Miguel Jimenez

1. Tell us something interesting in your background.

Miguel S. Jimenez (He, Him, His, El), is learner, scholar practitioner, and pioneer. Proud of his roots, Miguel is from Laton CA, a rural town in Central California. As a first-generation college student, he completed a BA in Psychology from the University of California, Merced, and an MA in Educational Leadership & Administration (Higher Education Administration and Leadership) from California State University, Fresno. He is a visionary leader committed to access, equity, and student success. He recently was recognized by the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA) as the Region VI, Dorothy Keller New Professional Award. Through his work in higher education, Miguel has developed a passion for fostering student development, empowering systematically marginalized students, and advocating for diverse student needs. Miguel’s most recent experience is as the Founding Coordinator of the Male Success Initiative at Warrior Cross Cultural Center at California State University, Stanislaus (Stan State). In this role, Miguel leads efforts to support underserved men of color by working to meet important student needs such as a sense of belonging, community building, and mentorship. Miguel also has led efforts to develop a robust social justice/leadership development program to evaluate and address the developmental, academic, cultural, and social needs of post-secondary students. Miguel’s professional portfolio also includes experience as an Academic Advisor in the Academic Success Center at Stan State and as a Programming and Communications Coordinator for Associated Students at CSU, Monterey Bay.

2. What has led to your current role?

From early in my higher education journey as a student, I noticed that there were never people that looked like me in support staff, faculty, or administration. Some of my biggest motivators as I pursued a career in higher education was to be that person that my younger self needed. I have navigated three roles at 2 different institutions and my mission remains the same. I hope and work to positively impact student lives by listening with care and compassion. My experiences thus far have all allowed me to hone in on skills that push me to advocate for students needs, and provide intentional and grounded support. This new role is going to offer the opportunity to support a wide range of students in their career development with a very progressive lens. Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Sense of Belonging are at the cornerstone of how we support students to identify their strengths and values and how those directly align with their career exploration.

3. What do you like to do in your spare time?

Attending Music Festivals with my fiance , Traveling, Playing and taking walks with our two shitzu's.

Degrees and Certifications

M.A. Educational Leadership & Administration (Higher Education Administration & Leadership) - Fresno State. B.A. Psychology - University of California Merced