USC Rossier Magazine | Spring / Summer 2021

ALUMNI NEWS

JAME’L HODGES EdD ’11 was appointed vice JONATHAN MATHIS PhD ’12 and CARLOS SARAH PEYRE MS ’05,
president for student success and engagement GALAN ME ’18 are among the authors cele- EdD ’08 NAMED
at Edward Waters College in Jacksonville, Fla. brating the forthcoming release of Cultivating DEAN OF UNIVERSITY
Key Capabilities Through Volunteer Service: OF ROCHESTER’S
WENLI JEN EdD ’11 was named one of 13 facul- Preparing Youth for the Future of Work. This WARNER SCHOOL
ty advising fellows at California State University, publication celebrates the 25th anniversary and OF EDUCATION
Dominguez Hills. She will represent the Health legacy of the Prudential Spirit of Community AND HUMAN
Sciences Department in the College of Health, Awards Program, while gaining critical insights DEVELOPMENT
Human Services and Nursing. The Faculty Ad- on the outcomes of volunteer service among
vising Fellows Program is designed to improve program alumni. SARAH PEYRE MS ’05, EdD ’08,
advising on campus and student retention by associate dean for innovative
increasing university faculty involvement in DANIEL DIAZ EdD ’13 wrote an op-ed, “Tips education at the University of
the advisement of freshmen, sophomores and on Remote Learning for Panicked Parents,” that Rochester Medical Center and
transfer students. was published in the Los Angeles Times on Aug. executive director of its Institute
11, 2020. for Innovative Education, has
KRISTINA RIGDEN MAT ’11, EdD ’17 was selected been appointed dean of the
as one of 24 fellows in the second cohort of the JANNETTE FLORES EdD ’13 was elected vice Warner School of Education
IAspire Leadership Academy, a program aimed at chair of Association of American Colleges & and Human Development at the
helping STEM faculty and administrators from un- Universities Liberal Education and America’s University of Rochester.
derrepresented backgrounds ascend to leadership Promise Texas. The Warner School dean is
roles at colleges and universities. The academy is a senior academic leader at the
one pillar of the diversity and inclusion work un- ASHLEY MITCHELL MAT ’13 earned her EdD university who shapes the vision
derway through the Aspire Alliance. The National in K–12 educational leadership and policy from and objectives for the school,
Science Foundation-backed alliance is working Vanderbilt University in May 2019. generates resources in support
across postsecondary institutions to develop of those priorities, and effectively
more inclusive institutional cultures supporting MARCO NAVA EdD ’13 published a book chap- manages its operations. The
the access and success of all undergraduate STEM ter co-authored with Imelda Nava, “Partnerships dean develops the school’s
students, especially those from underrepresented in Practice: Developing a Positive School Culture strategic plan, ensuring its
groups. Toward Title 1 School Success.” The chapter is financial sustainability, building
part of Creating School Partnerships that Work community both within and
MARUTH FIGUEROA EdD ’12 was appointed (Kochan & Griggs, 2020). The chapter demon- beyond the school, fostering
assistant vice chancellor, student retention strates how two Title 1 urban elementary schools interdisciplinary collaborations,
and success, at the University of California, with decreased funding and high numbers of and maximizing its impact on the
San Diego. Maruth provides leadership to the English learners developed academic success in fields of education and human
Chancellor’s Associates Scholars Program, the multiple school performance indicators through development. — R
Office of Academic Support and Instructional implementing a multifaceted approach.
Services, Undocumented Student Services, the 49
Student Success Coaching Program, the Student MIRIAM OTERO MAT ’13 joined the faculty as
Veterans Resource Center, Academic Enrich- a middle school history teacher at Kent Place
ment Programs, and Transfer Student Success. School in Summit, N.J.

