Fresno City College welcomes students for fall semester under new president

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- New and returning students filled Fresno City College's campus for the first day of the fall semester.

"My first time on campus was honestly really good. I like it a lot," said Austin Salinas.

He and Ulices Alvarez have been friends since elementary school and were happy to find a familiar face amongst the crowds.

"I was nervous at first until I met him," Salinas said.

Monday was the first time either had been on campus.

Ulices ran into an issue early on as he tried to track down his first class.

"I asked somebody to ask me out and that made it way easier," Alvarez said.

Director of Student Success Programs Dr. Kalisha Spomer says that's exactly why the college has booths set up throughout campus.

"We want to see students succeed in any of their academic endeavors and their personal endeavors," Spomer said.

Instead of walking, students have access to a free shuttle that will take them from one side of campus to the other.

The Ram Pantry is offering free food for students in need.

The food trucks on campus will be expanding, adding another selection near the bookstore.

The college is also offering a new course will teach students the safety and science of preparing food in a food truck.

Director of Marketing and Communications Cris Monahan-Bremer says they have strong enrollment between FCC and the West Fresno Center.

"We have a combined over 23,000 students who've register for classes this fall semester," Monahan-Bremer said.

The college also has a new leader.

Denise Whisenhunt was recently named president.

She's a Fresno native and has served as president of Grossmont College since 2021.

"She's a seasoned Community College leader, and we really look forward to her working with us and working with our students," Monahan-Bremer said.

While the staff is ready to welcome the new President, students like Ulices and Austin are excited to see what the college has to offer.

"I'm looking forward to joining clubs, interacting with people and like being out there and like learn new things," Alvarez said.

Fresno City College isn't the only school within the State Center Community College District doing well with enrollment.

Madera Community College had more than 12,000 students enrolled for the first time ever.

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