Fresno State is proud to announce the campus finalists selected to advance to the Chancellor’s Office for consideration in the inaugural Trustee Wenda Fong and Mr. Daniel Fetterly Staff Award. This CSU Board of Trustees–level recognition honors staff whose innovation, equity-driven leadership, and deep commitment to student success reflect the very best of the California State University.

The following individuals and teams were selected to represent Fresno State at the systemwide level.

Trailblazing Team Award Nominees

Lucia Heras, Mayra Aceves and Hernan Maldonado, Lyles College of Engineering – Foundations for Success Program

Lucia Heras, Mayra Aceves and Hernan Maldonado were nominated for their collaborative leadership in developing and implementing the Foundations for Success Program within the Lyles College of Engineering. Recognizing that early attrition was limiting student potential — particularly for first-generation students — the team reimagined how academic support, advising, mentoring and engagement could work together as a unified system.

Through proactive mentoring, intentional outreach, embedded advising within introductory courses, strengthened math placement processes and expanded industry and tutoring connections, the team built a coordinated “team” model that meets students where they are and supports them throughout their first year and beyond. Their work has strengthened retention, improved academic momentum and narrowed equity gaps, while also breaking down silos between faculty and student services. The Foundations for Success program now stands as a sustainable, student-centered model that demonstrates the power of collaboration in advancing long-term student success.

Mai Kou Vang, Mazie Moua, Nancy Rosales, Anthony (Tony) Losongco, and Stephanie Izaguirre, Division of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management – Learning Center

The Learning Center team was nominated for advancing Fresno State’s commitment to student success through Academic Success Coaching, Supplemental Instruction and Tutoring. Together, these integrated programs provide proactive, accessible academic support to students across disciplines — especially those enrolled in historically challenging courses.

In response to shifting student needs in the post-pandemic environment, the team introduced innovative strategies to increase engagement and reduce barriers to access. Initiatives such as the SI Course Registration model help students intentionally build support into their schedules, while the Paper Drop-Off Tutoring Service expands access for Parent Scholars, commuters, veterans and other students who may not be able to attend live sessions. Through targeted outreach and holistic coaching for students on Academic Notice and Warning, the Learning Center has strengthened persistence and re-engagement. Their work reflects a culture of innovation, collaboration and continuous improvement in service of student achievement.

First Generation Belonging and Community Award Nominee

Joseph Escoto, Student Success and Involvement coordinator, College of Social Sciences

Joseph Escoto was nominated for his sustained dedication to fostering belonging and leadership among first-generation students in the College of Social Sciences. Drawing from his own experience as a first-generation college graduate, Joseph has built programs that create spaces where students develop confidence, community and a sense of ownership over their academic journeys.

Through initiatives such as the first-generation leadership council and the COSS Linked peer mentoring program, Joseph has cultivated meaningful mentorship networks that empower students to pursue leadership roles, graduate study and long-term career goals. In addition, his Upturn advising initiative supports students who may be off credit pace, helping them reconnect with their academic plans and regain momentum. His work reflects a deep commitment to engagement, equity and the belief that belonging is foundational to student success.

Fostering an Inclusive and Equitable Learning Environment Award Nominees

Hernan Maldonado, director of Student Services, Lyles College of Engineering

Hernan Maldonado was nominated for nearly three decades of leadership dedicated to building an inclusive and equitable learning environment within the Lyles College of Engineering. Through mentoring, advising, outreach and student engagement initiatives, he has helped shape a culture where students feel supported, valued and capable of succeeding in rigorous academic programs.

He leads comprehensive mentoring initiatives connecting students with industry professionals, coordinates tutoring and enrichment programs that strengthen academic readiness, and organizes signature events that foster community and professional identity. His leadership extends beyond the classroom, supporting outreach efforts that introduce K–12 students across the Central Valley to engineering pathways. Over time, his sustained advocacy and collaborative approach have contributed to a culture of belonging and persistence for diverse student populations.

Melissa Norris, health educator, Student Health and Counseling Center

Melissa Norris was nominated for transforming how Fresno State identifies, engages and supports student parents — an often under-recognized and underserved population.

Through intentional data practices, cross-campus collaboration and the centering of lived experience, Melissa has elevated the visibility of Parent Scholars and strengthened institutional responsiveness to their needs. She launched the Parent Scholar Advisor program, created family-centered campus events that affirm both students and their children, and advanced policy and program changes that reduce structural barriers to access and belonging.

Her leadership reflects a two-generation, equity-centered approach that supports student parents not only as learners, but as caregivers, advocates and campus leaders. By positioning Parent Scholars as partners in shaping programming and strategy, she has helped cultivate a more inclusive environment where student parents feel seen, valued and empowered to succeed.

Fresno State congratulates these outstanding staff members and teams for their leadership, innovation and dedication to student success. Their work not only advances our campus priorities but also serves as a powerful example of how staff can create lasting, scalable impact across the CSU system.

We thank all nominators and nominees for sharing the remarkable work taking place across our campus. We also extend our sincere appreciation to the review committee for their thoughtful evaluation of nominations, and to the president and his team for their leadership and support in advancing Fresno State’s nominees to the Chancellor’s Office.