About Marsha L.
Marsha L — Baum is an experienced legal professional based in Fresno, California. She earned her Juris Doctor from SUNY Buffalo Law School in 1985, following a Master of Science in Library Science from Columbia University in 1981. Earlier, she completed her Bachelor of Arts in History at the University of Rochester in 1979. Admitted to the New York State Bar in 1986, she has maintained her membership for over three decades, reflecting her long-standing commitment to the legal profession. Currently, Professor Baum serves as the Associate Vice President for Faculty Affairs at California State University, Fresno.
In this capacity, she has implemented several key initiatives that have modernized faculty processes. Notably, she transitioned the tenure and promotion process to an online system, streamlining what was once a cumbersome procedure. Additionally, she established a Chairs’ School aimed at providing support and resources for department chairs, enhancing leadership within the academic structure. Her efforts also include piloting a departmental Upstander program, which trains faculty in support and intervention strategies—an initiative designed to foster a more inclusive and supportive campus environment. In addition to her administrative duties, Professor Baum is an Adjunct Professor at San Joaquin College of Law, where she teaches courses in finance, real estate, and business law.
Her teaching experience extends beyond Fresno, having held positions at prestigious institutions such as the University of New Mexico School of Law, the University of Minnesota, the University of Connecticut. The University of South Carolina. This diverse teaching background enriches her approach to legal education and allows her to draw from many perspectives in her courses. Professor Baum is actively involved in several professional associations, including the California Attorneys for Criminal Justice, the National Association for Criminal Justice, and the Federal Bar Association. Her commitment to the legal community is further exemplified by her appointment as a California Supreme Court appointee to the State Bar Board of Trustees.
This role shows her influence and dedication to shaping the future of legal practice in California. Her contributions to faculty success and her dedication to supporting diverse faculty members have been recognized by her colleagues. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she played a pivotal role in assisting faculty with the transition to remote teaching, ensuring the continuity of academic programs during a challenging time. Professor Baum's experience in legal education, coupled with her commitment to faculty development, makes her a valuable asset to the academic community at Fresno State. Her work not only enhances the educational environment but also fosters a culture of support and innovation among faculty and students alike.
