After 27 years of commitment and resolve within the field of education, Sherri Nakashima has decided to file for a well-earned retirement. While she is thrilled to finally be able to turn off her 5:30 a.m. alarm and spend more time with loved ones, Nakashima has discovered that the most difficult part of retiring is the knowledge that she will no longer see her colleagues on a regular basis.

Nakashima’s journey to this position is paved with a deep devotion for teaching. She graduated from Fresno State as a first-generation college student after being inspired by her two older brothers who both received their degrees in agriculture. Nakashima earned a bachelor's degree in liberal studies and also earned a multiple-subject credential through the Kremen School of Education and Human Development, which she then used to teach fourth grade. Soon afterwards, she began to crave a career change. A friend of hers, who worked on campus, informed her that a position had opened up within the Kremen School. After applying in 1995, she was quickly hired for a front desk position by Associate Dean Dr. Robert Monke.

“This return to Kremen became a pivotal moment in my life with everything coming full-circle,” she said.

Nakashima processed over 20,000 credential recommendations for teachers, counselors, administrators and school nurses since being hired in 1997 as Fresno State’s sole credential analyst. Without her countless hours of diligence and precise attention to detail, many educators throughout the Valley today would not have obtained the credentials required for them to enter the field of education. As part of her position, she also ensured that all credential programs offered through Fresno State maintained both national and state accreditation by submitting credential recommendations to the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing for state licensing of educators.

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