CSU, Fresno President Is New Chairman of the Board at American Humanics

Dr. John Welty, president of California State University, Fresno, is the new Chairman of the Board of American Humanics, an organization that works with 85 colleges and universities nationwide to educate and prepare college students for careers as nonprofit professionals.

Dr. Welty has been active on the Board of Directors of American Humanics since 1998. He has served as Vice-Chairman before accepting the position as Chairman of the Board. He replaces David Oliver, partner with the law firm Berkowitz, Feldmiller, Stanton, Brandt, Williams & Stueve in Kansas City, Mo.

Based in Kansas City, American Humanics is the only national organization devoted to preparing college students for professional careers in nonprofit organizations. It partners with colleges and universities nationwide, and 18 national nonprofit organizations including Boys & Girls Clubs of America, National Urban League, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, American Red Cross, and YMCA of the USA. More than 2,000 college students worked toward American Humanics' program certification over the last year.

"American Humanics is experiencing phenomenal growth across the country. In fact, more than 70 per cent of the campus-based programs have been affiliated for five years or less," said Dr. Welty. "Our major emphasis in the coming year will be to help these newer programs become firmly established on their campuses and in their communities."

Dr. Welty has been president of California State University, Fresno since 1991. Fresno State enrolls more than 18,000 students and offers 56 undergraduate degree and 40 master degree programs, including the American Humanics nonprofit management program.

"Dr. Welty shares American Humanics' vision of taking the organization to the next level of excellence as we continue to build our national network," said Kirk Alliman, president of American Humanics. "Dr. Welty, along with the Board of Directors, will provide the leadership necessary to make this vision a reality."

Dr. Welty has a long history of working in education. Prior to assuming the presidency at California State University, Fresno, he served as president of Indiana University of Pennsylvania for seven years and vice president for Student and University Affairs for four years. He also serves in several local, state, and national leadership positions, including the Renaissance Group, a national organization dedicated to improving teacher education programs; and is a leader in promoting service learning and volunteer service for students.

"American Humanics programs not only prepare college students for careers in the nonprofit sector, but also teach them how to serve their communities as they work in the organization," Dr. Welty said. "Our efforts are geared to benefit nonprofit organizations and the youth and families they serve."