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.
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 .
Student Support Services, CSU, Chico
About the Staff
Chela Mendoza Patterson
 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”! Director cpatterson@csuchico.edu |
Caren Fernandez
 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.Associate Director cfernandez@csuchico.edu |
Megan Kurtz
 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.Academic Coordinator mkurtz@csuchico.edu |
Thang Ho
 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”.Educational Data & Technology Specialist ttho@csuchico.edu |
| Katy O'Bryan* Administrative Support Assistant kobryan@csuchico.edu |
Carol Robinson* Publications, Public Events, and Technology Specialist crobinson@csuchico.edu |
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Jeanette McMurry* Office Manager jmcmurry@csuchico.edu |
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Student Staff |
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Maria Tinoco
 Major: Liberal Studies Status: Junior  Major: Liberal Studies Status: Junior Peer Advisor |
Vanesa Cardenas
Major:
Major: Peer Professional |
| Viri Fraga Receptionist |
Sue Vang Computer Support |
*In-kind services from EOP Staff