We hope you enjoy this series where we meet and get to know employees from across campus. Would you like to be featured? Contact us at campusnews@csufresno.edu.

Name: Saundra Williams
Title: Program assistant
Department: TRIO Student Support Services Program
Academic Degree(s): Attended Cabrillo College.

How long have you worked at Fresno State?
I was hired last year in December 2022.

Are you a Valley native?
I’m not a Valley native. What brought me here was that my husband and I decided to relocate to be closer to his elderly mom.

Tell us about your department and what people may not know about it.
TRIO Student Support Services Program provides undergraduates with academic support, financial aid literacy/education, and graduate school preparation support to ensure every individual’s successful retention and graduation. Our partner program, TRIO Student Support Services Veterans, provides retention activities and services for veterans students who are first-generation, low-income and/or disabled students.

What people may not know is that Support Services Program and Student Support Services Veterans are federally funded TRIO grant programs under the U.S. Department of Education that serves resilient first-generation students, students from low-income backgrounds and students with disabilities.

What is your most notable accomplishment in your field, and why was it important?
During my career at UC Santa Cruz in my position as a forms processor specialist, every year I would prepare for the fall work-study orientation for our incoming and transfer students. I would present to the students on campus work-study jobs that was available on campus. I was one of the keynote speakers. I felt honored being able to help the younger generation, which is important because they are our future.

What are you most passionate about in your field and why?
I love helping others in my career. I have always worked with students. It brings joy to my heart to see them achieve their goals in life.

What is a memorable moment you had at your job?
The most memorable moment I've had since I’ve been here, was being able to participate, witness and celebrate our students' graduation.

What is your favorite quote or saying?
Scripture: Philip 4:13 – "I Can Do All Things Through Christ who Strengthens me."

What is the most interesting or unusual job you've ever had?
I had the opportunity to work at Santa Cruz Beach and Boardwalk every summer, specifically at the dime toss, when I was a teenager.

What do you like to do for fun in your spare time?
I love to work in our ministry. Two weeks ago, I put on a “Women’s Brunch Gala” in Modesto at Skewers Restaurant Banquet room. It had a nice turn out with 40 people in attendance. This is me, I love what I do.

What is something interesting about you that most people don’t know?
I am a pastor’s wife and first lady in our church. Our ministry is in Modesto. In my jurisdiction, I am the supervisor of women in our Women’s Department.

Is there something else you would like to share that was not asked?
I’m a native of Santa Cruz. My career and background education all started at UC Santa Cruz Career Center. I was in employed there for 10 years, then I transferred to UC Berkeley's Environment Health and Safety Department, where I worked for nine years. In 2019, I started working at San Francisco State's Development/Alumni Department. I moved to Fresno in 2022.