Fresno State is one of the 25 U.S. colleges and universities to receive the first Carnegie Leadership for Public Purpose classification in the inaugural 2024 cycle. It’s the only public institution in California so honored; no other California State University or University of California institutions were selected.

This selective designation is awarded by the American Council on Education, the Doerr Institute for New Leaders at Rice University, and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. Fifteen recipients are public institutions (including Fresno State), 10 are private, and two are service academies. They represent 19 states across the United States.

This new classification recognizes institutions that have committed to campus-wide efforts to advance leadership in pursuit of public goods like justice, equity, diversity, and liberty.

“To have Fresno State represented in such a select group of U.S. institutions signals national validation of the dynamic mission we undertake to prepare leaders who will elevate our communities, nation, and world,” said Fresno State President Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval. “With this exclusive recognition, we shine brightly with our commitment to educating intentional leaders.”

‘Models in Higher Education’

The Elective Classifications provide an independent and rigorous assessment of an institution’s extraordinary commitment to, investment in, and accomplishment in addressing pressing issues in the societies it serves.

“ACE is proud to welcome the inaugural recipients of the Carnegie Elective Classification for Leadership for Public Purpose,” said Ted Mitchell, president of the American Council on Education. “The institutions in this cohort serve as models in higher education, demonstrating excellence in nurturing leaders who are prepared to address and solve pressing public challenges, which is sorely needed in our society right now.”

Fresno State is unique in that it is both a Hispanic-Serving and an Asian American Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution. Just over 58% of Fresno State students are Hispanic, and almost 12% are Asian or Pacific Islander, primarily Southeast Asian.

“Congratulations to these pioneering recipients of the inaugural Carnegie Leadership for Public Purpose Classification,” said Timothy F.C. Knowles, president of the Carnegie Foundation. “These institutions have demonstrated a relentless commitment to fostering leaders dedicated to the pursuit of vital public goods. Students from these institutions will undoubtedly shape a brighter future for us all, upholding fundamental American values and advancing opportunity for the nation.”

U.S. institutions can pursue two Elective Classifications: Community Engagement and Leadership for Public Purpose. Fresno State previously earned and still holds the Community Engagement classification, first earning it in 2006.

The 25 Leadership for Public Purpose Colleges

The complete list of 2024 recipients of the Carnegie Leadership for Public Purpose Classification are:

• • Arizona State University
  • Boise State University
  • California State University-Fresno
  • Claremont McKenna College
  • Creighton University
  • East Carolina University
  • Florida International University
  • Fort Hays State University
  • Gettysburg College
  • James Madison University
  • Miami Dade College
  • Montclair State University
  • Oklahoma State University
  • Oral Roberts University
  • Rice University
  • Saint Peter’s University
  • San Antonio College
  • Simmons University
  • U.S. Coast Guard Academy
  • U.S. Naval Academy
  • Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences
  • University of Cincinnati
  • University of Portland
  • Valparaiso University
  • Wartburg College