Valley native Dr. Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval has a lot of Fresno State experience under his mortar board.

He has served at Fresno State since 2000, first as a professor of Spanish and Portuguese, coordinator of the Spanish master of arts, chair of the Department of Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures, then as interim associate dean of the College of Arts and Humanities, and dean of the College of Arts and Humanities. Last year, he became provost and vice president of Academic Affairs.

To many, he's the scooter-riding administrator who speaks English, Spanish, Portuguese and French and can understand Italian, Catalan and modern Greek (the native language of his wife, Dr. Mariana Anagnostopoulos, a professor in the Department of Philosophy). And he's learning to play the piano.

Last week, California State University Chancellor Timothy P. White appointed Jiménez-Sandoval as interim president of Fresno State. Jiménez-Sandoval will begin in his leadership position on Jan. 4, 2021, and serve in that capacity until a new president is selected by the CSU Board of Trustees within six to 12 months, depending on the time it takes to conduct a national search.

"As I take this step, I will have in mind the heartfelt and wise mentorship I've received from President Castro, as well as the valuable working relationships I've built with all of the Cabinet members," Jiménez-Sandoval said. "Having taught our capable students as a professor and visited every department on campus as provost, I also carry within me the value of our disciplines, and the ways your teaching inspires our students to become the visionary, creative and skilled leaders our Valley needs."

As Jiménez-Sandoval fills in as interim president, he has appointed Dr. Xuanning Fu to serve as interim provost during this time. Fu will carry out an internal search for the interim vice provost position.

President Joseph I. Castro will continue to work closely with students, faculty and staff at the University until Jan. 3. He begins his new position as CSU chancellor on Jan. 4.

"I enthusiastically support the appointment of Dr. Jiménez-Sandoval as interim president of Fresno State," Castro said. "A fellow son of the San Joaquin Valley, Dr. Jiménez-Sandoval is a nationally-recognized scholar and servant leader who understands and embraces the unique strengths of the University and the region. I am confident that he will lead the committed President's Cabinet, and together they will continue to provide strong leadership for Fresno State during such a consequential time."