MATTHEW JELLICK MAT ’12 was promoted to L.G. MICHAEL BROWN MAT ’14, EdD ’17
assistant director of the Center for Language was hired in August as the director, institution-
Education at Southern University of Science al advancement engagement services, at the
and Technology in Shenzhen, China, where he University of Maryland Global Campus. He is
has worked for the past four years. In addition, responsible for the overall strategy, implemen-
he won the university’s Administrative Service tation, administration, reporting and delivery
Award, for which he was asked to give a speech of all institutional advancement programming
to university governance on Teacher’s Day, high- and activities that engage students and gradu-
lighting the importance of “Education Outside the ates for career advancement and advocacy, as
Classroom.” In his spare time, Matthew enjoys well as developing and sustaining collaborative
seeking out Mexican restaurants in China, none relationships and partnerships with internal and
of which compares to that guy selling tacos from external stakeholders.
the back of his van outside the Staples Center.
MICHAEL GOTTO EdD ’14 was promoted to
assistant superintendent, human resources, in
the Norwalk-La Mirada Unified School District.

SPRING / SUMMER 2021

ALUMNI NEWS

ARNOLD LAANUI EdD ’14 is the director of VICHAYA VANNASIN MAT ’15 returned to Thai-
extensions at Waipahu High School in Hawai‘i land after graduation and worked as an English
and leads initiatives to bridge campus schol- language instructor, curriculum developer, U.N.
arship with the needs of an evolving economy Language Proficiency Examination facilitator
and workforce. After 25 years in federal law en- and coordinator at the U.N. Economic and Social
forcement, Arnold left a career with the FBI to Commission for Asia and the Pacific Learning
answer a new call to service. Today, he works Centre for four years. She was entrusted to
at a progressive high school where he designs develop and facilitate training that enhances
curricula, coaches teachers, connects industry language proficiency of U.N. staff members to
to scholarship and inspires a new generation of further their career development and multi-
civic-minded leaders. lingualism. In February 2020, she joined the
U.N. Office of Drugs and Crime, overseeing the
OSCAR MACIAS EdD ’14 was published in the training academies and core curricula for the
Association of California School Administrators’ border management program staff.
Leadership Magazine. His article is titled “Social
Emotional Competence, Emotional Intelligence ELIZABETH BECKER ME ’16 is a first-year
and the Prosocial School Leader: How the Pan- student at Loyola University Chicago School
demic, School Closures and Distance Learning of Law pursuing her passion in higher edu-
Can Guide Leaders.” cation law.

