Grade-A accreditation
Fresno State’s accreditation was reaffirmed for 10 years by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission — the longest reaffirmation period possible and one reserved for institutions demonstrating the highest levels of quality, effectiveness and integrity. The designation certifies the validity of Fresno State degrees and ensures students remain eligible for federal financial aid.
As part of the reaccreditation process, 77 members of the campus community completed a comprehensive self-study centered on the theme “Flagship of the Central Valley.” The commission commended Fresno State for its entrepreneurial faculty and staff, strong partnerships with schools and community colleges, use of athletics to foster regional engagement and its transformational impact on social mobility.
The reaffirmation reflects Fresno State’s continued commitment to expanding educational opportunity and serving the Central Valley through teaching, research and community engagement.
A place to call home
Fresno State opened its first major new student housing project in more than 50 years this fall, adding 228 apartment-style beds to campus. The four-story, 80,000-square-foot building at Shaw and Cedar avenues includes one- to four-bedroom units, with a limited number of apartments designed for students with children.
The new residence hall includes a gym, recreation room and conference space, along with an outdoor play structure, basketball court and fire pit area. The project was funded through a $33.7 million state affordable student housing grant and about $20 million in California State University systemwide revenue bonds.
The addition brings Fresno State’s on-campus housing capacity to 1,598 students across 10 buildings and expands affordable housing options designed to support students and families as they pursue their degrees.
New provost introduced
Fresno State named Dr. Melinda Roberts as its provost and vice president for Academic Affairs. Roberts, who began her role in July, comes to Fresno State from Indiana State University, where she served as dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and professor in the School of Criminology and Security Studies.
As the university’s chief academic officer, Roberts will help lead Fresno State’s academic programs, faculty development, student success initiatives and research enterprise. Throughout her career, she has been recognized for advancing interdisciplinary programs, strengthening advising and student support services, launching new academic offerings and improving student retention and graduation outcomes.
Fresno State President Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval said Roberts’ commitment to student success and experience aligning academic programs with workforce needs will help advance Fresno State’s academic mission and support the university’s continued growth.
Roberts succeeds Provost Dr. Xuanning Fu, who retired after more than two decades of service to Fresno State.
