FRESNO (KMJ) — Fresno State’s ‘State of the University’ address was delivered Tuesday morning inside the campus’ Save Mart Center with a packed audience of staff and community members.
Increased enrollment and graduation rates were unveiled, but the highlight of the speech was the reveal of a four point plan set to enacted over the coming years.
“Priority number one”, announced President Castro. “To enhance teaching and learning through innovative practices, programs, and high impact experiences that contribute to extraordinary learning, the development of the whole student and life-long success.”
“Priority number two”, he continued. “Invest in our dynamic work environment to better attract, develop, and retain talented, diverse faculty and staff.”
“Priority number three. Modernize and expand our campus physical and technological infrastructure.”
This includes a $31 million upgrade to electrical infrastructure on campus, set to be completed in September, and an additional $20 million reserved for deferred maintenance over the next two years.
“Our fourth and final priority”, concluded President Castro. “Grow and develop collaborative and engaged community partnerships to increase support for students and the University.”
As well as revealing how 80% of the 200,000 students who graduate stay in the valley, the speech also established what will happen on campus in the months to come including efforts to connect alumni with students.
“By connecting them with a student who’s a little earlier in the process but has the same kind of dream”, President Joseph Castro explained afterwards. “That will help these students get internships and eventually, in a lot of cases, the internship leads to a job in that same company or perhaps in the same industry.”
The six-year graduation rate is also up. Two years ago it was below the CSU average at 48%, right now it stands at 58%, and Fresno State aims to have a 70% rate by 2023.
Hear the report from KMJ’s Dominic McAndrew:
