A new partnership between Fresno Pacific University and Fresno City College brings FCC’s Fire Science Academy to the FPU North Fresno Campus and expands educational opportunities for many students.
Locating the academy at FPU gives FCC students access to bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in management, leadership and other fields that could benefit firefighters and emergency medical technicians who wish to advance. “We know we can’t do it alone, we have to work together to make a great community,” Carole Goldsmith, Ed.D., FCC president, said during the May 16 ribbon-cutting on the North Fresno campus, 5 River Park Place West, Fresno. “Fresno City College and Fresno Pacific will work together to make sure possibilities happen here.”
Gayle Copeland, Ph.D., provost/senior vice president for academic affairs at FPU, agreed. “Fresno Pacific and Fresno City are committed to transforming the Central Valley. We are here today to prepare for tomorrow. This program is about faith in the future.”
Academy facilities include shared space for FCC faculty and staff, practice clinical areas and a classroom dedicated to EMT instruction. Computer and lounge areas are available for both FPU and FCC students. The suite also houses FPU’s Veteran’s Office as well as offices for members of the nursing staff.
Other attendees from Fresno City College included Don Lopez, vice president of instruction; Becky Barabe, Ed.D., dean of instruction, applied technology; and Lataria Hall, Ed.D., vice president of student services. Also from FPU were Dale Scully, vice president of student life; Katie Fleener, Ph.D., dean of the School of Business; Linda Hoff, Ph.D., head of the Teacher Education Program Division; and Jon Endicott, vice president of enrollment management. DeWayne Zinkin Sr., of Zinkin Development, which owns the building, was also on hand.
PHOTO: (from left)—Becky Barabe; Jon Endicott; Gayle Copeland; Don Lopez; Carole Goldsmith; Peter Cacossa, adjunct coordinator at FCC’s Career Technical Training department; and FCC Board Members Magdalena Gomez and Annalisa Perea. (FPU photo)