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: Wendy Nelson
Title: African American Initiative coordinator
Department: Outreach and Special Programs
Academic Degrees: Physical education, undergrad; clinical rehabilitation counseling, masters

How long have you worked at Fresno State: Since 2003. I started off working for TRiO; Educational Talent Search Program.

What is your most notable accomplishment in your field, and why was it important? Having the opportunity to coordinate and brand our campus's annual Super Saturday: African American College and Career Summit event hosted during Homecoming weekend.

What are you most passionate about in your field and why? Helping to engage and prepare first-generation students for post-secondary success. Not just helping to ensure that they are eligible for college, but prepared to withstand the rigors of college along with the various life challenges that come along with it.

What is a memorable moment you had at your job? In 2011, I was a chaperone for 52 high school students during a field trip to CSU Monterey Bay during a tsunami that hit the California coast.

What is a memorable moment you had in class? During my final semester of my graduate studies, I had to give a presentation to my classmates with the topic of mental health and family support, which was the final chapter of the required book for the class. The backdrop of my presentation was a real-life scenario that was being played out in my personal life which no one knew about. After the conclusion of the presentation, I divulged to everyone that "life was imitating" art due to the fact that my presentation centered around a family member's crisis situation. My classmates and professor all agreed that the presentation delivery outshined everyone else's and thanked me for my transparency in sharing something so personal.

What do you like to do for fun in your spare time? I love to workout at my local gym, walk my dog Bilbo, travel, hang out with my girlfriends, eat out, and worship with my church family.

What is something interesting about you that most people don’t know? I am a part time life insurance agent licensed in five states.

Is there something else you would like to share that was not asked? Originally from Ohio, Merced High School graduate, I am the first African American female Army ROTC cadet to obtain a commission as a 2nd Lieutenant from the Fresno State Program (1989), former member of the Fresno State women's track team (1985-1988), Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) alumna, former work-study student, lived in the dorms for my first two years of college, former TRIO counseling professional, and mother of two sons, ages 20 and 28.