Dear Colleagues,
Earlier this academic year, I requested that the CSU Chancellor’s Office conduct a comprehensive advisory review of the Fresno State Foundation to ensure our philanthropic, financial, and governance practices meet the highest standards of transparency, accountability, and stewardship. As expected, this review did not identify any fraud, misappropriation of funds or malfeasance.
However, now that the review is complete, it has identified a number of findings that require focused attention and corrective action. These issues developed over many years and across administrations. These are structural and governance-related issues, not allegations of wrongdoing. I have full confidence that we will be stronger once these issues are resolved.
We have already taken immediate steps. Moving forward, the University and the Foundation Board of Governors will develop a systematic implementation timeline together to modernize governance structures, strengthen oversight, and align with CSU policy and best practices.
In the interest of transparency, we are sharing the full Chancellor’s Office Advisory Review publicly on our website. We have also provided next steps that outline the changes already made and the findings that we are prioritizing moving forward. This reflects our commitment to accountability and to maintaining the trust of our philanthropic partners, campus community, and the public.
This is a forward-looking effort grounded in responsibility and continuous improvement. We will continue to work closely with the Foundation Board of Governors, whose volunteer service we deeply value, as well as campus partners and the Chancellor’s Office as we carry this important work forward.
Thank you for your continued dedication to Fresno State and to the communities we serve.
Sincerely,
Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval, Ph.D.
President
