Congratulations to the staff and faculty earning degrees this year.

Name: Whitney Cambric
Department: VP of Student Affairs
Current job title: Division Budget Analyst
New degree earned this year: MBA, Fresno State

Whitney made the decision to pursue a masters in business administration while working at Fresno State. In addition to her studies and professional role on campus, Whitney volunteers her time to supporting our Black Student Success Initiative (BSSI), most recently serving as a chaperone for the BSSI study away program in Washington DC. She has also volunteered to tutor and mentor elementary school children and volunteered at the food bank, among other places. She is very grateful for the opportunities that her time at Fresno State has given to her thus far and she is excited for what the future holds.

Name: Caleigh Camara
Department: Smittcamp Family Honors College
Current job title: Administrative Analyst/Specialist
New degree earned this year: Creative Writing M.F.A.

After receiving her B.A. in English from Fresno State in 2021, Caleigh enrolled in the Creative Writing M.F.A. program in pursuit of a post-grad career in publishing and editing. She worked three part-time jobs for the first two years (Mattie's Wood Fired Pizza, Writing Consultant at the Graduate Student Success Center and Student Assistant in the Smittcamp Family Honors College) before gaining a full-time position in the Smittcamp Family Honors College in 2023. After graduating, Caleigh plans to finish writing her thesis, a YA fantasy novel titled Surefire, and send it out for publication.

Name: Amy Allen
Department: Student Involvement
Current job title: Interim Associate Dean
New degree earned this year: Ed.D. - Educational Leadership

I am excited to complete my academic journey with an amazing cohort and the guidance of a wonderful dissertation chair and committee. The Educational Leadership program has complimented my professional work in student affairs, especially in areas of student engagement, social justice and leadership. I look forward to continuing this research to create more access for our students. I appreciate the support of colleagues throughout the campus and in Student Involvement. Go 'Dogs!

Name: Belen Torres
Department: Admissions and Recruitment
Current job title: Recruitment Assistant
New degree earned this year: Master's in Counseling: Option Student Affairs and College Counseling

Belen's journey through her master's degree was full of accomplishments. She is a member-at-large of the Student Affairs and College Counseling Graduate Student Association, graduate representative for the California College Personnel Association and research fellow for the Ensenamos en el Valle Central. Belen has been instrumental in the implementation of the Bulldog Bound program. Her amazing work in the office, school and community led to her being selected as the Dean's Medalist in the Kremen School of Education and Human Development. We are super proud of all her hard work and accomplishments.

Name: Debra Pichardo
Department: Industrial Technology
Current job title: Administrative Support Coordinator
New degree earned this year: Bachelor of Arts in Sociology

Debbie obtained her degree a year ahead of her expected graduation plan. It was not easy to work full-time and provide for her family. But with the absolute understanding and support of her husband Angel, daughters Selina, Autumn and Esabel, and her department chair Dr. Nambiar, she was able to accomplish her goal. Debbie dislikes having the spotlight on her but this is one time she deserves to be highlighted. We wish Debbie all the best!

Name: Reyna Alvarado
Department: Sociology
Current job title: Administrative Support Coordinator II
New degree earned this year: Human Services with Bilingual Populations

I am very thankful to have the opportunity to earn a degree at Fresno State. It has been a long road but it has been all worth it. I like to thank my daughter Yuni for hanging in there with me all these years and all of her support. I couldn’t have done it without the support from my department chair Dr. Chris Sullivan, former chair and now Interim Associate Dean Dr. Jennifer Randles, Dean Dr. Elizabeth Lowham and my academic advisor Dr. Matthew Jendian. Last, I have to thank myself for being persistent and not quitting until my goal of earning my degree was completed. Go 'Dogs!

Campus News is celebrating our employee graduates over the next several weeks. There's still time to submit. Follow the format below and send to campusnews@csufresno.edu with a high-resolution photo.

Name:
Department:
Current job title:
New degree earned this year:
Include a few sentences about his/her journey to this degree.