Graduating Fresno State senior Timothy M. Flores Jr. is blunt about his younger self: “I was a knucklehead. When I was at school I would just get into trouble.” Completing his education is Flores’ latest milestone in a journey of self-transformation. Despite a troubled youth, struggles with poverty and personal tragedies, Flores is now a devoted family man, a confident professional and a servant leader dedicated to helping others.
A business administration (real estate) major, Flores is the winner of the 2025 Craig School of Business Re-Entry Award, which recognizes an outstanding student who started college late or returned after an extensive break. He and other graduates will be recognized at the Craig School commencement from 8 to 9:30 a.m. on Friday, May 16, at Save Mart Center.
In addition to his academic achievements, Flores volunteers with the Prison Education Project for Madera County Juvenile Hall and has led a service-learning project to develop marketing and public outreach for the St. Francis Homeless Project, which assists women who have suffered human trafficking, domestic violence, mental health issues and homelessness.
“Tim is a standout,” said Anna Borgeas, a lecturer in the Department of Management and supervisor of Flores’ service-learning project. “Throughout my time working with him, I’ve been continually impressed by his exceptional leadership skills. He leads not just with confidence, but with integrity and empathy — qualities that inspire those around him.”
Getting to this point wasn’t easy. In high school, Flores said he was a promising student who didn’t easily fit into traditional education. He excelled at Furman Independent Study, a continuation high school in Madera, and took college-level classes at Madera Community College.
“I went to Madera Community College when I was 18, and immediately I didn’t feel like I belonged. I dropped out, had a kid, didn’t even finish high school, got my GED,” Flores said.
Years of struggle followed. Flores worked as a machine operator in a box factory, working six-day weeks for as low as $12 an hour. He had a difficult first marriage that ended when he lost his wife to addiction. He got in trouble with the law. By his late 20s, Flores, now remarried, had five children (one adopted) and was struggling to manage on his low pay.
“I was tired of barely surviving paycheck to paycheck,” Flores said. “We had food insecurities. The PG&E bill sometimes didn’t get paid. I thought, education is my outlet to give my kids something more than just the bare minimum.”
Flores said his present wife, Nicole, a transitional kindergarten educator, has been a pillar of support in finishing his education. “She said, ‘I’m going to work full time, I want you to go to school full time,’” Flores said. “She’s been holding down the fort, and I’ve been going to school full time since then.”
In 2024, Flores’ life was rocked by three tragedies: his brother was fatally struck by a drunk driver, Nicole and their two daughters were seriously injured in another car accident, and his best friend of 30 years died. Despite his grief, Flores stayed on track because of his commitment to his family.
“I mourned, I cried, I didn’t eat for some time. But I always got my homework done. I was still there at every physical therapy appointment for my daughters so they could walk again. It tested my willpower and resilience. But you pick yourself up and keep going. I couldn’t give up on them, so I couldn’t give up on myself,” Flores said.
Flores is adamant he wouldn’t have made it through college without the help of programs like TRIO, a program providing academic support, financial aid and financial literacy; Project Rebound a support program for students who were formerly incarcerated; and Services for Students with Disabilities. He also said he couldn’t have done it without the guidance of professors Dr. Andres Jauregui and Dr. Jacquelin Curry of the Department of Finance, Real Estate and Business Law, and various academic advisers. He said the help he received has strengthened his dedication to helping others.
“Project Rebound has really helped mold me into the man I am today,” Flores said. “They teach that everyone can make a difference, no matter what your background is. I want to be a servant leader. Service fulfills the server.”
“Tim faced many adversities outside the classroom. Any one of these would have been enough for some people to quit,” Curry said. “Not Timothy, he not only continuously communicated and showed up, but continued to work hard and participate, passionately, in classroom discussion. He is a student that lifts other students up regardless of what he might be dealing with or going through. I know he will continue to inspire others near him and throughout his community through his perseverance and kindness.”
Despite all the troubles in his past, the future looks bright to Flores. He plans to start a career as a marketing communications professional and real estate investor, and he is encouraging his children to excel in their education and pursue ambitious goals.
“Every morning I wake up with a smile on my face,” Flores said. “I look at myself in the mirror, and I say, ‘I’m not the guy I used to be.’ I have a purpose, and my purpose is to give my kids a life I never had.”
