Michael Pierick
Director of Degree Completion Program
My "Why:" Being able to provide for my family (wife and son), while being a part of a culture of innovation and disruption in education that strives to create greater equity and access for all students. The curiosity and unknown that is presented each day provides a new opportunity to take on.
Degrees Earned: BS in Management, UC Merced, 2016, M.A. in Educational Entrepreneurship (MAEE), University of the Pacific Benerd College, 2020
Life Goals: Be able to serve at a large capacity on designing and developing new programs that will bring immediate and long-term significant impact to underrepresented and at-risk populations and regions.
Jayme Richards
Assistant Director, Degree Completion Program
My "Why:” I believe in the transformative power of education at all levels. Nothing is more exciting than seeing students discover their authentic voice through the college experience. I love helping students achieve their educational goals and realize their own power and self-efficacy, especially when the deck seems stacked against them.
Degrees Earned: BA in Liberal Studies, Mills College
Life Goal: I strive to leave the world a better place than I found it.
Brenda Maldonado-Rosas
Director of Student Services, School of Social Sciences, Humanities, and Arts
My "Why:” Helping students connect their likes/passions with their education and career goals, while learning to navigate an education system many students are unaware of how to navigate.
Degrees Earned: BAs in English and Spanish, UC Davis, 2008; MS in Counseling, specialization in Career Counseling, CSU Sacramento, 2011
Life Goal: Continue to assist as many students, either directly or indirectly, to complete their degree and enter the next chapter of their education careers.
Maria Sifuentes
Academic Advisor
My "Why:” Empowering students to keep striving forward through their educational journey and assisting them along the way is a rewarding experience. I want to continue my advocacy for students' academic success by providing the most current knowledge, tools and resources that will benefit their professional and personal development.
Degrees Earned: AAT in Psychology & AA in Social & Behavioral Sciences, Merced College; BA in Psychology & Minor in Sociology, UC Merced; MA in School Counseling with a Pupil Personnel Services Credential, Fresno Pacific University
Life Goal: Be able to continue assisting and providing opportunities for students to thrive within their academic journeys.
Elizabeth Whitmyre
Academic Advisor
My "Why:” I am passionate about education and the multitude of opportunities it offers, and I value the opportunity to help students continue to move forward in reaching their goals. I want to be a part of helping people discover and develop their own educational and personal strengths and empower them to be independently successful. Having the ability to impact students' lives positively keeps me motivated to continue this work.
Degrees Earned: BA in Liberal Studies with a concentration in Mathematics, CSU Stanislaus
Life Goal: At the end of the day, feeling joy in life is really what it’s about. So, my goals are surrounding myself with the right people, finding satisfaction and growth in my career, doing things and going places that bring me joy, and finding ways to give back so that others can have some joy in their lives, too.
Jessica Cantu
Financial Aid Advisor
My "Why:" My family. I strive to be the best role model I can be. Hard work, perseverance, and belief in yourself can take you anywhere you want to be in life. I am a first-generation college student who had 2 children during college but never gave up, no matter what obstacles were put in my way. Now, I want to give back to my community. I want to make a difference in the Degree Completion Program by supporting students who want to complete their degree and may be experiencing similar struggles that I encountered while in college.
Degree Earned: BA in Psychology, California State University, Stanislaus
Life Goal: I would love to travel to new places and explore the world around me. This would allow me to learn more about different cultures and connect with the students I work with on a deeper level.
Lilly Uvalle
Reentry Advisor
My "Why:" Through my personal journey and experiences, I strive to inspire those around me to overcome challenges and pursue their educational goals. Having faced and overcome struggles myself, I deeply understand the feelings of uncertainty and adversity that many students experience. This connection allows me to relate to their challenges on a personal level. I see this as the perfect opportunity to give back, offering the same support and encouragement I once received through the Degree Completion Program to students who find themselves in similar positions. I am committed to fostering an environment of encouragement and empowerment, helping individuals recognize their potential and achieve academic success.
Degree Earned: BA in Public Health and Minor in Psychology, UC Merced, 2024
Life Goal: To obtain a master's degree, further enhancing my ability to guide and support students in their pursuit of higher education. My ultimate aspiration is to contribute meaningfully to the development of accessible and equitable educational opportunities for all learners.
Victoria Raines
Marketing Specialist
My "Why:" I’m a natural listener and I love looking for connections and pathways to help people move forward on their journeys. We benefit by the hard work of all who came before us, and it is our responsibility to lift others up along the way.
Degree Earned: BA English and Political Science, University of Nebraska; MA Program Literary Theory, California State University, Fresno
Life Goal: Engage with the progressive development and culture of UC Merced by connecting with and expanding the student community.
Marta Holtz
Financial Services Analyst
My "Why:" Family and the genuine joy of doing the work I do every day.
Degree Earned: Studied Business Administration, CSU Stanislaus
Life Goal: Visit other countries and learn about other cultures.
Governance & Leadership
Catherine Koehler
Executive Director, Degree Completion Program
Visiting Associate Teaching Professor, Dept. of Global Arts, Media, and Writing Studies
Annette Roberts Webb
Dean of University Extension
