To meet the goals in Fresno State’s Strategic Plan Goal 2 (Bridge Campus and Community) and Goal 3 (Cultivate Regional Progress and Global Impact), and to enhance our commitment to economic development in our region, I am pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Ram Nunna as Special Assistant to the President for Strategic Partnerships and Regional Economic Development. He will serve in this pro-bono role for a one-year term, in addition to his responsibilities as dean of the Lyles College of Engineering.

In this capacity, Dr. Nunna will collaborate with faculty, center directors, and other university leaders to enhance Fresno State’s contributions in key industries such as ag-tech, semiconductors, manufacturing, and biotechnology. Additionally, he will represent the university and my office on select boards, further strengthening our external partnerships and engagement with regional stakeholders.

Dr. Nunna has served as dean of the Lyles College of Engineering since 2010 and is currently co-leading Fresno State’s F3: Farms, Food, Future initiative. He previously served for several years on the Board of Directors of the Fresno County Economic Development Corporation and currently serves as an ad-hoc member of the Council of Business Sponsors at the Central Valley Community Foundation.