Fowler High graduate named new Arts and Humanities Dean

Fresno State named a Fowler High graduate as its new College of Arts and Humanities dean on Nov. 23.

Saùl Jimènez-Sandoval, a Fresno State professor of Spanish and Portuguese and interim associate arts and humanities dean, succeeds interim dean Jose A. Diaz, who was not a candidate for the job, on Jan 1.

Fresno State Provost Lynnette Zelezny called Jimènez-Sandoval “a stellar scholar and master of languages” who has earned the respect of the faculty for his integrity, collaborative spirit and commitment to students. “He is a visionary and an articulate leader who will bridge the arts and humanities at Fresno State to lead the college toward a bright future.”

Jimènez-Sandoval joined the Fresno State faculty in 2000. He chaired the Department of Modern and Classical Languages for six years and was instrumental in developing the master’s degree program degree in Spanish. He directs the college’s Advising Center and serves as coordinator of the College Honors Program and liaison to Fresno’s Mexican Consulate.

A native of Mexico, Jimènez-Sandoval holds dual Mexican and U.S. citizenship. He grew up in Fowler and worked on his family’s farm. After graduating from Fowler High School, he attended the University of California at Irvine and earned bachelor’s degrees in Spanish and history and a doctorate in Spanish and Portuguese literature. He holds certificates from universities in Spain and Portugal in language, literature and culture, and a certificate in critical theory from Cornell University.

“I’m excited and energized by the opportunity to lead the college in ways that promote the value of our diverse disciplines,” Jimènez-Sandoval said. “The College of Arts and Humanities is at the heart of the university, our Valley and our lives.”

This story was originally published November 25, 2015 at 1:00 AM with the headline "Fowler High graduate named new Arts and Humanities Dean."