about the opportunity to ignite the minds of future world-changers at Fresno State as the director of the Cross Cultural and Gender Center.

Please join the Division of Equity and Engagement in welcoming Varselles L. Cummings to Fresno State. His wealth of experience and dedication to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment make him a valuable addition to the university community.