A snapshot of the latest Bulldog stories this season
No. 2 in the rankings; No. 1 in our hearts
Fresno State was ranked the No. 2 university among all public and private schools nationwide in Washington Monthly’s ranking of Best Colleges for your Tuition (and Tax) Dollars. The independent, D.C.-based magazine evaluates schools based on social mobility, affordability, research and public service, offering a measure of value beyond prestige and selectivity. The university is joined in the top 30 by five Ivy League institutions, Stanford and MIT. Fresno State is the only Mountain West university ranked in the top 30, as well as the only top-30 university slated for the revamped Pac-12 Conference, which Fresno State will join in July 2026.
Online now: Fresno State’s new storytelling hub
The university launched Fresno State Today, a centralized storytelling platform that brings together the university’s news, Fresno State Magazine, multimedia stories and college-specific blogs. Debuting July 1, the site replaces fresnostatenews.com, which since 1999 has shared campus stories with alumni, students and the broader community.
The new hub offers a modern experience with larger photo displays, cinematic video and a consistent design — creating a more engaging way to showcase student success, faculty research and community impact.
How AI is being integrated on campus
Since the debut of ChatGPT in 2022, Fresno State has moved quickly to prepare students, faculty and staff for an AI-driven future. The Office of IDEAS launched faculty training and partnered with the CSU on systemwide programs, while a 40-member campuswide task force developed ethical-use guidelines and recommendations that led to the President’s AI Initiative.
This year, the university rolled out AI tools including ChatGPT Edu, Microsoft Copilot, Zoom AI Companion and a Google Gemini pilot. Three Fresno State faculty earned awards in the CSU’s inaugural AI Educational Innovations Challenge for projects that integrate ethical, research-driven and workplace-ready AI practices into teaching.
Magic on Maple Mall
Two 20-foot-tall animal sculptures celebrating vibrant traditions of Oaxaca and Central Mexico were installed on the Maple Mall at Fresno State. The statues were on display in fall 2025 as part of the “Alebrijes & Nahuales: Fantastic Animals from Mexico” exhibition.
The exhibition included eight large-scale, handmade fiberglass sculptures distributed across Fresno State, Arte Américas and Fresno City College.
“These colorful and whimsical alebrijes symbolize spiritual guides, and all students from all walks of life can appreciate their beauty and artistry,” said Fresno State President Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval.
Putting the ‘ag’ in swag
The Central Valley is more than a place — it shapes the identity of the people who call it home. Fresno State’s iconic Green V, featured on the back of football helmets and on the four-paw logo, represents the university’s pride in serving the region. The V is green to honor the nation’s leading agricultural center, with a Bulldog Red line marking the university at its heart.
To celebrate the Valley’s farming heritage, Fresno State football unveiled a new agriculture-themed white jersey during the Ag Fest regular-season finale against Utah State on Nov. 22. Fans can now rep the look. Officially licensed Adidas replica jerseys are available at the Kennel Marketplace, Kennel Bookstore and select retailers.
Remembering President Joseph I. Castro
Dr. Joseph I. Castro, the eighth president of Fresno State, passed away on Aug. 24 at the age of 58. Castro made history as the first Mexican American, first Valley native and first Californian to serve as president of Fresno State (from 2013 to 2020), and later as the first Mexican American to lead the California State University system as chancellor. His story — from Hanford to Cal to Stanford and back to serve the Valley at Fresno State — inspired and resonated with many, and he dedicated much of his professional life to expanding access to higher education.
Stories by BoNhia Lee and Eddie Hughes (‘05)
