Breaking the Mold: A Story of Service and Leadership

Audra Burwell, Communications Assistant

March 20, 2024

As a Richter Center Student Leader and Kremen School Liberal Studies Major, Merici Ulloa Moran knows the power of service in shaping not only her student experience but also her career aspirations. Acting as a leader on the SERVE Central California: A Journey to Achieving Collective Impact project allowed her to organize and conduct impactful one-day service events, connecting with her community and nurturing her passion for education.

Last year, Merici decided to take her commitment to service a step further by participating in Alternative Spring Break. Motivated by her desire to work with children and make a meaningful difference, she eagerly signed up for a weeklong volunteering opportunity. Little did she know that this experience would not only reaffirm her love for teaching but also leave a lasting impression on her and the community she served.

Throughout the week, Merici immersed herself in STEAM activities, engaging students in hands-on projects and fostering their curiosity and creativity. One particular moment stood out to her—a boy, usually cheerful and full of laughter, seemed downtrodden and disengaged. Sensing something amiss, Merici approached him with concern and discovered his frustration with a project he didn’t enjoy.

Instead of dismissing his feelings, Merici sat down with him, patiently guiding him through the instructions and encouraging him to tackle the task at his own pace. As he regained his enthusiasm and confidence, Merici witnessed the transformative power of individual attention and support. His smile and heartfelt gratitude filled her with joy, reaffirming her belief in the impact of small acts of kindness.

Reflecting on her experience, Merici realizes how her leadership role and community service have influenced her personal and academic growth. From her early days volunteering in middle school to her current involvement with the Richter Center, she has developed a deep-seated passion for helping others and creating positive change.

Eager to inspire her peers to break the mold of traditional Spring Break and engage in meaningful service opportunities, Merici wants to share her story and encourage students to get involved with the Richter Center. Whether through social media, newsletters, or direct communication with the dedicated staff, she explains the accessibility of service opportunities and the transformative potential of stepping out of one’s comfort zone.

Despite facing initial challenges in engaging students and overcoming hesitations, Merici remains steadfast in her belief that community service is a gateway to personal growth and fulfillment. Her advice to fellow students echoes her own journey—reach out, ask questions, and seize the opportunity to make a difference, both for oneself and for others.

As Merici continues her journey as a leader and advocate for service, she carries with her the memory of that special moment during Alternative Spring Break—a reminder of the profound impact of compassion, dedication, and the willingness to step up and serve others.

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The Richter Center Student Leadership (RCSL) Program provides students who embody a passion for service with leadership opportunities and the opportunity to serve their peers. RCSL members volunteer their time to promote and support the university’s community engagement efforts.  They do this through a variety of projects and programs such as National Volunteer Week, presentations and workshops for Fresno State students; outreach at campus events like the Richter Center’s Community Service Opportunities Fairs; peer-to-peer assistance in the Richter Center; and planning Fresno State one-day and short term service events like Alternative Spring Break and Spring into Service. The Richter Center Student Leaders (RCSL) is comprised of three (3) distinct teams which are: The Richter Center Ambassadors, Alternative Spring Break Leaders, and the SERVE Committee. To get involved with the Richter Center and to explore ways to give back to your community, explore their website!

Building Leaders: Paving the Way for Academic Community

A Teachers and Friends of Education Honor Wall Featurette 

Dr. Susana Hernández, an Associate Professor in Higher Education Administration and Leadership, has made a significant impact as an educator and scholar. Her dedication to promoting educational equity and supporting underserved communities has earned her two bricks of recognition on the Teachers and Friends of Education Honor Wall at the Kremen School of Education and Human Development.

Dr. Hernández’s research focuses on examining institutional policies and practices through critical frameworks, intending to create more equitable educational experiences. She specifically concentrates on Hispanic Serving Institutions, undocumented immigrant student experiences, and the preparation of educational leaders.

By interrogating these areas, she aims to address the disparities in educational opportunities and ensure that all students have access to quality education.

In addition to her research, Dr. Hernández is actively involved in various professional affiliations and leadership programs. She served on the Education Trust–West Educators Advisory Council, the UC Berkeley Executive Leadership Academy, the NASPA Emerging Faculty Leadership Academy, and the University of Pennsylvania Center for MSI – Elevate Fellowship. These affiliations demonstrate her commitment to staying engaged with the latest developments in her field and enhancing her knowledge and skills.

