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Name: Mayra Aceves
Title: Academic Counselor
Department: Lyles College of Engineering Advising Center
Academic Degree(s):

• B.A. in Psychology, Fresno State
• M.S. in Counseling, Student Affairs and College Counseling and PPS Credential, Fresno State

How long have you worked at Fresno State?
I had the pleasure of working with Fresno State’s Upward Bound Programs and the LCOE Advising Center as a graduate student and supporting students with advising/college readiness as I completed my degree. I have now been working as an academic counselor with the LCOE Advising Center for four years.

Are you from the Valley, or did you come here from somewhere else?
I was born in Huntington Park, California. My family decided to move to Fresno when I was 12 years old, so I’ve lived here most of my life and consider it home now.

What drew you to work at Fresno State, and what has kept you here?
I found a second home at Fresno State as a student, and that encouraged me to want to come back and work here. It’s one way for me to give back to my community and support the new generation of students. Having a great team and colleagues that share that same passion and interest makes it easy to stay knowing we’re all working toward the same goal: supporting students.

What’s something about your department or role people may not know?
The first thing that comes to mind when thinking about Academic Advising at times is course planning, degree requirements and registration. As a counselor, there’s definitely a lot more that takes place in order to support students. We assist students with new registration processes, procedures, deadlines and requirements. We are a listening ear to students who need more support during challenging times to discuss options and resources available based on their needs. We collaborate with staff and faculty to advocate for students and prevent future barriers. We go the extra mile to support our students so they know they have someone they can go to when they need help, and that it’s OK to ask for help.

What’s one fun or unusual fact about you?
I became involved with Mexican folklorico in high school and have been dancing for about 17 years. I was involved with Los Danzantes de Aztlan, Fresno State’s Mexican folkloric dance troupe, as a student and continue to support the program as a staff volunteer.