A new program and a new budget were approved and several endings and beginnings were recognized by the Fresno Pacific University Board of Trustees during regular meetings Friday, June 2, 2017, on the main FPU campus, 1717 S. Chestnut Ave., Fresno.
The board approved a new traditional undergraduate Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, subject to final review. The program will launch after approval by the California Board of Registered Nursing. FPU already offers a bachelor’s degree in nursing for registered nurses through the degree completion program and a Master of Science in Nursing for primary care clinical nurse practice.
A university budget of $59.8 million was approved for 2017-2018, along with a review of existing programs and teaching loads to ensure that the university continues to offer programs that are relevant, possess academic excellence and are operated in a fiscally sound manner, according to Board Chair Donald Griffith.
This meeting was the last for Richard Kriegbaum, Ph.D., who is closing his second term as president of the university. Kriegbaum returned to the position in September 2014 after serving from 1985-1997. The board hosted a dinner for Kriegbaum and his wife, Peggi, an FPU staff member. New FPU President, Joseph Jones, Ph.D., begins July 1, 2017.
Board member Eugene Enns also retired after more than 33 years as a trustee. Enns’ father, P.A. Enns, was also on the board. The Enns family has had a long career in Valley agriculture.
James Parks was welcomed as a new board member. A long-time Fresno resident, Parks is a graduate of the Harvard Law School and pastor of West Fresno Christian Center.
The board approved several faculty for status change or promotion:
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Jon Clark, DSW (social work), from limited term appointment to continuing status track
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Robin Perry, Ed.D. (education), to continuing status
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James Van Slyke, Ph.D. (psychology), to associate professor and continuing status
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Sandie Woods, Ed.D. (liberal studies), to associate professor and continuing status
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Peter Smith, Ph.D. (peacemaking and conflict studies), to associate professor and continuing status
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Darren Duerksen, Ph.D. (intercultural studies), to associate professor and continuing status
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Sylvia Kim, D.B.A. (accounting), to associate professor and continuing status
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Cynthia McGrady, Ph.D. (marriage and family therapy), to associate professor and continuing status