Sociologist Matthew Jendian receives 2012 President’s Award of Excellence

Dr. Matthew Ari Jendian, a self-described “public sociologist” who excels in academic scholarship and research, commitment to students and community engagement, is the recipient of the 2012 President’s Award of Excellence at Fresno State.

Jendian joined the faculty at Fresno State in 1995. He is an associate professor and chair of the Department of Sociology and coordinates the university’s highly regarded Humanics Program.

He was honored Wednesday, Jan. 11, at the Spring Assembly for faculty and staff. The award was presented by J. Michael McGowan, president and CEO of Premier Valley Bank and a member of the University Advisory Board.

The President’s Award of Excellence was established in 2001 by the University Advisory Board to honor Fresno State President John D. Welty. The award recognizes a faculty or staff member who demonstrates integrity, leadership and a commitment to the university and the community as exemplified by President Welty.

University Advisory Board members, community leaders who consult with the president, select the recipient and donate money for a $10,000 award that accompanies the honor.

Jendian is the recipient of several honors, including the Social Action Award from Temple Beth Israel, Amigo Award presented by Vida en el Valle and the Provost’s Award for Faculty Service.

Under Jendian’s leadership, Fresno State’s Humanics Program has become recognized as among the strongest in the country in terms of academic vigor and impact of service on the community.
The Humanics Program prepares and certifies students to strengthen and lead non-profit organizations. Over 100 students are seeking certification in the Fresno State program. Since 2001, nearly 150 Fresno State students have graduated with a Humanics certificate and approximately 70 percent of them are employed in non-profit and public sector positions.

Jendian has served as a board member and chair of the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance, a national organization with nearly 60 academic partners. He also has served as a board member for several organizations including Fresno Nonprofit Advancement Council, Fresno Housing Alliance and Relational Culture Institute.

He is the author of a book, “Becoming American, Remaining Ethnic” plus journal and opinion articles. He has made numerous presentations at state, regional and national professional conferences and serves as a reviewer for scholarly publications and journals in his field.