In this inspiring two-part conversation, Assemblymember David Alvarez sits down with Fresno State President Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval and Chico State President Steve Perez to explore the power of public higher education in California. From stories of immigrant families and farmworker roots to building world-class universities, they reflect on leadership, legacy, and the role of education in shaping opportunity.

The discussion also dives into the importance of U.S.–Mexico academic partnerships, the Central Valley’s agricultural impact, wildfire resilience, and preparing the next generation of leaders. Whether you’re a student, educator, or simply someone who cares about the future of California, this episode is full of lessons on service, perseverance, and community.

Some notable moments from this episode: 

00:00:00 - Family Roots, Farm Life, and First-Gen Stories
00:03:01 - From Student to Fresno State President: A Homegrown Journey
00:06:30 - Leadership, Legacy, and the Call to Serve
00:09:13 - Agriculture as California’s Backbone and National Security
00:11:19 - Fresno State’s Cross-Border Vision: Education, Culture, and Community
00:14:21 - Partnerships in Agriculture, Health, and Cheesemaking
00:15:17 - Chico State President’s Path: From UC Davis to CSU Leadership
00:18:20 - Chico’s Unique Role: Rural Education, Agriculture, and Community
00:21:02 - Building Lasting Partnerships: Student Exchanges and Faculty Collaboration
00:24:07 - Innovation at Chico State: Workforce, Research, and Hidden Strengths

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