Brice Yocum, J.D., is the new executive director for the centers, located in Merced, North Fresno, Visalia and Bakersfield. Each center offers bachelor's degree completion and graduate programs in a variety of fields.
A Visalia native, Yocum came to FPU in 2011 as assistant professor of business administration/law and ethics. He has been MBA program director for all regional centers and managed graduate and degree completion programs in business at the Visalia Center.
The regional center executive director oversees enrollment, admissions, student services, budget and supervises center directors and lead staff, including those in the Graduate & Degree Completion Office on the main FPU campus in Southeast Fresno. The director is also involved in marketing and recruiting, program development, staff training and development and community relations.
Jon Endicott, vice president for enrollment management, praised Yocum's understanding of how important the centers are to their students and communities. "He understands our adult students and the significant impact the centers have on the Central Valley. Brice has experience in developing partnerships that will be critical for the center's continued growth. The four centers are a vibrant part of our university, and I am confident that Brice will work to further the mission of Fresno Pacific University," Endicott said.
Yocum has a bachelor's degree in business administration from California State University, Fresno, and a law degree from Pepperdine University. He also did graduate study in human resources management at Chapman University and consults on many issues with for-profit and non-profit firms. Yocum's previous positions include CEO of Strateventure, a management consulting firm he started with his wife, and as associate at the law firm of Lang, Ritchert and Patch in Fresno. Yocum, wife Erin and daughters Kaitie and Kylee attend Neighborhood Church, Visalia.