Director

Dr. Matthew Ari Jendian earned a Ph.D. in Sociology from University of Southern California in 2001.  Part of the sociology faculty at Fresno State since 1995, Dr. Jendian is currently a Full Professor, served as Department Chair (2009-19), and was the founding director of The Humanics Program in Philanthropic and Community-based Leadership, teaching courses on race and ethnicity, social class and inequality, terrorism and genocide, philanthropy and grant making, and social policy, advocacy, and community organizing.  Dr. Jendian has authored several peer-reviewed journal articles and two books: Becoming American, Remaining Ethnic (LFB Scholarly Publishing, 2008) and #Think: Critical Thinking about Social Problems (Kendall Hunt, 2017). 

 

Dr. Jendian’s honors include: 2012 President’s Award of Excellence presented by Fresno State’s University Advisory Board in recognition of his integrity, leadership, and commitment to the university and community; 2022 Richard Hovannisian Higher Education Award for exemplary curriculum development on Genocide Education; 2016 “Together We Win” Award in recognition of his role in civic engagement; 2014 “Trailblazer for Prosperity” Award from Southeast Fresno Community & Economic Development Association; 2008 “Provost’s Award for Faculty Service”; 2007 Social Action Award from Temple Beth Israel; and 2007 “Amigo Award” presented by Vida en El Valle to “a non-Latino individual or organization who has worked tirelessly on behalf of the Latino community.”

Dr. Jendian is one of the founding members of Faith In the Valley, Fresno and has served as a board member for several national and local CBOs, including Nonprofit Leadership Alliance, Fresno Nonprofit Advancement Council, Fresno Housing Alliance, Regenerate California Innovation, and Fresno Metro Ministry.