Chela Mendoza Patterson, Director
e-mail: cpatterson@csuchico.edu

I am originally from Oxnard, the oldest of five children. I attended the University of California, Irvine where I was an EOP student and went through Summer Bridge. After earning my BA in sociology, I attended the University of Maryland, College Park where I earned my MA in counseling and personnel services. My husband (known on campus as Dr. “P”) and I came to Chico in 1983. In 1998, I received my doctorate in educational leadership from USC. We have two children, a daughter attending graduate school at Columbia University in New York, and a son who is studying chemical engineering at UCLA. Please drop by and say “hello”!

Christopher Malone, Associate Director, EOP
e-mail: cmalone@csuchico.edu

I have been associated with CSU, Chico since my undergraduate years, during which I played football and ran track, while pursuing a degree in psychology. I have been with EOP since 1980 and I continue to appreciate the variety of tasks and challenges that our work entails. It is very gratifying working with students, staff, and faculty who are committed to making sure that students are successful.

Caren Fernandez, Associate Director, SSS
e-mail: cfernandez@csuchico.edu

I was born in Salinas and raised in Prunedale, California. I graduated with a BA in psychology, a BS in business administration with an option in MIS, and MA in education from Chico State. I have been fortunate to work with various TRiO programs such as Upward Bound and Talent Search and now Student Support Services. I enjoy working with students; there isn't anything I would rather be doing at this point in my life. I am an open-minded, goal-oriented person, who enjoys spending time with my family, friends, and my dog. I love watching and playing sports as well as traveling.

Thang Ho, Educational Data and Technology Specialist
e-mail: ttho@csuchico.edu

I moved to Chico in 1996 and attended both Butte Community College and CSU, Chico. I graduated with a double major in business marketing and management information systems in 2002. My wife Laura and I have been married since 2004 and we have a wonderful daughter name Caitlin. We have been blessed to live and work in a wonderful community like Chico. Please stop by and say “Hi”.

Megan Kurtz, SSS Academic Coordinator
e-mail: mkurtz@csuchico.edu

I grew up in Bakersfield, California attending local public schools and spent two years at Bakersfield Junior College before transferring to Chico State in 2000. I graduated with a degree in communication in 2004 and decided that the charm and unique energy of Chico was where I wanted to make my home and start a family. Guiding students to find what journey is best for them is a true passion of mine and I enjoy seeing people strive to reach beyond themselves to succeed. My husband, Stuart (also a Chico State Alumni), and I enjoy being outside in the open spaces that Chico provides. We especially like riding our cruiser bikes in the park and being downtown. Please stop by the EOP/SSS office and say hello. I would love to hear your story.

Jeanette McMurry , Office Manager
e-mail: jmcmurry@csuchico.edu

My family moved to Chico in 1961. I grew up attending Chico schools and graduated from CSU, Chico with a BA in history and a minor in English. I have had the privilege of working as a staff member on campus since 1995 and am delighted to be a part of the EOP office and educational mission. I am very blessed to have four wonderful children, a darling daughter-in-law, and family and friends to laugh and love with. Some of my favorite things to do are reading, walking, singing, and bike-riding in Bidwell Park .

Katy O'Bryan, Administrative Support Assistant
e-mail: kobryan@csuchico.edu

I have had the good fortune to be born in Chico and I have lived in either Hamilton City or Chico almost my entire life. My husband Steve and I have been married since 1982 and we have four great kids, Conor, Grady, Clare and Ian. Together we have owned and operated Pullins Cyclery since 1984. We are very active in the Chico community and feel we are privileged to live in our great town.

Being on the staff of EOP allows me the pleasure of working with and for you as you experience the adventure of college life. I am here to support you as you attain your educational goals so don't hesitate to come by and ask for my assistance.

Carol Robinson, Publications, Public Events, and Technology Specialist
e-mail: crobinson@csuchico.edu

I have been lucky to work for the Educational Opportunity Program for over 20 years both as a student and staff. I have a variety of duties including coordinating the EOP graduation celebration, producing EOP publications, and serving as an advisor for the Latino Graduation Celebration.

I am a Chico State alumna with a bachelor's in art with an emphasis in art history. I love being a mom to my twins, Maya and Kellen, and spending time with my husband.

Miguel Sahagún, EOP Coordinator of Admissions
e-mail: msahagun1@csuchico.edu

Hello, my name is Miguel Sahagún, and I’m the coordinator of admissions for EOP. I came from Humboldt State University, where I had worked for 7 years in the Office of Admissions. I’ve been at CSU, Chico for two and a half years and have loved every minute of it. I am married and have three young children. If you have questions about EOP or the application process, please call me or send an e-mail.

Tara Dale Sanders, Advisor
e-mail tdsanders@csuchico.edu

Hi there! My name is Tara Dale Sanders, and I work as an advisor in the EOP office. I genuinely enjoy working with students, and at CSU, Chico. Prior to working in EOP, I worked for University Housing and Food Service, so I have an understanding of varying student needs. I did my undergraduate degree in sociology and anthropology at the University of Redlands, and am finishing up my Master of Arts in Social Science: Student Retention and Success, here at CSU, Chico.

I am originally from Southern California, and have traveled all over.My travels have landed me here in Chico, and I couldn't be happier. Please let me know what I can do to help you in your endeavors.

Cecilia Santillan-Robles, Advisor
e-mail: crobles@csuchico.edu

Hola! I’m Cecilia Santillan-Robles, one of the EOP advisors in our office. I’m happily married to Alberto and we have been blessed with two children, Alberto and Viviana. I graduated from Chico State with a bachelor’s in sociology and a master’s in psychology. I am fortunate to advise the students in the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences. I truly enjoy my career and always look forward to helping our students.

Joshuah Myers Whittinghill, Advisor
e-mail: jwhittinghill@csuchico.edu

My parents, full-fledged hippies in the 60s and 70s, named me Joshuah Myers Whittinghill I. Maybe my name was a bit of parental intuition, as I was the first person in my family to graduate from a university. I spent almost ten years attempting to understand college and earn a degree. In 1999 I graduated from Chico with degrees in music and anthropology. Since then I have finished the course work for my master’s in English, and am planning to present my thesis project in fall 2005. I have enjoyed working at EOP for four years. Currently I advise students in the areas of humanities and fine arts and liberal studies.

Yvette Zuniga, FYE Coordinator
e-mail: yzuniga@csuchico.edu

I grew up in Atenguilo, Jalisco and moved to California in 1992. I attended high school in Corning, and upon graduation I came to Chico State. I received a BS in recreation administration in 2001, and a Master of Public Administration in 2003. I enjoy helping students grow and develop in higher education. I also enjoy spending time with my husband, Brad, and my beautiful daughter Sofia. I hope to provide students with the opportunities and support to succeed.