University presidents have one official title, but many responsibilities — academic leader, strategist, fundraiser, communicator — and being the university’s biggest cheerleader.
An essential element of the president’s responsibilities involves elevating the brand and visibility of the university by highlighting the value of the institution. One of President Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval’s main goals is to serve on local, state and national committees and commissions where he can do just that.
He serves as the co-chair on California State University committees for technology, financial stability and Black excellence, the latter of which is a committee that seeks to develop strategies to foster a welcoming and thriving environment for African American and Black students. The goal of the CSU is to become the champion of and the gold standard for fostering a sense of belonging and thriving.
He also sits on the American Association of State Colleges and Universities board of directors and other groups under the association. And there are many others.
In November, Jiménez-Sandoval was appointed to the USDA-HACU Leadership Group, a leading national committee that has direct collaborative sessions with the United States Department of Agriculture. With the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities, the group works to increase access to USDA programs and services in Hispanic communities. As the farm bill will be updated this year, this is a critical committee for the future of the region’s economy, Jiménez-Sandoval said.
About 25% of the nation’s food supply comes from the Central Valley region. When Fresno State is associated with that industry, it raises the university to a higher level of importance, Jiménez-Sandoval said. Agriculture, for example, is a specialized field that distinguishes Fresno State from other institutions, he said.
“The more visible we are to the federal government, the stronger chance we have in receiving the funding we need to get things done at Fresno State and to highly elevate student success,” Jiménez-Sandoval said. “The university is a strong institution when it is able to leverage its teaching resources combined with its research capability as well.”
Visit FresnoStateNews.com to read more.
|
