As we begin an exciting fall semester, I wanted to take a moment to discuss Athletics and its importance to our campus and region. In the spring, I launched the President's Commission on the future of Fresno State Athletics with a charge to recommend a blueprint for sustaining competitive athletic success — one that’s worthy of our University and the community we represent. In light of how quickly the athletics landscape in collegiate sports has shifted in recent weeks, there is no time like the present to chart our path forward and position ourselves for emerging opportunities.

When it comes to Fresno State Athletics, and football games in particular, there is no other event in the Valley that has the power to gather and unify over 40,000 people from our diverse community behind our Bulldogs in a single event. Hence, the stronger Fresno State Athletics is, the more it will enhance the visibility and reputation of our university.

In the classroom, our Bulldogs excelled during the 2021-22 academic year. There were 122 Fresno State student-athletes named to the Mountain West Scholar-Athlete team. That means 122 student-athletes achieved a 3.5 or higher cumulative GPA. The football team led the way with 25 scholar-athletes, followed by 18 from track and field, 12 each from soccer and swimming and diving and 11 from baseball. These hard working students deserve to be recognized for standing as exemplars of academic and athletic excellence.

So, come out in full force and support all of our amazing student-athletes this fall. Make sure to check out the special faculty and staff discount for football season tickets or call 559.278.DOGS for more information. With our energy, we can continue to bolster the Red Wave and help Fresno State Athletics shine brighter alongside our greater community.

Upcoming home events:

• 7:30 p.m. Sept. 10 – Football vs. Oregon State, Valley Children’s Stadium
• 6 p.m. Sept. 22 - Volleyball vs. Nevada, Save Mart Center
• 7 p.m. Sept. 22 - Soccer vs. Colorado College, Fresno State Soccer Stadium
• 1 p.m. Sept. 24 - Volleyball vs. San Jose State, Save Mart Center
• Noon Sept. 25 - Soccer vs. Air Force, Fresno State Soccer Stadium
• 6 p.m. Sept. 27 - Volleyball vs. San Diego State, Save Mart Center
• 7 p.m. Sept. 29 - Soccer vs. UNLV, Fresno State Soccer Stadium
• 11 a.m. Sept. 30 - Equestrian vs. Texas A&M, Student Horse Center

Go ’Dogs!

Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval, Ph.D.
President