No two days are alike for Fresno State alumnus James Woolsey, whose signature red suit jacket and Bulldog spirit make him a familiar presence in the university’s athletics community.
As associate director of development for the Bulldog Foundation, Woolsey channels that pride into coordinating events, building relationships with donors and raising scholarship funds for Fresno State student-athletes. Sometimes, the job puts him in the same room as professional athletes, including prominent Fresno State alumni.
For Woolsey, a Fresno native and lifelong Bulldogs fan, it’s a fitting career.
“I’m a Valley kid,” Woolsey said. “Both my parents are Fresno State alumni, so growing up, I’ve always had an affinity for sports. I grew up going to football games and loving the stadium and the energy. So when I found out that Fresno State had one of the premier programs for sport administration on the West Coast, it was a no-brainer for me. I applied, and here I am.”
Woolsey earned his bachelor’s degree in sport administration in 2023 and his master’s degree in 2025. He credits Fresno State with giving him the experience and opportunities to pursue a career that combines his interest in business with his passion for sports.
Now, the program that helped launch Woolsey’s career is entering a new era.
Beginning this fall, Fresno State’s Master of Arts in Sport Administration program transitioned from a two-year program to an accelerated, one-year format, becoming the first program of its kind in the California State University system.
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