Sandra Witte, dean of Fresno State’s Jordan College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, has announced her retirement from 38 years of service to the university.
Witte’s retirement was effective Monday. Dennis Nef, Fresno State vice provost, accepted a two-year appointment as the Jordan College dean, the university announced.
Witte was named the Jordan College dean in March 2016. She had served as the college’s interim dean since December 2014.

Castro Lauds Witte’s Leadership

Under Witte’s leadership, the Jordan College forged new partnerships in the community and agricultural industry, the university said. She also oversaw renovations to the college’s food science and nutrition laboratory, along with its mechanized agriculture lab. Fresno State opened the Jordan Agricultural Research Center in 2016 and the Bee Sweet Citrus Fresh Fruit Packing Line in 2017.
“Under Dean Witte’s leadership, the Jordan College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology has risen in stature and dramatically increased the number of partnerships in the agricultural industry,” Fresno State President Joseph Castro said in a statement.

Successor Has Experience with Jordan College

Witte has held roles at the Jordan College as associate dean, dietetic program director, and food science and nutrition faculty member and department chair since she arrived on campus in 1981. She also served as executive director of Fresno State Programs for Children and as interim dean of the Division of Graduate Studies.
Nef has been at Fresno State for 35 years. He has been vice provost since July 2014 after serving as associate vice president since 2011 and as dean of undergraduate studies since 2003. He served as the Jordan College’s associate dean from 1995 to 2003 and as its acting dean from 1997 to 1998.