We hope you enjoy this series where we meet and get to know employees from across campus. Would you like to be featured? Contact us at campusnews@csufresno.edu.

Name: Mikaela Valencia
Title: Administrative Support Coordinator
Department: Department of Criminology, College of Social Sciences
Academic Degree(s): B.A., Psychology, Fresno State, 2019

How long have you worked at Fresno State?
I started working in the Criminology Department in August 2023 as an Administrative Support Coordinator I. In June 2024, I became the Administrative Support Coordinator II for the department.

What drew you to work at Fresno State, and what has kept you here?
I was looking for a career that was both meaningful to me and made a difference in others' lives. Administrative support roles may not seem like they offer that opportunity, but the reality is quite the opposite.

What inspires me to stay is the incredible people I work with. Our department includes 16 tenured and tenure-track faculty members, 31 part-time lecturers and more than 1,600 students. Every single day presents an opportunity to help someone chase their dreams, achieve their goals, and build something invaluable along the way — pride in themselves.

I am honored to be part of the Criminology Department, which educates not only the next generation of law enforcement professionals (the first thing that typically comes to mind when people think of criminology), but also researchers, victimologists, correctional professionals, attorneys, psychologists, forensic psychologists, behavior analysts, cybersecurity experts, social service professionals and many other specialists dedicated to understanding people, helping others, solving complex problems and making a meaningful difference in the world.

I am fortunate enough to work alongside a team of highly educated and passionate individuals who are shaping the next generation of professionals committed to making the world a better place.

Are you a Valley native?
I am from Tollhouse, which is in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains near Auberry and Prather, below Shaver Lake. I grew up in a tiny home with a metal roof, two miles back on a dirt road. My world was full of valley oak trees, creeks, rolling hills and not a neighbor in sight. I loved every second of it.

Two of my favorite things about growing up in the mountains were all the stars in the sky at night and the sound of rain on the metal roof — priceless.

Are you a Bulldog family with generations of Bulldog graduates or current students?
I am a first-generation college graduate, and I am the only one in my family to earn a degree.

Tell us about your department and what people may not know about it.
Our department offers two bachelor’s degree options: Bachelor of Science in criminology and Bachelor of Science in forensic behavioral sciences. We also offer an Honors Program coordinated by Dr. Ryan Ditchfield, a Graduate Program coordinated by Dr. Tinneke Van Camp, CRIM 108 Directed Policing coordinated by Ryan Hushaw, the Off-Campus Program coordinated by Dr. Harald Schwerizer and several student organizations, including Mock Trial, Phi Omega Alpha and Alpha Phi Sigma. Additionally, the department offers Academic Certificates in Alcohol and Drug Studies, Legal Studies and Victim Services.

Criminology majors can choose from three specialized options, each led by a coordinator:
● Dr. H. Otto Schwizer - Law Enforcement
● Dr. Tinneke Van Camp - Victimology
● Dr. Monica Summers - Corrections
● Dr. Jenna Kieckhaefer - Forensic Behavioral Sciences

Dr. Emma Hughes, a professor in the Department of Criminology, is also the executive director of Project Rebound for Fresno State. This incredible support program for formerly incarcerated individuals to achieve their higher education journeys.

Dr. Marcus Shaw coordinates a mentoring program in the Department of Criminology. This unique opportunity allows criminology students opportunities for mentorships to serve at-risk youth in the Fresno Unified School District.

We have so many incredible individuals with amazing areas of expertise, ranging from cybersecurity to expert witnesses — it would be quite the task to try to list them all. They are some of the most impressive and generous people I have had the pleasure of working with.

I am incredibly proud to support such a dynamic and accomplished department.

What is your most notable accomplishment in your field, and why was it important?
I started as an ASC I and became an ASC II by June 2024. From November 2023 to May 2025, I worked as the sole administrative assistant in the department — traditionally a two-person role. The ASC position covers everything from scheduling to coordinating events and supporting faculty and students in countless ways. I am proud of moving from an ASC I to a II within a short period of time.

As our department chair, Dr. Chadley James, has kindly said on many occasions, the department admins are the heart of the department. I’m proud of how I balance these responsibilities, learn on the go and help keep everything running smoothly. Most importantly, know that I am valued here.

