The two-decade legacy of Dr. Carolyn Coon: A trailblazer for student success

Dr. Carolyn Coon (center) receives a signed football helmet from Terry Tumey (right) and Dr. Kent Willis (left)

In December of 2022, hundreds of people gathered at the Resnick Student Union to celebrate the approaching retirement of Dr. Carolyn Coon, who was serving as both the dean of students and interim vice president of the Division of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management. 

The celebration was lively, with a performance from Fresno State’s jazz band and staff and faculty members of all levels, from across campus, in attendance. Community members also attended, as well as friends and former colleagues of Coon’s, some of whom traveled from out of town for the occasion. The afternoon was full of laughter, tears and hugs, as everyone reminisced on Coon’s career journey and the impact she had at Fresno State. She was described by many as resilient, reliable, dedicated and comforting. 

Her executive assistant, Dannielle Rodriguez said, “She’s so smart and so experienced…you can’t help but [learn] from someone like that. Being around [her] makes you a better person.”

Coon joined the Division of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management at Fresno State in 2002 as a director in student life. She had worked in student affairs since 1986, serving as dean and assistant dean at several liberal arts colleges in Kansas prior to her appointment in Fresno. 

“I was attracted to the diversity of the campus. I also appreciated how this large university provided opportunities for students and cared about them as people,” Coon said. “It has always been a dynamic campus and had a feeling of community. It has grown in the number of people, programs and buildings. It also has become more complex, but [as] I saw things evolve, I saw people work hard to maintain our mission, stay focused on the students.”

Raised in Florida, Coon moved to Kansas to pursue a degree in business administration. Kansas became her home and the place where she grew into adulthood, earning a Bachelors from Bethel College, a Masters in health sciences administration from Wichita State University and taking her first job as a young professional, as an administrator in a mental health hospital. 

While working at the hospital, Coon was a student at Kansas State University, studying for a Doctorate in college student personnel services. She earned her Ph.D. in 1997. 

Looking for a change in her professional life, she started her career in higher education at her alma mater, Bethel College, when an administrator invited her to join the staff in residence life. 

“I absolutely loved [working in student affairs],” she said. “I can’t imagine having done anything else.”

Coon was appointed the dean of students at Fresno State in 2005.

As the dean of students, she oversaw student involvement, the Student Recreation Center, services for students with disabilities, the Cross Cultural and Gender Center (now in the Division of Equity and Engagement) and student conduct (now student rights and responsibilities).

“People often think of the dean of students as being the campus disciplinarian, the tough one. The truth is I was usually the first one crying at graduation or after some difficult meetings. I heard so many stories from students and knew what they were going through. I had the privilege of their trust.”

Coon served as both the dean of students and interim vice president of the division from 2013 – 2014, following the retirement of Vice President Paul Oliaro. In this position, Coon oversaw all departments, programs and services within the division, including outreach, enrollment, academic advising, financial aid, health and counseling services and services for migrant and veteran students. 

She stepped into this dual role again in 2019 and served in this expanded capacity until her retirement in 2022. During this time, Coon was tasked with leading the division through the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“Everything was so unknown. Students were leaving campus and staff were working from home. Then everyone was nervous to come back. Through all of that, we were trying to get everyone what they needed and help students get their education…Student affairs folks are determined and creative. We pulled together and collectively decided what we needed to do to cause the least negative impact to students.”

Coon received a number of accolades during her 20 years of service at the university, but she never mentions these in conversation; she only ever speaks of the people she worked with, students and staff, who shaped her life as she also shaped theirs. 

“I learned the value and importance of having key people I could trust and confide in. Some of those colleagues became good friends, so [my] personal and professional growth intertwined.” 

Earlier this year, Coon was recognized as Dean of Students Emerita—this status is an honorary title bestowed by the university president to an administrator for distinguished service to the academic community.

Rodriguez said, “She touched the lives of so many students and professionals and they enriched her life as well…She held two major positions for three years, which requires another level of accountability, professionalism and understanding of the needs of students and staff…Her longevity in that position and on campus is a major accomplishment.”

by MARISA MATA

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