Fresno State provost and vice president Saul Jimenez-Sandoval will be the interim president at the university come Jan. 4 when Dr. Joseph Castro moves to his new role as Chancellor of the California State University system.
Current CSU Chancellor Timothy White announced the appointment Wednesday.
“In speaking with campus and community stakeholders, a recurring theme was the need to sustain the momentum Fresno State is experiencing under President Castro, while ensuring that student achievement continues during this time of the pandemic,” said White in a statement. “From enrolling the largest student body in its long history, to receiving an unprecedented amount in research grants and contracts, it is an exciting and unique time for Fresno State, and Dr. Jiminez-Sandoval will ensure that they keep moving upward.”
Jimenez-Sandoval was appointed to his current position in 2019, following nearly 20 years as a faculty member at Fresno State.
As a professor, Jimenez-Sandoval taught Spanish and Portuguese, he coordinated the Spanish master of arts, he served as the chair of the Department of Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures and served as the dean of the College of Arts and Humanities.
“Fresno State is the cultural and intellectual cornerstone of the Central Valley,” said Jimenez-Sandoval in a statement. I love its demonstrated power to transform the lives of our talented students, and I see how our alumni improve the quality of life in our communities. It is a magnificent honor to be untrusted with leading our renowned university.”
The CSU plans to name a permanent president next year.
