$1.5M grant supports child care services for student-parents

Children’s laughter is audible upon entering the Kremen Education building at Fresno State. The playful chatter of boys and girls on the playground, water splashing in the discovery pond — these are the sounds of the Joyce M. Huggins Early Education Center, one of three early care and education centers on campus offered through Fresno State’s Programs for Children.

In fall 2019, 49% of new undergraduate students at Fresno State reported a family income of less than $48,000. Because some of these students being parents themselves, Programs for Children offers subsidized child care services for low-income students. These students are able to enroll their children, ages 3 months to 12 years, and receive a largely discounted rate for their child care.

“Because of my income I am not required to pay for child care,” said Marisa Martinez, a Fresno State criminology student. Martinez has a nearly 2-year-old son, Yonas (not pictured), who has attended the Huggins Center for over one year. “I am so grateful. The Huggins Center has been such a great asset toward the progress of my education and growth at my job. I am able to have an efficient amount of time to go to work and complete my required assignments.”

To further support low-income student parents, Programs for Children received a $1.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education. The Child Care Access Means Parents in School grant supports Fresno State student-parents’ academic success by supporting on-campus and off-campus child care costs, piloting a distance learning program for preschoolers, providing coaching services and resources and creating a safer environment for staff and children.

“The child care options and parental support provided by this grant are projected to improve retention, increase degree completion and increase a sense of belonging for Fresno State students,” says Dr. Pei-Ying Wu, assistant professor in the Department of Literacy, Early, Bilingual and Special Education and principal investigator of the project.

“Due to COVID-19, many child care facilities in Fresno County have closed, leaving student-parents in need of a safe space for their children. Programs for Children closed for a short period last year but has since reopened, and has been servicing students and their children since August,” said Brittney Randolph, Programs for Children director and project director. “However, we have made significant changes to policy, operational, procedural and instructional levels to help ensure the wellbeing of the program, staff and families.”

The grant will assist in ensuring a safer environment. Programs for Children will purchase protective equipment and supplies, such as air purifiers, coveralls, face shields, masks and disinfecting tools.

Read more.

Faculty motivates students to uplift black voices while celebrating MLK

Written by: Andrea Marin Contreras and Halle Sembritzki, The Collegian

After months of racial tension and protests in different parts of the country, Fresno State celebrated Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s life with a variety of speeches, photography, poetry and music from current and former faculty members and students on Jan. 22. 

Ramar Henderson, an assistant professor of counselor education and rehabilitation at Fresno State, was the keynote speaker of the event. 

Interim president Dr. Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval and Professor Emeritus Sudarshan Kapoor of philosophy delivered speeches on the importance of celebrating Dr. King’s life and how his legacy impacts Fresno State. 

Fresno State’s Peace Garden serves as a memorial to civil rights activists as it honors Mahatma Gandhi, Cesar Chavez, Dr. Martin Luther King and Jane Addams with bronze statues. 

It is a yearly tradition on campus to commemorate these civil rights activists with an in-person event where Kapoor, the university president and keynote speakers deliver speeches. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s commemoration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. took place virtually on Zoom with 62 participants. 

Henderson delivered his speech, “To pay homage,” in honor of Dr. King. 

In his speech, Henderson listed important concepts to remind the audience of the importance to “get the language right” in order to uplift Black people. 

The first concept in Henderson’s speech was “language is key.” He said it is important to pay attention to the language used in social media and news outlets toward Black people.

For example, Henderson said that when Black people participate in non-violent protests their movements are classified as “riots” and perceived as destructive toward the community.

Henderson also highlighted that there are narratives, either on social media or news, that “negate, overlook or just do not lift up the narratives of black geniuses.”

Additionally, his speech focused on how “seeking validation from the oppressor” does not empower Black voices. 

“Seeking validation from the oppressor means trying to reason with white supremacy and asking why we are treated so badly,” Henderson said. “To be Black and proud means that our existence is rooted in strength, in a strength-based approach. Black is beautiful.”

Black people should seek validation within their own community rather than with the mostly white system that has failed them all these years, Henderson said.

Jiménez-Sandoval read an excerpt from Dr. King’s “Letter from Birmingham Jail” and stated how important Dr. King’s teachings are and how they reflect on Fresno State. 

“As the premier institution of higher learning that we are, Fresno State harbors and promotes the ideas Dr. King represents and truly embodies within his words and also within his actions,” Jiménez-Sandoval said. “We at Fresno State have the responsibility not only to further Dr. King’s actions but also to embody them on the every day.”

