While working as an academic advisor at Stan State, Miguel Jimenez, saw firsthand how male students of various ethnicities and socio-economic backgrounds struggled to navigate the California State University system, often on their own and as first-generation college students, and successfully graduate with a four-year degree.
“I rarely saw men come into the advising office and as a man of color, I want to see other men of color succeed,” he said.
The observation, backed by University data showing a five-year decline in enrollment by ethnicity, prompted Jimenez to apply for a new position on campus as the Male Success Initiative (MSI) program coordinator. MSI will officially launch virtually this fall as the result of the Chancellor’s Office 2025 Graduation Initiative. The initiative strives to increase four-year graduation rates at the CSU’s 23 campuses.
“As soon as I read the job description, it spoke to me. It just caught my attention right away. I was like, ‘this is exactly why I got into higher education,’” Jimenez said.
Jimenez studied psychology at UC Merced and earned his master’s degree in higher education leadership at Fresno State. As part of his new role in the Warrior Cross Cultural Center, Jimenez said his work will “revolve around dismantling toxic heteronormative traits that are perpetuated and normalized by a dominant male culture.” He plans to engage students by organizing a series of programs and services to address systemic inequalities, academic achievement gaps and persistence to graduation.
“We're one of the few CSUs to take an active approach to ensure our men are getting to where they need to be,” Jimenez said. “I think it’s important Stan State is moving mountains. We’re finding innovative ways to structure the support for men, and this is a great opportunity for students to take advantage.”
Pillars of Success
MSI will operate based on four pillars of success including Mentoring, Achievement, Leadership Development and Empowerment (MALE).
The “M” stands for mentoring. Jimenez is working to establish a strong network to provide motivation and support through one-on-one mentoring and group mentoring for men of color.
The “A” represents achievement. Jimenez aims to increase graduation and retention rates through tailored academic success services, events and programs which are currently being developed.
The “L” stands for leadership development. Jimenez said his office will provide transformative leadership opportunities critical to student development and success.
The “E” symbolizes empowerment. Jimenez strives to holistically serve the men on campus to heal from toxic gender roles and advance the work of marginalized communities.
“My hope is to get all types of men from all backgrounds to participate; White, Black, Hispanic; anybody who self-identifies from the LGBTQ community,” Jimenez said. “We’re not going to turn anyone away. We want to develop our men to be agents of social change and whomever wants to be a part of that, we’ll welcome with open arms.”
You can get involved by visiting the MSI webpage or following the program on Instagram.