WHC Coalinga President named Fresno State "Top Dog"

“This award means a lot to me,” said Goldsmith. “I am both amazed and delighted. It’s one thing to love your work; it’s quite another when you are recognized for that love. I thank everyone at CSU Fresno for providing me with a world-class education.”

She will be honored as a Top Dog in the Division of Graduate Studies. The awards ceremony will be held 5:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 18, at the Save Mart Center in Fresno. Tickets are $125 per person.

Goldsmith earned her B.A. in history from Fresno State in 1991 and her Ed.D. from Fresno State and UC Davis in 2005 through a joint doctorate program.

“My experience in the joint doctorate program was life changing for me and my family,” said Goldsmith. “I owe much of my success to what I learned on the campus of Fresno State. I was fortunate to study with Dr. Peter McLaren, a well-known critical author, and innovative practitioners like Dr. Brown-Welty and Dr. Joseph Castro, who now is serving as the new president of CSU Fresno.”

Honorees are nominated every year by university officials, past Top Dogs, Fresno State staff and community members in February and March. Applications are screened by a panel and narrowed down to one in each of the 12 categories by the selection committee.

Goldsmith was nominated by Peter Robertson, director of alumni marketing and engagement for FSAA. She became the first female president of WHCC in January 2013.

“To become a president of a college is a pretty amazing accomplishment, and it says a lot for Carole and her fortitude and what she’s done and what she’s doing, and what she’ll continue to do in the future,” said Robertson.

Goldsmith is one of 15 educators featured in the education section of “Working for California,” an online project through the Office of the Chancellor of the California State University. The project features notable CSU alumni out of their 2.8 million members.

“Her being recognized with the Top Dog award from Fresno State is no surprise to me,” said Frank Gornick, chancellor of WHCCD. “Carole’s dedication and hard work on behalf of the valley residents has been tireless. This is a fitting tribute to an excellent professional. All of us at West Hills College Coalinga and West Hills College Lemoore are excited about her recognition!”