Dr. King’s speech, “I am Black and I am Proud,” was shown during the event. This speech was delivered on Apr. 12, 1968, a day before King’s assassination. Additionally, the commemoration included poetry and songs from students and faculty members.

Read more.

Flourishing in Education Amidst a Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has been a tremendous challenge for students and faculty in higher education. The struggle with balancing mental health, teaching/learning in an online context and new household disruptions have shifted our daily realities. But with difficulties, come opportunities to thrive. The Kremen School of Education and Human Development community has shown resilience and strength when faced with challenges. Read the stories of our champions.

Pandemic Champions

Submit a pandemic champion.

Jaskirn Johal-Dhillon
Student, M.S. in Marriage, Family and Child Counseling

Jaskirn is studying to become a counselor and has a strong desire to help those in her community. 

2020 has forced her to face many challenges. With coursework transitioned to a virtual space, her fieldwork counseling sessions transitioned as well. During 2020, Jaskirn learned how to counsel clients via zoom and she met with her program supervisor virtually every week to discuss concerns or crises with ongoing cases. Jaskirn is proud that she was able to successfully complete all of her coursework throughout the year and that she has gained the skills to counsel online. 

In addition to her studies, Jaskirn tragically lost a family member from COVID-19. She specifically remembers how her program supervisor, Maira Hernandez, helped her through this time and provided resources to her grieving family. Maira continued to check-in on Jaskirn in regards to her mental health and made sure she took time for self-care. Jaskirn greatly appreciates the care and support she received. 

“For 2021 I am excited to graduate! It’s been a great adventure and I can’t wait to get out there and help the community!”

Thea Fabian
Lecturer, Department of Literacy, Early, Bilingual and Special Education

Thea teaches in the Multiple Subject Teaching Credential program and prepares the valley’s future teachers in early and disciplinary literacy.

Focused on maintaining high-quality virtual instruction, Thea increased her compassion and reached out to students more. She was able to individualize assignments and became adept to responding to her students’ specific needs. 

“This semester has been hard for students. I am proud to have been able to offer the same rich resources the teacher candidates needed, and I am very proud of the students for being able to adjust, be flexible, and demonstrate compassion for themselves and others.”

Thea was excited to learn how to make video lectures and her students reported them to be very useful, allowing them to review the learnings at their own pace. “Using a combination of zoom live (synchronous) class, video lectures, and independent assignments proved to be a good mix. I plan to incorporate video lectures even when we come back to in person instruction.”

Bob Nelson, Ed.D.
Alumnus, M.A. in Education, Administration and Supervision and Multiple Subject Teaching Credential

Bob Nelson serves as the superintendent of Fresno Unified School District and is a true pandemic champion. With a district student population of over 70,000 and over 10,000 employees, Bob has had to make decisions for Fresno Unified that not only impact the students and employees, but also their households.

“Fresno State has taught me to take a moderate path and to recognize the interest of all parties. There is so much diversity in the valley that it has made me a better leader. I consider multiple perspectives before making a decision.”

Some of the ways Fresno Unified has supported its students is by utilizing new engagement strategies. Parents are now a large part of the school and Bob recognizes that being present and listening will help the students move forward.

Over winter break, the district offered credit recovery courses to assist with any learning loss students may have suffered from. Bob is working on creating multiple learning opportunities so students don’t fall behind.

Fresno Unified is also supporting its teachers and administrators with new technology and training. “We are making the most of the technological tools that we have in order to do the best we can.”

Elizabeth Marquez
Mentor Teacher, Clovis Teacher Residency Program

Elizabeth teaches 3rd grade at Miramonte Elementary School and she is a Mentor Teacher to student teachers in the Clovis Teacher Residency Program. 

Teaching eight-year-olds virtually has taught Elizabeth how to be even more patient than she was before. She also increased her focus on students’ social and emotional state of being. “Keeping things consistent has been key in making sure students feel safe and comfortable in this unprecedented time.”

Elizabeth didn’t just have to adjust her teaching for her students, she also had to adjust how she mentored her Fresno State student teacher. She utilized zoom to meet with her student teacher to virtually review lessons and activities. 

“I have made sure to be supportive, comforting and compassionate. The student teacher and I make a good team and I feel very comfortable having her take over lessons and work with groups of students.”

Elizabeth has been exceptional at being flexible and adapting to changing circumstances, utilizing technological tools and new strategies to triumph through the pandemic.