MICHÈLE TURNER ’81, VERONICA OBREGON MSW ’01, EdD ’14 pub- MARCO QUEVEDO MAT ’16 earned his master’s
EdD ’14 TO LEAD lished the book The Telemental Health Work- degree in educational psychology and educa-
NEW USC EFFORT book: 30+ Youth Friendly Activities for Mental tional specialist degree in school psychology
TO STRENGTHEN TIES Health Professionals. Veronica partnered with from Azusa Pacific University in May 2019.
TO LOCAL DIVERSE co-author Flor Chaidez, a fellow Latina social
BUSINESS worker working in urban areas of Los Angeles. TIMOTHY FRETWELL MS ’17, EdD ’20 was
Their goal was to create tools that support men- selected for promotion to lieutenant colonel in
USC’S NEW OFFICE OF BUSINESS tal health providers working in BIPOC communi- the Marine Corps and moved to Okinawa, Japan,
Diversity and Economic Opportunity ties. The workbook provides research, activities where he will serve as a deputy assistant chief
will be led by Michèle Turner ’81, and tools that support the use of online mental of staff for logistics.
EdD ’14, who was named associate vice health services.
president of the effort. The office will CHRISTOPHER RIDDICK EdD ’17 is an associ-
be tasked with building partnerships ANACANY TORRES ME ’14 co-founded Project ate, organizational transformation at Booz Allen
with area businesses owned by minor­ RISE on her community college campus in 2018 to Hamilton in Washington, D.C. Christopher and
ities, women and veterans. Part of serve formerly incarcerated students. She recently his wife, Lauren, are also happy to announce the
the university’s civic engagement and earned her EdD from California State University, birth of daughter Zoe Kellan on July 21, 2020.
economic partnerships team, the effort Long Beach, conducted research on support
aims to further USC’s broader strategy services for formerly incarcerated community DALILA TAHIROVIC ME ’17 founded Acade-
for equity, diversity and inclusion. college students and contributed as a co-author my of Excellence, a learning center based in
Turner is a graduate of USC to academic briefs with pending publications. La Jolla, Calif., that supports students’ prepa-
Rossier’s Global EdD program and was ration for life beyond high school. Dalila also
previously the executive director of the MICHELLE WOODY EdD ’14 was granted tenure founded the Institute for Teacher Excellence,
USC Black Alumni Association. Turner and promoted to associate professor in the Coun- a mentorship program for teachers who are al-
cites both education and business seling Department at Dallas Theological Semi- ready credentialed but looking to improve their
as essential tools for social equity. nary’s Washington, D.C., campus in July 2020. educational philosophy with methods from both
“Business ownership is a way to generate Waldorf and Montessori philosophy.
wealth for diverse families,” Turner says. MARCO SANCHEZ EdD ’15 was promoted to
“That’s a primary goal, and it’s tied to director of secondary education, research and JOSEPH CORTEZ EdD ’18 was named to lead the
social justice. To get there, you’ve got evaluation with the Norwalk-La Mirada Unified International Association of Chiefs of Police Re-
to take down institutional barriers that School District (NLMUSD). He has been with search Advisory Committee (RAC). The mission
can keep those small businesses from NLMUSD for two years and previously served the of RAC is to provide input, advice and direction to
competing.” — R Pomona Unified School District for 15 years as the association, law enforcement practitioners,
a high school math teacher, assistant principal law enforcement researchers, Department of
and principal. Justice leaders and the entire criminal justice
system on all aspects of law enforcement policy
research and evaluation.

50 USC ROSSIER MAGAZINE

ALUMNI NEWS

THEO FOWLES EdD ’18 founded Stay Motivated was selected after an extensive candidate CECILIA JEREZ MAT ’20 is a bilingual teach-
and Rise Together Enterprises in February 2020. search due to his deep diversity and inclusion er at EDS My Classroom in Venice, Calif. She
The firm builds community and offers profes- background, his team-orientation, collaborative prepares lesson plans in core subject areas
sional development via podcasts, workshops partnerships and his strategic acumen across (English, math and science) and the Spanish
and consulting services. The first initiative to many dimensions of the business. Diontrey was curriculum.
launch is The Black Social Capital podcast, one of two recipients of the USC Rossier Second
a biweekly show focused on successful Black Century Award in August 2019. MICHELLE JUAREZ EdD ’20 is the founding
professionals discussing issues affecting Black director of academic support and advising at
students, staff and faculty on college campuses CARLY COOPER EdD ’19 was appointed an the new Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson
and in other professional arenas. adjunct professor at USC Bovard College. School of Medicine in Pasadena, Calif. She is
responsible for leading the academic skills,
TERRI HORTON EdD ’18 was selected to be a CAMILLE EDWARDS ME ’19 is an apprentice support and academic advising programs for
strategic consultant for the University of Chica- at The Late Show with Stephen Colbert in New all medical students.
go Harris School of Public Policy, Obama Foun- York City.
dation Scholars Program. MCKENNA KLEINMAIER MAT ’20, a biology
AERIAL ELLIS EdD ’19 was named to the 2020 teacher at Alexander Hamilton High School in
ALBERTO PIMENTEL EdD ’18 completed his Board of Directors for the Public Relations Los Angeles, was chosen by the Knowles Teach-
first year as a full-time, tenure-track sociolo- Society of America (PRSA), the nation’s er Initiative as a member of its 2020 Cohort of
gy professor at Los Angeles Harbor College. leading professional organization serving the Teaching Fellows (p. 16).
Alberto also serves on the academic senate, the communications community. She has also been
curriculum committee and several scholarship appointed as a board representative to the PRSA MEGAN ROBBINS MAT ’20 is a special educa-
committees. In mid-June, he was appointed Foundation Board of Directors, and as a co-chair tion teacher at Willamette Connections Acad-
co-coordinator of distance education for the for the Champions for PRSSA, the organization’s emy in Scio, Ore.
college. student section.
JENNIFER QUEZADA EdD ’20 was elected
MIGUEL SOLIS EdD ’18 is head of school at 2020s to the Fontana Unified School District Board
Maui Preparatory Academy in Lahaina, Hawai‘i. of Education.
PAUL BRUNO PhD ’20 is an assistant professor
DIONTREY THOMPSON EdD ’18 is head of of education policy, organization and leadership MALYSSA VIZCARRA MAT ’20 is a special ed-
diversity and inclusion business partners at Ge- at the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign. ucation science and history teacher in the Los
nentech in South San Francisco, Calif. Diontrey Angeles Unified School District.

