Fresno State’s inaugural chief of staff, Diana Ralls, will transition into a senior adviser role beginning March 1 and plans to retire at the end of the year, according to a campus-wide email from President Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval.
The chief of staff helps oversee the office of the president’s daily operations, coordinates priorities and serves as a bridge between leadership and campus departments.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to have served as Fresno State’s inaugural chief of staff for the last 11 years,” Ralls said to The Collegian. “I look forward to supporting the university through this transition and helping ensure continuity in the office of the president through the end of the year.”
Ralls has served as chief of staff since 2015 and has more than 30 years of experience in higher education, including leadership work at the University of California, Merced. At Fresno State, she has worked closely with the office of the president while also holding a role on the university’s cabinet.
Beginning in March, Ralls will help with the transition and continue advising the president through the end of the year as the university prepares for her retirement.
Senior adviser positions focus on providing guidance and institutional knowledge, as well as supporting leadership transitions or special projects.
As part of the change, Chief Communications Officer Lauren Nickerson will take on the role of chief of staff starting March 1. She will continue leading University Marketing and Communications while also taking on additional responsibilities in the office of the president.
“I’m honored to take on this expanded role in support of the president and our campus,” Nickerson said. “My focus will be on ensuring continuity in the office of the president while supporting clear, timely communication in service of our students.”
University officials said the leadership change is meant to keep the office of the president running smoothly as the university prepares for Ralls’ retirement later this year. Campus officials also said opportunities to recognize Ralls’ career and contributions are expected in the coming months.
Ralls’ move marks the first leadership transition in the chief of staff role since it was created in 2015.
