Welcome to California State University, Fresno.
We are entering a new era in Central California – an era that is unfolding in both subtle and dramatic ways. However, fundamental change is clearly under way.
John Wildermuth, the San Francisco Chronicle's respected political writer, recently described a sea change in California politics. "Driven by demographic, cultural and political shifts," Wildermuth writes, "a rift is growing between California's coast and its interior, replacing the north-south split that has defined state politics for more than 150 years."
National Public Radio sees a "New California" b
According to the Public Policy Institute of California, the Central Valley's population is increasing at a torrid pace, surpassing every other major region of the state. Over the years, this trend will dramatically alter the state's social and political landscape ... For the first time since the Gold Rush, more than half of Californians live outside the Bay Area and Los Angeles.
People throughout the nation and the world are seeing Central California at the fulcrum of dynamic change. Fresno State is the university best positioned to lead "New California" into the future.
Our university enjoys six huge strategic advantages:
- Fresno State has the faculty expertise and community linkages already in place to bring university resources to bear on key regional issues.
- Fresno State, one of the most diverse major universities in the country, is integral to the New California.
- Fresno State does a better job of retaining students of many cultural and ethnic backgrounds than most major universities in the country.
- Like many universities of our size and scope, Fresno State promotes basic research goals, but we focus especially on studies that directly impact Central California.
- Fresno State is located in the San Joaquin Valley's largest city, the sixth largest California city, situated in the heart of Central California.
- Fresno State alumni have gone on to some of the most prominent leadership positions in the world.
Fresno State is the premier engaged university in this rapidly changing region. The next decade will see rapid growth in the number of college-age residents with increasing pressure on limited state resources. Enrollment in K-12 schools and community colleges will skyrocket, increasing demands for new teachers and school construction.
More students will use Web-based instruction, and technology will continue to transform how we educate our students. We will compete vigorously to attract the top scholars and teachers to enhance the quality of our university. We strive to be more than "adequate" ... we strive to be the best. The demands of the 21st century - resulting from the surprising growth and change of Central California - signal the need for Fresno State to move beyond accepting the "adequate." We have a responsibility to Central California to live up to our growing status as a nationally acclaimed university.
The difference between adequacy and excellence is private support. A quick look around our campus reveals that most new academic initiatives have been funded through the generosity of private donors. Much of Fresno State's growing national recognition and academic renown is fueled by the investment of private donors. The result of that investment has produced incredibly positive outcomes both on the campus and in the development of the New California. Just think about what we are contributing to the region in fields such as business, education, the sciences, winemaking, criminology, literature, and public policy ... the list goes on and on.
We have been able to support expanded graduate programs, sustain visiting professors from top universities, fund research exploring regional issues, develop the Smittcamp Family Honors College, and spark the creation of new businesses in the region. Our initial successes hint at the true potential of the university.
Generous gifts to the university are creating a new Fresno State for a New California, which is building a richer and more powerful academic experience for both students and faculty.
We welcome you to explore our Web site at www.csufresno.edu and discover for yourself what Fresno State has to offer in undergraduate, graduate and doctoral studies. This homepage contains a wealth of information on our campus programs and provides access to all of our major administrative offices, including financial aid, and many other student services. In addition, we provide an online catalog for your use in making educational plans. I hope you will consider California State University, Fresno, as you plan for the future.
