Phong Yang's journey began in the aftermath of the Secret War, where he and his family became refugees, finding sanctuary in France when he was just 5 years old. His pursuit of education led him to the United States in 1986 after completing middle school. At California State University, Fresno, Phong earned a bachelor's degree in French and later a master's degree in Linguistics, specializing in Hmong Phonology.
Over two decades of his professional life were dedicated to student outreach, recruitment, admissions, and enrollment. He not only taught in Fresno State's Linguistics Department but also spearheaded a groundbreaking project in collaboration with the College of Arts and Humanities and Microsoft Research. This endeavor aimed to develop the first Hmong translator, intending to preserve the Hmong language and incorporate it as one of Microsoft's supported languages.
Currently serving as the Interim Associate Vice President for Strategic Enrollment in Student Affairs and Enrollment Management, Phong has spent more than 20 years developing innovative programs and forging partnerships to enhance enrollment opportunities and accessibility for Central Valley students. His impactful work included co-authoring significant memorandums of understanding, including one with California's third-largest school district, resulting in a remarkable doubling of applications within a mere three years.
Phong's commitment to education equity extended beyond his administrative role. He dedicated years to increasing educational access for underserved communities in Fresno, notably African-American, Native American, Hmong, and Laotian communities. In 2023, drawing from his deep understanding of the challenges faced by Central Valley students and his own experiences as a first-generation college student, Phong designed Bulldog Bound. This initiative, a culmination of his 20 years of expertise working with prospective students, school districts, and district personnel, aimed to revolutionize the region's college-going culture. Through Bulldog Bound, Phong connected crucial dots, aiming to transform the educational landscape for the region.