I also take great pride in helping faculty set plans and coordinate events by reserving spaces, organizing catering and helping with logistics for events such as National Wrongful Conviction Day, the FBS 157 Interrogation Event, SFPD Testing, Peer Mentoring for CRIM 120S and the Honors Program Ceremony, just to name a few. There’s always something exciting happening around here!

I cannot really point out an accomplishment or project that stands above the rest, and I definitely do not do as much as, or more than, anyone else on campus, but I will say that I am incredibly proud of the role I play in supporting our students, faculty and department. It may not seem like much to some, but to me, it is rewarding work.

What do you enjoy most about your workday?
I love the daily interactions I have with students and faculty. No two days are ever the same. I enjoy the challenges and opportunities that come with this role, and all the meaningful connections I have built along the way.

I have made so many wonderful connections with colleagues such as Angelica Miramontes, Sherri Smith, Lisa Wilson and Esther Gomez. Each of them has offered invaluable support, guidance and true friendship.

Do you have a campus mentor or someone who has helped you in your career?
When I joined the department in August 2023, I was fortunate to be mentored by Dolly Huitron from Academic Resources, who provided invaluable guidance and support as I adjusted to one of the largest departments on campus. Her mentorship, patience and friendship mean the world to me.

Unfortunately, there is not a direct guide on how to do this job, so making connections is one of the best ways to be successful. Don’t ever be afraid to ask for help from anyone, even if you have asked the same question a thousand times.

I can think of a question that I have asked Annette in the Scheduling Office a minimum of 10 times, or my college’s budget analyst probably a gazillion times at this point. Not once has anyone ever made me feel ridiculous for asking again or for needing something explained until I fully understand it.

People on campus will introduce you to others, who will then introduce you to their contacts, and pretty soon you have this network of people who are here for the same goal — the success of each other, absolutely, but most importantly, the success of our students.

What do you like to do for fun in your spare time?
I enjoy reading, baking and spending time with my husband. We love wandering through Costco, Target and the farmers market on Saturday mornings after a long work week.

What is a memorable moment you had at your job?
I get to have some amazing conversations with people. It often happens that students come in with one question and end up sharing stories or experiences with me. I sit and listen intently to some of the most moving things I have ever heard.

I once spoke with a mother who beat cancer and returned to college to pursue her degree and change her life for the better. Another memorable moment was helping a student understand the different honor cords and the GPA requirements associated with them. She was here with her children in the office while I explained and I simply said, “This is genuinely amazing — congratulations.” She walked right up to me, gave me a hug, and thanked me for recognizing her accomplishment.

Sometimes the conversations are not so positive. Sometimes people are frustrated, tired or angry. It is my job to listen first, and to help guide. More often than not, people just want someone to hear them out. I am truly grateful for all of these experiences.

What is your favorite quote or saying?
It’s actually a poem by Erin Hanson:

There is freedom waiting for you,
On the breezes of the sky,
And you ask, ‘What if I fall?’
Oh, but my darling,
What if you fly?

What’s one fun or unusual fact about you?
I absolutely love to sing, just not in front of other people.

I was in choir, advanced choir, and I played the tenor saxophone in my high school’s jazz band. Those are some of my happiest memories.

My greatest wish for everyone is simple: happiness. It is what I value most in life.

Anything else you’d like your colleagues to know about you?
Our fur babies are our world.

We have a 13-year-old black lab/border collie mix named Bella. She is also affectionately known as Bella Bump, Bumpy, Bump on a log, Moose, Moositha, Water Moose Dog or Mamas. She enjoys napping in her bed with her blanket and personal fan, short walks with mom and dad and she LOVES eggs. She brings us a lot of joy and laughter.

Bandit is our five-year-old grey and white tuxedo cat, and he is my baby. He came into my life during a time when I needed him most. He is extremely talkative, loud, loving and my little shadow. His favorite activities include going for walks with Mom and playing fetch with any hair tie and rubber bands. He is also quite nosy and needs to see what we are doing at all times. If we are cooking, he has to be smelling and tasting. If we are outside, he needs to be outside. He is a pro sunbather, neighborhood watchman and chaser of all things shiny.

He is my soul pet.

His nicknames are B, Tuna, Tune, Tune Tune or Baby. Life is so much better with a four-legged friend.