IN MEMORIAM

BRANDON KIYOSHI ABO MAT ’20 passed away unexpectedly on Sept. 19, 2020 while surfing in Huntington Beach, Calif., at the age of 46.
Brandon received his MAT from USC Rossier and taught at Los Angeles Academy of Arts and Enterprise. Brandon was born on July 11, 1974,
in Los Angeles to Luke and Margaret Abo. An educator and fitness enthusiast, Brandon loved teaching, surfing, CrossFit, volunteering, and
spending time with family and friends. Brandon is survived by his son, Solomon Walton; sister, Janna (Alan) George; niece and nephew,
Kamala and Luke George; grandmother, Hatsumi Morita; and countless loving uncles, aunts, cousins and friends. He was preceded in
death by his parents; paternal grandparents, George and Miyo Abo; and maternal grandfather, Tom Morita. Condolences may be sent to
P.O. Box 7232, Huntington Beach, CA 92615.

LESLIE EUGENE WILBUR PhD ’62, professor emeritus of higher education, died in Honolulu, Hawai‘i, on Feb. 9, 2020 at the age of 97.
He earned his PhD in higher education at USC Rossier and became the founding president of Barstow College. He joined the USC Rossier
faculty in 1965 as a professor of higher and postsecondary education. Born in Modesto, Calif., in 1924, Leslie grew up in a working-class
family. He served as a sergeant in the U.S. Army and attended the University of Illinois on the GI Bill, graduating in 1948. He completed a
master’s degree in English at UC Berkeley in 1951 and began his teaching career at Bakersfield College as an English instructor, later as-
suming the role of associate dean. Leslie was a force of living kindness who enjoyed a beautiful, impactful life and was admired by many.
Together with his wife, Norma June Lash Wilbur, and close friends, Wilbur leaves behind a lasting legacy at USC. In 1978, he co-founded
the annual Pullias Lecture, dedicated to the memory of his friend and mentor, Earl V. Pullias. In addition, with Evelyn Kieffer, Leslie es-
tablished the Wilbur-Kieffer Professorship of Higher Education and Postsecondary Education, currently held by Adrianna Kezar. He is
predeceased by his wife of 47 years, Norma Wilbur, and survived by his daughter, Lesley (BA ’73), son, Stuart (BA ’86), grandchildren
Sydney Wilbur Fernandez (BA ’03) and Scott Wilbur (PhD ’17), three great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Donations to
the Pullias Lecture are appreciated.

