CSU - Key Persons


Amanda Aldama Fernandes

Job Titles:
  • SOAR Professional Staff Member
  • Spartan East Side Promise Program Lead
Amanda has been with SOAR for 6 years, and absolutely loves being able to work with new students and their families, and give back to the community she grew up in. She is a San Jose native, and a graduate of the East Side Union High School District. She is an SJSU alum, having completed her Bachelors in Sociology with a minor in Political Science, and is currently completing her MA in Counseling and Guidance. Fun facts: plays guitar, super into Marvel/the MCU, and a frequent user of bitmojis. For any questions about SJSU or Spartan life, please feel free to reach out!

Ana Paz-Rangel

Job Titles:
  • Executive Analyst to the Dean 's Office
Ana Paz-Rangel | Executive Analyst to the Dean's Office

Annie Nobuhiro

Job Titles:
  • Administrative Analyst

April Lee

Job Titles:
  • IT Consultant

Axel Garcia

Job Titles:
  • Admissions Counselor
  • Recruiter
  • SOAR Professional Staff Member
Axel was born and raised in Oakland, California. He earned his Bachelor's Degree in Hispanic Linguistic Studies from Saint Mary's College of California. He is a huge fan of Soccer and is a Jersey Collector for the Guatemalan National Soccer Team. The oldest jersey from his collection dates to 1967! He also has a passion for giving back to the community and guiding students through the college application process.

Bryon McIntyre

Job Titles:
  • Administrative Support Coordinator

Caroline Ouyang

Job Titles:
  • Advisor

Catherine Davis

Job Titles:
  • Credential Analyst

Cindy Aubrey

Job Titles:
  • Administrative Support Coordinator

Colleen Sanchez

Job Titles:
  • Field Placement & Special Projects Coordinator

Cynthia Van Laar

Job Titles:
  • Director of Clinical Education

David Whitenack

Job Titles:
  • Department Chair

Dena Sexton

Job Titles:
  • Director

Diaz Compean

Job Titles:
  • Student Union
Centrally located on the Paseo de Cesar Chavez, the Diaz Compean Student Union is a place where students can relax, study, grab a bite to eat, and use on-campus resources.

Dr. C. Russell Timpany

Job Titles:
  • County Superintendent of Schools

Drew Agbay

Job Titles:
  • SOAR Professional Staff Member
  • SOAR Director
Drew is a Spartan through and through. He graduated with a BA degree in Behavioral Science, Double Major in Psychology and earned his MA in Counselor Education both at SJSU. Originally from San Leandro, Drew is proud of where he comes from but has called San Jose State his home for over 20 years. His hobbies include playing and watching basketball, riding his road bike, staying active all while being a huge "foodie" too. His favorite part of his job is traveling and interacting with different people from all walks of life.

Edith Urbano

Job Titles:
  • Administrative Support Coordinator

Emily Slusser

Job Titles:
  • Department Chair

Heather Lattimer

Job Titles:
  • Ed.D. Dean

Isabel Vallejo

Job Titles:
  • Ed.D. Director of Assessment and Accreditation

Janene Perez

Job Titles:
  • Director of Alumni Engagement

Jason Laker

Job Titles:
  • Department Chair

Jessica Ultreras Ruiz

Job Titles:
  • Administrative Support Coordinator

Katelyn Zamarron

Job Titles:
  • Records Specialist

Kristy Cross

Job Titles:
  • Coordinator

Lauryn Longoria

Job Titles:
  • Student Success Center Advisor

Lisa Simpson

Job Titles:
  • Ed.D. Department Chair

Lynda Haliburton

Job Titles:
  • Administrative Support Coordinator

Marcos Pizarro

Job Titles:
  • Associate Dean

Maria Muñoz

Job Titles:
  • Associate Resource Analyst

Marie Kochevar

Job Titles:
  • Administrative Support Coordinator

Marlene Perez

Job Titles:
  • Admissions Counselor
  • Recruiter
  • SOAR Professional Staff Member
Marlene is originally from Orange County, California. She graduated with her BA degree in Sociology with a minor in Chicana/o Studies from University of California, Los Angeles. She is a proud Puente mentor at her local community college, and is dedicated to guide first generation, underserved students to their desired path of education. Her favorite pastimes are hiking, traveling and tending to her plants. Marlene is eager to assist prospective students with their admissions journey to SJSU!

María Ledesma

Job Titles:
  • Department Chair

Nicole Albillar

Job Titles:
  • SOAR Professional Staff Member
  • Welcome Center Operations Specialist Admissions Counselor / Recruiter
Nicole is a proud SJSU Alum and received her BA in Global Studies with a Minor in Journalism. She has experience with all things campus tours and is happy to give back to our University. Nicole is originally from Santa Paula, CA but is always looking for different opportunities to explore and travel. She loves learning about new cultures, interacting with people with different backgrounds, and meeting people from around the world! Her favorite pastime is swimming and being near the water. Stop by and take a tour of our beautiful campus!

Nidhi Mahendra

Job Titles:
  • Department Chair

Sarah Arreola

Job Titles:
  • Director of Resources and Operations

Sherilyn Williams

Job Titles:
  • Administrative Support Coordinator

Suchi Bhunia

Job Titles:
  • Administrative Support Coordinator / Teacher Education Dept

Susana Mayorga

Job Titles:
  • Residency Coordinator

Van Anh Bui-Tran

Job Titles:
  • Assistant Director

Yajayra Tovar - Managing Director

Job Titles:
  • Managing Director

Yichen Shao

Job Titles:
  • Admissions Counselor
  • Recruiter
  • SOAR Professional Staff Member
Yichen has been serving as a college admission and career counselor for the Bay Area students and families since 2018. She earned her graduate certification in college admission and career counseling from UC Berkeley. Prior to her transition to be a counselor, she was a high school teacher at Chicago public schools. Born and raised in China, Yichen attended a boarding school in New York when she first came to the US. She understands the challenges that international students face when applying to colleges and she wants to help more students from all backgrounds to achieve their fullest potential. She enjoys traveling to different places, learning new languages and culture (especially food) and interacting with people from all walks of life. She looks forward to serving more future Spartans!

Zahira Ramirez

Job Titles:
  • Administrative Support Coordinator