Submit a Pandemic Champion

If you know a member of the Kremen School who has been a champion throughout the pandemic, submit their information here.

2021 Emerging Scholar – Dr. Soua Xiong

Congratulations to Dr. Soua Xiong, assistant professor in the department of Counselor Education and Rehabilitation, for being named a 2021 Emerging Scholar in Diverse: Issues in Higher Education. Below is a feature of Xiong that has been published in the January 2021 issue of Diverse magazine.

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Written by: Sarah Wood, Diverse: Issues in Higher Education

As a child of Vietnam War refugees, Dr. Soua Xiong always wanted to make his parents proud. To do so, he sought the route of higher education in hopes of being able to financially support his family.

“[Attending college meant] that all of their sacrifices to get us here were not just for nothing,” says Xiong, assistant professor in the student affairs and college counseling program at California State University, Fresno.

Being a first-generation college student, he relied on TRIO and other federally funded programs to finish his degree.

Therefore, upon graduation, Xiong became an outreach recruiter for the College Assistance Migrant Program at Fresno State. He aimed to “pay it forward” by remaining involved in the assistance programs that had previously benefited him.

Xiong went on to serve in various academic advising and counseling positions for TRIO programs, where he worked with both high school and community college students intending to further their education.

“It has been very gratifying to see and be able to support students along their academic journey,” he says.

After 10 years in student affairs, Xiong shifted his focus to research while completing a master’s degree at Fresno State and doctorate at Claremont Graduate University joint with San Diego State University.

His ongoing research has focused on student success, engagement of male students of color and support services for underserved students and community colleges.

“My research helps to reframe and better understand the conditions that are needed in order for students to utilize the services that we claim that we have on campus,” says Xiong. “If students are not aware of it, how do we as an institution or as practitioners focus on access to information and so forth?”

Remaining close to his alma mater Fresno State, Xiong became an assistant professor in 2018. A year later, he was also named coordinator of the university’s Student Affairs and College Counseling Program.

“I love the opportunity to work directly with our students to create the change that we collectively would like to see in the program,” says Xiong.

Dr. J. Luke Wood, associate vice president for faculty diversity and inclusion and distinguished professor of education at San Diego State University, described Xiong as one of the most “hardworking, driven and passionate” people he has ever met.

“His level of impact at such an early stage in his career is really not comparable to most others in the field …,” he adds. “To see him go off to Fresno State and get a tenure-track position. And continue to do the work, even though he has an incredibly high responsibility load in terms of teaching and administrative work. Very proud of him. Very proud of the work he has done.”

Throughout his career, Xiong has participated in several fellowship programs and was the past-president of the California College Personnel Association, the California chapter of ACPA-College Student Educators International.

He has also received a number of accolades including the Hsiao-Min Wang Award at Claremont Graduate University and the Outstanding Dedication to Professional Service Award from the American College Personnel Association Coalition for Graduate Students and New Professionals.

As a Hmong faculty member, Xiong hopes to be a “role model” and “inspiration” for other underrepresented individuals or students aspiring to work at a college or university. “Oftentimes, we do not see, especially in the academy, faculty who may look like us or share similar backgrounds to us,” he says. “But there are some that are continuing to pave the way and that it is possible, even though it might seem like a long career trajectory and pathway to get to it.”

Castros Honored With Brick on Teachers and Friends of Education Honor Wall

California State University Chancellor Joseph I. Castro, who previously served as Fresno State’s eighth president, and first-lady Mary Castro have advocated for education in the Central Valley since their arrival at Fresno State in 2013. The Castros have spearheaded and reinforced multiple efforts to support student academic success and increase the quality of education in the Valley.

Because of their years of servant leadership, the Teachers and Friends of Education Honor Wall committee members at Fresno State are honoring the Castros with a commemorative brick, with the inscription: “BOLD LEADERSHIP.” The date of the brick installation will be announced once scheduled.

These honor walls on campus are a place where educators in the Central Valley, and around the world, are recognized with personalized bricks. The vastness of the walls showcases the mass impact educators have. These walls line the entrance of Fresno State’s Kremen School of Education and Human Development, inspiring the Valley’s future teachers, counselors and educational leaders.

Since the first wall was built in 1998, there have been over 4,400 bricks dedicated, spanning four separate walls. Others who have been honored with bricks include Jim Yovino, superintendent of schools for Fresno County; Ashley Swearengin, Fresno’s 24th mayor; and Deputy Sheriff Joel Wahlenmaier and Police Officer Javier Bejar, heroes killed in the line of duty in Minkler.