SPRING / SUMMER 2021 51

ROSSIER SUPPORTERS

Declining Budgets Leave the CTBC Bank Corporation. School
College Advising Services districts and the CAC, kick in the rest.
Underfunded
With many of the schools the CAC
As enrollment drops in underserved districts, serves in urban areas experiencing
schools are left with difficult choices declining enrollment, the pandemic
has only exacerbated this decline by
GUIDING SCHOOL DISTRICTS ACROSS the (CAC) is meant to help schools fill fueling a greater exodus from cities PHOTO BY JENNY LYNN / STEADY JENNY PHOTOGRAPHY
THE WAY nation have faced incredible strain on this gap by placing recent college into the suburbs. This has resulted in
their budgets as they’ve dealt with the graduates in high schools to serve as a decline in funding for the schools.
Karina Valdez, effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. near-peer, full-time college advisers Several are facing shortfalls this year
adviser at Oftentimes, it is the positions like for two years. The USC Center for and are unable to meet their match to
Lakewood High school counselors that get cut in times Enrollment Research, Policy and fund an adviser. The Compton Unified
School in Long of financial stress, and with California Practice (CERPP), which runs the School District, which has been hit
Beach Unified schools already lagging behind the CAC, strives to diversify its fund- particularly hard by the pandemic-
School District, nation with a student-to-counselor ing for the program, including sup- induced budgetary concerns, does not
addresses a group ratio of 620-to-1, the stakes are high. port from school districts, schools, have a CAC adviser working with its
of high school Nationally, schools aren’t faring much and private and corporate founda- student population this year. “That is a
seniors. better—student-to-counselor ratios tions. These philanthropic investors very high-need district that we should
hover around 482-to-1, leaving many include the Rosalinde and Arthur be serving, and that we could be serv-
students with just 20 minutes a year Gilbert Foundation, the California ing if we didn't have any budgetary
with a college counselor. Community Foundation, the Bank concerns,” says Emily Chung EdD
of America Charitable Gift Fund and ’15, associate director of CERPP.
The USC College Advising Corps
The impact the CAC has had on
the schools it serves has been impres-
sive to say the least. Over the 2018-19
school year, CAC advisers held nearly
46,000 one-on-one meetings with
over 10,600 students. These meetings
have led to remarkable and measur-
able results. Over 11,100 (68 percent of
all) seniors submitted at least one col-
lege application; over 10,450 students
submitted the Free Application for
Federal Student Aid (FAFSA); and
over 10,000 students were accepted into
at least one college.

The CAC has continued to oper-
ate during the pandemic, shifting
meetings to Zoom, but with FAFSA
fillings down for this year and a 22
percent drop in college enrollment
last fall (see p. 36 for more on how the
pandemic has affected college admis-
sions), the work of the CAC is espe-
cially vital. Despite the challenging
circumstances, three of the schools the
CAC serves, Mark Keppel High and
San Gabriel High in the Alhambra
Unified School District and Felicitas
and Gonzalo Mendez High in the Los
Angeles Unified School District, cur-
rently rank in the top 10 of the state-
wide leaderboard for schools of their
size for FAFSA and California Dream
Act completion rates. —R

52 USC ROSSIER MAGAZINE

Students who meet with a USC CAC adviser
are 18% more likely to apply to college,
19% more likely to apply for financial aid,

20% more likely to apply for a scholarship,
and 6% more likely to be accepted to college

College adviser
Guadalupe Martinez
serves Alhambra High
School in the Alhambra
Unified School District.
Photo by Jenny Lynn /
Steady Jenny Photography

TO SUPPORT THE USC COLLEGE ADVISING CORPS
PLEASE VISIT RSOE.IN/CAC.

University of Southern California Non-Profit
3470 Trousdale Parkway Organization
Waite Phillips Hall — WPH 1100 US Postage
Los Angeles, CA 90089-0031
PAID
University of

Southern
California

OUTDOOR LEARNING
Plants are started in the raised beds of the

garden at Oak Hills Elementary School
in Oak Park, California. Read more in

“The Pandemic Forced Us Outside, and Oak
Park Unified Shows How Schools Can
Benefit,”p. 20. Photo by April Wong /

aprilwongphotography.com / @aprilwong

@USCRossier / rossier.usc.edu