FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — Fresno City College leaders celebrated student success, academic growth and future plans during the college’s annual State of the College address Friday morning.<\/p>\n
The event began with a breakfast gathering in the courtyard of the college’s Old Administration Building, bringing together educators and community leaders from across the region.<\/p>\n
School district superintendents, presidents from other State Center Community College District campuses and representatives from four-year universities attended before moving into the auditorium for the presentation.<\/p>\n
“On behalf of the college, I welcome you all here today,” Fresno City College President Dr. Denise Whisenhunt told attendees.<\/p>\n
Throughout the presentation, college leaders highlighted major accomplishments from the past year, including Fresno City College’s designation as a California Black-Serving Institution, recognizing its efforts to support Black student achievement and success.<\/p>\n
Administrators also celebrated continued growth in degree and certificate completion.<\/p>\n
Among the milestones was the graduation of the college’s first class of students earning bachelor’s degrees in Dental Hygiene this spring.<\/p>\n
The college is already preparing to expand its bachelor’s degree offerings.<\/p>\n
“While this has been a long path to get here, just like any bachelor’s degree program, we will begin programming in 2027,” said Vice President of Instruction Dr. Lisa Gaetje. “So we will have two bachelor’s degree programs at Fresno City College.”<\/p>\n
The new bachelor’s degree will be in Medical Imaging Supervision and Leadership, providing students another opportunity to earn a four-year degree while remaining at Fresno City College.<\/p>\n
College officials also highlighted significant growth in dual enrollment programs, which allow high school students to earn college credit before graduation.<\/p>\n
According to Dr. Ghada Al-Masri, vice president of educational services and institutional effectiveness, participation in dual enrollment has more than doubled over the last five years. Those students have maintained a 97% course retention rate.<\/p>\n
“That is significant because that means we’re holding on to them,” Al-Masri said. “Students not giving up on themselves or on the partnership. That’s important.”<\/p>\n
The college also pointed to workforce development partnerships that continue to create career opportunities for students.<\/p>\n
Through its collaboration with Fresno Regional Workforce Development, students can access pathways in fields such as EMS and wildland firefighting, with an automotive apprenticeship program expected to be added in the future.<\/p>\n
Whisenhunt said the college remains focused on listening to community needs and developing programs that align with workforce demands.<\/p>\n
“I hope people are inspired,” Whisenhunt said. “I think pretty much already they’re inspired by the campus, but inspired to even engage more. We have so many great partners, and we look forward to working closer in the future.”<\/p>\n
Looking ahead, college leaders said Fresno City College is currently developing a strategic plan that will help guide the institution over the next decade, shaping academic programs, student services and workforce partnerships through the next 10 years.<\/p>\n
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