Get to know Randy Aoki, who has been on campus almost 21 years.

Some of you may know Randy, but do you know he likes teriyaki ribs with steamed rice?

RANDY AOKI

1. How long have you been on campus?
As a staff employee and to my knowledge, I will be completing 21 years of service on the Fresno State campus. However, if you count my student assistant positions during my undergraduate coursework, it has been a few more years.

2. What is your position?
My current position is with the Office of the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. I am the coordinator of special events.

3. How many different areas have you worked on campus?
Oh my, I have worked for a number of different areas on campus. As a student assistant, I worked for the Cooperative Education Office which is now the Career Development Center and the University Lecture Series. As a temporary staff-employee, I worked in the Accounting Services area and served as a cashier and also an account tech (please keep in mind that this was prior to the on-line registration). And as a staff employee, I worked in the Division of Extended Education (now the Division of Continuing and Global Education), the Office of the Associate Provost/Associate Vice President and Dean of Undergraduate Studies Office and then the Office of the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Office. I did have a break in service, and when I was hired in November 2013, I worked in the Office of the Associate Vice President and Dean of Undergraduate Studies/Academic Resources Office, then on to where I am currently now serving in the Office of the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs/Office of the Vice Provost.

4. Favorite thing about campus?
My favorite part of the campus is the people (students, staff, faculty, administrators, alumni and donors). I love the way that we are working together to provide the best education to our students and that we continue to work on student success. Plus I get to work with so many awesome, terrific and talented friends and colleagues.

5. Favorite food?
My favorite food ... it really depends on which half of me you ask. My Japanese ethnicity side would say inari (Japanese footballs), teriyaki ribs with steamed rice, but my Mexican ethnicity side would say chili verde with arroz (rice) and frijoles de olla (beans from the pot).

6. Favorite color?
Red is my favorite color — that is, Fresno State Cardinal Red.

7. An interesting fact about yourself?
Most people think that I am a shy and quiet person. I am really not. Once I get to know someone, I am very talkative and enjoy making people laugh and smile. Some friends have said I am very creative, especially when it comes to making centerpieces. Also [I am] a comedian. Another interesting fact about me is that I have been collecting hot wheels since I was a child. Also, I will be starting the master's program in education — the Higher Education, Administration and Leadership Pathway Program — come this fall 2017 semester, and the support and encouragement from many, many on campus has been overwhelming. This is why Fresno State has been so very special to me. Plus I am an advisor to the Hispanic Business Student Association (HBSA) with the Craig School of Business.

8. Favorite quote?
One of my favorite quotes is, "Don't walk behind me; I may not lead. Don't walk in front of me; I may not follow. Just walk beside me and be my friend." — Albert Camus

and another is

“I want to sleep for eternity with a broad smile on my face. I want those who remain behind to say this man has done his duty.” ― Nelson Mandela

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