Yellow walls and sunflowers greet Dr. Kara Zografos each morning as she steps into her office in McLane Hall 178. For Zografos, the bright, uplifting color represents hope, happiness and positivity — traits that Zografos hopes to bring with her as she ventures into her new role as associate dean of the College of Health and Human Services.

"I've always been someone that likes to look towards the future with optimism," Zografos said. "I think about where I can go next and who I can help along the way. With this role, sometimes I actually have to stop myself and ask 'am I really working?' because I just love my job that much."

Zografos' history with the college and Fresno State dates back to the late 90s, when she was an undergraduate student in the public health program. She earned her bachelor’s degree in health science, with an option in community health in 1999 and later earned her Master of Public Health degree at the university in 2002 before heading to southern California where she completed her doctorate of public health from Loma Linda University.

Her family and love of the Central Valley, as well as a deep desire to serve the university where she earned her undergraduate education, is what led Zografos back to Fresno State. Over the past 17 years, Zografos has worked up the ranks from lecturer to assistant professor to full professor and from department chair to special assistant to the dean, and now in her current role as associate dean for the College of Health and Human Services, which began Aug. 1.

In addition, she was also recently called to serve as acting dean for the college.

Visit the College of Health and Human Services blog to read more.