The Castros have participated in multiple outreach efforts to local youth. They partnered with United Way Fresno, Madera Counties and Chevron to provide thousands of backpacks filled with school supplies to students ranging from fifth to eighth grade.

“Mary and I firmly believe there’s talent and potential in every household in our region,” Joseph I. Castro said.

They have also visited numerous churches to speak to Black youth about the importance of higher education, as part of an annual event of the California State University African American Initiative.

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The Castros have supported Fresno State students’ ability to focus on academic success by spearheading a nationally-recognized food security project, the Student Cupboard. According to a 2017 CSU study, more than 43 percent of Fresno State students had experienced some level of food insecurity in the past year. Since the Student Cupboard opened in 2014, Mary Castro has been heavily involved in inspiring financial support for the project. She helped raise $327,275 at the 2020 March Match Up event.

Read more at FresnoStateNews.com.

Nancy Cheng receives CCPA outstanding graduate student award

Man Sze (Nancy) Cheng is said to be able to command a room with grace. Students describe meeting her as a valuable experience that leaves them feeling empowered. For the Student Affairs and College Counseling graduate program, she is an ambassador who goes above and beyond.

It’s no surprise Cheng was chosen for the Outstanding Graduate Student award from the California College Personnel Association, a state chapter of ACPA — College Student Educators International, one of the largest student affairs professional associations in the world.

Cheng, a Hong Kong native, has positively impacted the field of student affairs at Fresno State and across California. However, she isn’t the only Fresno State student to earn recognition. Cheng and her classmate, Jose Medina III, have both been appointed to the California College Personnel Association executive leadership team as graduate representatives for 2021. In this role, they will support students across the state and increase the visibility of student affairs professionals and the role they play in higher education. “Nancy and Jose are two of our amazing student leaders within the Student Affairs and College Counseling program,” said Dr. Soua Xiong, assistant professor and program coordinator.

The organization has also awarded Xiong with the Outstanding Service to the Association award for his active participation and contributions. He is a past president of the organization and has held several other leadership roles. With more than 15 years of higher education experience as a student affairs practitioner, researcher and faculty member, his service and leadership in the student affairs profession have elevated Fresno State’s program to new heights.

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  Nancy Cheng
  
  President, SACC Graduate Student Association

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  Jose Medina III
  
  Secretary, SACC Graduate Student Association

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  Dr. Soua Xiong
  
  Assistant Professor and Program Coordinator

Xiong became coordinator of the program in fall 2019. Since then he has created a cohort model for students with specialized coursework and helped establish a graduate student association. He further supports his students with their scholarly activities, mentoring and collaborating with them on publications, conference presentations and any assistance needed with service in professional associations. Graduating about 30 students annually, Xiong keeps busy focused on his students’ needs.

Student affairs isn’t necessarily a profession that many grow up knowing about — they usually gain awareness through personal experience. That is what happened for Cheng.

“In high school, I didn’t get the guidance I needed, and I don’t want other students to be in a similar situation,” she said.

Before Cheng came to Fresno State, she could recall multiple times when she was misguided by education professionals and how this negatively impacted her. “If I get to be in a position where other students are depending on me, I will be more hands-on.”

And that is exactly what she is doing.

Cheng enrolled in the M.S. in Counseling option in fall 2019. The program provides students with academic preparation and training to effectively address the academic, career and personal counseling needs of college students. “When I found out the program was person-centered, it got my attention,” she said.

Currently serving as president of the program’s graduate student association, Cheng advocates for the program to potential students, hosts virtual mixers allowing students to engage in team-building activities and is working on collecting data for the program’s alumni campaign.

One of her most impactful projects has been hosting the program’s first comprehensive exam review, an exam students must pass before graduating. She heard there was a need for a review that consisted of more than flashcards and study groups. So she created a hands-on review, which includes a vignette run of the exam, to better prepare these soon-to-be grads.

One of Cheng’s award nominators stated that she demonstrates outstanding contributions to the student affairs profession and always fulfills the goals she sets for herself. Cheng’s next goal is to earn her doctorate so one day she can counsel and educate others.

To learn more about the Student Affairs and College Counseling program, visit: http://fresnostate.edu/kremen/masters-counseling/student-affairs-college-counseling.html. The application deadline for fall 2021 enrollment is March 1.