Congratulations to the staff and faculty earning degrees this year.

Name: Victoria Walter
Department: Accounting Services
Current job title: Accounting Technician III
New degree earned this year: Master of Public Administration

Earning my Master of Public Administration marks the culmination of a 10-year journey that began at community college and continued through my undergraduate and graduate studies as a first-generation college graduate. Balancing work, academic commitments and life responsibilities was challenging, but it strengthened my resilience and determination. I’m grateful for the support of mentors, friends and family who encouraged me along the way. This milestone represents both a personal achievement and an opportunity to apply what I’ve learned in service to the campus and broader community.

In addition to Victoria's academic achievements, she is heavily involved in the STAR Day 2026 steering committee and has been instrumental in guiding the subcommittee that is soliciting raffle prizes for staff members throughout the day. To date, and before the deadline, they have raised the most money of all STAR Days, thanks to her leadership.

Name: Amanda S. Ambriz
Department: University Registrar and Admissions
Current job title: Academic Records Coordinator
New degree earned this year: Master of Arts, Higher Education Administration and Leadership

Congratulations on earning your master’s degree this spring. That’s a significant accomplishment, and we wish you continued success!

Name: Amanda Andalon-Belloso
Department: Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD)
Current job title: Accommodations Technician
New degree earned this year: Master of Science, Counseling

This journey of working full time while navigating graduate school full time has challenged me in every way, but it’s also proven that anything is absolutely possible.

Name: Juli Bautista
Department: Center for Access to Science for All/Health Careers Opportunity Program
Current job title: Academic Coordinator
New degree earned this year: Master of Art, Higher Education Administration and Leadership

When I moved to Fresno three years ago I had one goal in mind - join the 8% of Latinas who have earned a masters degree. HEAL has helped me grow personally, academically and professionally. I have joined professional associations, presented at conferences and engaged in both research and literature that deeply matters to me. This journey was difficult, but well worth the struggle.

Name: Stephanie Cota
Department: Police Department
Current job title: Police Dispatcher
New degree earned this year: Bachelor of Science, Business Administration, Management

My entire collegiate experience formed me into the person I am today. Being heavily involved within the Craig Scholars, Marching Band and even working at the Police Department has opened my horizons. Going to school and working full time the past year has been truly rewarding and seeing how my impact directly contributed to the safety of those around me. Collectively, it has strengthened my motivation to continue serving our campus community.

Name: Tomae Hernandez
Department: Acquisitions - Fresno State Library
Current job title: Library Services Specialist II
New degree earned this year: Bachelor of Arts, History

The journey to my bachelor's in history has been long and arduous, but I wouldn't trade it for the world. I am so grateful for my time at Fresno State and overjoyed that I can continue to be a Bulldog. Go Dogs!

Name: Prabhjot Kaur
Department: Learning Center
Current job title: Academic Success Coach
New degree earned this year: Master of Science, Counseling, option in Student Affairs and College Counseling

I am excited to share that I have completed my M.S. in counseling, with an option in student affairs and college counseling in fall 2025. This journey has been both rewarding and transformative, strengthening my commitment to supporting students from diverse backgrounds and allowing me to grow both professionally and personally. I completed the program with a thesis, “Helped me a lot and I didn’t feel dumb”: First-time freshmen students on academic probation and their experiences with academic coaching support, mentored by Dr. Soua Xiong (chair), Dr. Yangyang Liu and Dr. Alexandria Hansen. I am honored to receive the Outstanding Thesis Award through the Kremen School of Education and Human Development.

Name: Chris McKenna
Department: Plant Science
Current job title: Lecturer, Mechanized Agriculture
New degree earned this year: Doctorate of Education

Congratulations on earning your E.d.D in agricultural education from Texas Tech University. Our Plant Science Department is incredibly proud of your accomplishment and appreciate your dedication, patience and mentorship to help our students to develop and master specialized mechanical skills to be successful with their careers.

Name: Cynthia Ramirez
Department: Start Program
Current job title: Academic Counselor
New degree earned this year: Master of Science, Counseling, Student Affairs and College Counseling

At the beginning of the program, I was challenged in many ways — especially in navigating it socially and working through moments of imposter syndrome. Over time, those experiences pushed me to grow both personally and professionally, helping me build confidence, resilience and a stronger sense of belonging in the field of student affairs as a new professional. I’m deeply grateful to my family, partner, friends, peers and colleagues, whose support and encouragement reminded me to believe in myself. I’m looking forward to what comes next.

Name: Marcos Rosas
Department: Start Program
Current job title: Academic Counselor
New degree earned this year: Master of Science, Counseling, Student Affairs and College Counseling

This journey would not have been possible without all the support that I have received from colleagues and friends across this campus, starting with the Upward Bound Program that gave me my first opportunity to work in a higher education setting and taught me the dedication and effort required to run a pre-college program. I also want to acknowledge the Jordan College Advising team, which gave me the opportunity to work in advising and taught me a whole new set of skills, and, lastly, the Start Program for giving me the opportunity to continue working in this advising role and allowing me to grow as a professional. Also, special thanks to my faculty advisor, Dr. Soua Xiong, for working with me these past two years and providing guidance/support whenever I needed it.

Name: Lauren Valencia
Department: Student Health and Counseling Center
Current job title: Administrative Support Coordinator⁠
New degree earned this year: Master of Arts, Higher Education Administration and Leadership

The Master of Arts in Higher Education Administration and Leadership has shaped, stretched and morphed me into the type of scholar practitioner that I’m so proud of. Looking ahead, I am excited to bring my interests and strengths into larger conversations and continue advancing student affairs in thoughtful and impactful ways.

Name: Laura Yager
Department: University Registrar and Admissions
Current job title: Senior Director of Admissions and Records
New degree earned this year: Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership

Congratulations on earning your Doctor of Education this spring. We know this journey was not easy, which makes your achievement all the more impressive. This is a tremendous accomplishment, and we are all very proud of you.