Fresno City College President Tony Cantu unexpectedly died over the Easter weekend. He was 64.
Cantu took Fresno City College’s top administrative position in 2012 after spending 23 years with the State Center Community College District (SCCCD). He was the tenth president of the college.
He served numerous roles in his career with the SCCCD as an instructor, dean of humanities, dean of instruction and vice president of instruction before becoming president of Fresno City College.
Cantu was a Fresno State alumnus. He earned his master of arts in linguistics ESL in 1985 after earning two undergraduate degrees at Long Beach State.
“I am deeply saddened by the untimely death of my friend, President Tony Cantu,” said Fresno State President Joseph Castro in a statement Tuesday.
“He was a good man who cared about students, and he served the Fresno City College community well. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and colleagues at the State Center Community College District.”
Cantu’s memorial service is is scheduled for Friday at 2 p.m. in St. John’s Cathedral in downtown Fresno, Fresno City College announced.
Flags on campus will also be at half-staff on Friday in his memory.
Cheryl Sullivan, vice president of administrative services at the college, was appointed acting president Monday.