A scooter, house built in 1780, food define university president

Sure, we know that Fresno State’s ninth president, Dr. Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval, is the first immigrant to serve in this position.

He gets around campus on a red scooter, “with smoke and fire flying off those wheels.”

He was born in a home in Zacatecas, México that his father’s family built in 1780.

He likes to tell jokes. “Somewhere in that family, someone taught him to tell jokes,” noted Dr. Jolene Koester, interim chancellor of the California State University system.

By the way, he’ll ride his scooter in full suit in 100-degree-plus weather.

He is also a foodie, often taking over the planning of meals for events hosted by the Office of the President.

And, he was provost before being chosen 16 months ago to lead the 25,000 students enrolled in the San Joaquín Valley’s largest university.

But, how much more should you know about Jiménez-Sandoval?

The son of Mexican immigrants who settled in Fowler and grew tomatoes was praised by educators and others as the “right man for the right time” to lead the Bulldog family.

Here is what we heard people say about him during the Sept. 9 investiture at the Save Mart Center.

Koester: “We’ve been reminded that on his close-knit family’s farm, he learned the value of hard work, to never shirk from challenges and adversity, but rather to tackle them immediately and head on with an open and flexible mind.

“He developed his deep connection to this Valley, to the agricultural industry for which it’s famous worldwide. Above all, he learned to love the people of this place. He learned to love the glorious symphony of cultures that all of you that the people represent now.”

Dr. Lynette Zelezny, president of Cal State Bakersfield: “As the son of immigrants, you are a powerful role model who works every day to add to the tapestry that gives our Valley, its character, its identity, and its unity.”

Caroline Álvarez, Fresno State student body president: “He is, in fact, a home grown president being raised in the Central Valley. He understands how important it is to give back to our community. He always highlights the magnificent area that is the Central Valley and how Fresno State students can continue to grow the value of this community. It is obvious that serving students is his top priority.”

Álvarez was the one who mentioned smoke and fire coming out from the president’s scooter. “It’s the small things like this that connect President Jiménez-Sandoval to our students.”

Belinda Muñoz, Fresno State Staff Assembly chair: “When you review the feedback and share stories from our staff members, you will see the actions that validate our president as a servant leader to our community. (He) reminds me of a tree. Transparent and reflective. His roots are deep, full of depth. A huge, massive support. And his branches are extended wide. He is a provider who stands strong with storms. Shades when overwhelmed. Comforts when needed, and supports.”

Dr. Daniel Calleros, Fresno State professor: “I’m supposed to tell you how, so it has influenced me as an educator, and to quote my wife, Dolores Cooper, ‘It’s all his fault. And after thinking about it, she is right. I started out as an MSG major here at Fresno State and had a minor in Spanish. At some point I took a Mexican literature class with our now president and something clicked. Something shifted. A seed was planted. My minor changed into a double major, and I decided I wanted to teach classes just like Saúl did.

“Ever since that moment, he was there every step of the way as a professor, as a mentor, and as a friend. Beyond the knowledge he so selflessly gave, I also took with me some of the passion and pedagogical approaches that to this day I still try to recreate.”

Wenda Fong, CSU Board of Trustees chair: “There are certain people in life who leave an immediate, impactful and indelible, positive impression, one that makes you think to yourself, This is not the last I will see of this person. This one will soar to great heights. Well, that’s so. What struck me that day was not only his intelligence grounded in warmth, sincerity and modesty, but also his keen ability to seamlessly blend depth, vision and affability. It was also the way others spoke about him when he wasn’t around. I cannot think of anyone more qualified to lead and serve the Bulldog family.”

Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer: “He’s a product of the Valley committed to raising the valley. He’s a leader, a visionary, and someone who has a great passion for educating the next generation of innovators, scholars and leaders under his direction and guidance. Fresno State is cultivating students who are future farmers, winemakers, teachers, engineers, social workers, police chiefs and mayors and so many more.”

Dr. Raymond Hall, chair of Fresno State Academic Senate: “In Fresno State’s past, the best teachers like this one may have had an element of slight apprehension as we accepted someone from outside our community to ascend to our highest administration responsibilities. This is refreshingly not the case today. We can know that our new president understands the Fresno State faculty’s perspective. Not long ago, he was teaching students from this Valley in these very same classrooms.”