Dr. Dennis and Susan Nef Endowment

Since 1983, Dr. Dennis Nef has impacted countless students and graduates along with faculty, staff and administrators at Fresno State plus elected officials in California as well as agriculturalists throughout the valley and beyond.

Most immediately and before returning to the classroom to teach agricultural policy Fall 2022, Dr. Nef was Fresno State’s top advocate in agriculture. He held the position of Dean of the Jordan College from July 2019 through August of 2022.  Even with Covid-19 and two nontraditional academic years, the Jordan College is in a very strong position due to his leadership.

As Dean, the University Agricultural Laboratory (campus farm) became a focus and priority. This 1,000 acre laboratory is home to research, teaching and learning for the nearly 2,000 students studying agriculture at Fresno State.  This focus helped solidify nearly $19 million in new resources from the State of California for farm laboratory improvements and innovations. This had not happened in over a generation. 

Research also grew. Under Dr. Nef's leadership, faculty and staff in the college submitted 282 grants and contracts with a total submission of over $29 million.  Faculty were encouraged and supported to work with industry partners to find answers to applied research questions.

Finally, Dr. Nef was passionate about helping to make a good education, a great education with philanthropic support.  Nearly $16 million was raised in the last three years to support deserving students, projects and programs.

To give to the Dr. Dennis and Susan Nef Endowment please click the button below.