Department of Liberal Studies
The Department of Liberal Studies offers one of the largest majors at Fresno State, the Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies.
Our Vision
Educators working for equity and social justice.
Our Commitments
- Teaching for social justice
- Culturally sustaining pedagogy
- Universal design for learning
Our Mission
Provide relevant and rigorous subject matter preparation for elementary teaching that is committed to equity and social justice.
Department Chair and Staff
Frederick Peinado Nelson
Chair, Department of Liberal Studies
Office: Education Building, ED 350
Phone: 559.278.0379
Email: fnelson@csufresno.edu
Mychue Vang
Administrative Support Coordinator
Office: Education Building, ED 350
Email: mychuev@csufresno.edu
Department Faculty
Cole, Kim
Office: Education Building, Rm 367
Phone: 559.278.0474
Email: kimcole@csufresno.edu
De Walt, Patrick
Nelson, Frederick Peinado: Department Chair

Office: Education Building, Rm100
Phone: 559.278.0261
E-mail: fnelson@csufresno.edu
Ph.D. in Science Education, University of Florida
M.S. in Science Education, Kansas State University
B.S. in Secondary Education, Kansas State University
Areas of Expertise:
Naturalistic inquiry
Reflective practice
Constructivist pedagogy
Inquiry-oriented instruction
Next Generation Science Standards
Research Interests:
Development of reflective practice by preservice teachers
Dynamics of interdisciplinary faculty collaboration
Inquiry as a stimulus for reflection in science methods courses
Learner-centered teaching in university courses
Self-study of teacher education practices
Technology as a process for reflective practice
Teacher inquiry and action research
Shin, Myung

Smith, Becky L. Noel

Office: Education Building, Rm257
Phone: 559.278.0076
E-mail: smith@csufresno.edu
Link to Dr. Smith's Faculty Page