Prior to her career as a professor, Dr. Hernández held multiple professional roles in higher education and student affairs across all three public systems of higher education in California. Through these experiences, she gained valuable insights into the challenges faced by high school students, community college students, undergraduate students, and families. This firsthand knowledge has shaped her perspective as an educator and scholar, allowing her to understand the diverse needs of students from various backgrounds.

Dr. Hernández’s personal background as the daughter of Mexican immigrants from Jalisco, growing up in Inglewood, California, has greatly influenced her commitment to educational equity. Her family’s history serves as a constant reminder of the importance of creating opportunities for underserved communities. This deeply personal connection to her work fuels her passion and dedication to making a positive impact in the lives of students.

With impressive educational achievements, including a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership from Iowa State University, certificates in Social Justice and Applied Research Methods in the Human Sciences, and a Master’s degree in Counseling from California State University, Long Beach, Dr. Hernández’s expertise is rooted in a strong academic foundation. She has honed her skills in qualitative research methods and has combined her academic pursuits with her commitment to social justice.

Dr. Hernández’s impact extends beyond her academic achievements. She strongly believes in the power of mentorship and has experienced firsthand how it can shape one’s career trajectory. During her time at California State University, Long Beach, she was fortunate to have mentors who invested in her success. This support guided her toward pursuing a doctoral program, and she continues to pay it forward by advising and supporting students holistically.

During her time as Chair of the Department of Educational Leadership, Dr. Hernández made remarkable contributions to the graduate programs at the Kremen School of Education and Human Development. Her leadership and dedication have supported the doctoral program in educational leadership, the Master’s of Arts in Higher Education Administration and Leadership, and the Master of Arts in Educational Leadership and Administration. Through her efforts, she has facilitated conferences and symposiums, creating valuable opportunities for professional development and networking for students.

Dr. Hernández was also recently awarded the NASPA Outstanding Faculty Award.

Dr. Hernández’s achievements and commitment to educational equity serve as an inspiration to other women of color, including her own daughter. She prioritizes building community with her colleagues and celebrating their success, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and support. Dr. Susana Hernández’s impact as an educator and scholar is far-reaching. Through her work and personal experiences, she continues to make a positive difference in the lives of students and strives to create a more equitable educational system for all.

(Written by Audra Burwell, a Creative Writing MFA student employed by the Kremen School of Education and Human Development.)

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The Teachers and Friends of Education Honor Wall showcases excellence in education with engraved names and messages for visitors to the campus to see. Celebrate your educational journey or that of a friend or colleague by ordering a personalized brick at TeacherHonorWall.com. Each brick purchase supports technology used by students.

For inquiries, visit the Office of the Dean in Kremen School, Room 210, call 559.278.0210 or email KremenSA@csufresno.edu.

Unveiling Magic in Every Student

Fresno County’s Teacher of the Year shares her inspiring journey

Audra Burwell, Communications Assistant

March 6, 2024

This past November, Emmelin Herrera’s jaw dropped when her name was called for an honor she never expected— being named Teach of the Year for Fresno County! Walking up the steps to be recognized on stage at the William Saroyan Theater, Herrera’s moment in the spotlight became only more meaningful as her parents were in the audience to see this dream come true.

The S.T.E.A.M. educator at Juan Felipe Elementary School has enthusiastically integrated real-world projects during her nine years of teaching to ignite curiosity and a passion for discovery in her 6th-grade students. Herrera is fueled by a commitment to diverse students and elevating every pupil’s unique talents.

“I was exceptionally proud to win the Teacher of the Year Award for Fresno Unified, as it is the third largest district in California. I am humbled and honored that my name is listed next to other exemplary educators from our county.” 

– Emmelin Herrera

Herrera’s journey begins as an immigrant to the United States, where she would catch up on culture, academics, and language to propel herself to where she is today. After graduating from Dos Palos High School, Herrera aimed for a career in graphic design; however, financial hurdles created a barrier to her desired field of work. Juggling three jobs, including one as an informal science instructor aide, she discovered her passion for teaching. Her journey to becoming a U.S. Citizen on January 9, 2024, marked another significant achievement.

As a Fresno State alumna, Herrera was prepared for her career in the classroom through a Bachelor’s in Liberal Studies, completing the multiple subject teaching credential and a Master’s degree in education. Her professors admire how she addresses learning gaps and supports diverse English language learners to this day. Inspired by her time as a science instructor, Herrera became a “science lab teacher,” reinforcing her desire to inspire young minds.

“The guidance of my former professors at Fresno State has shaped who I am today as an educator. The professors at the Kremen School are all passionate about what they teach and are familiar with the demographics in the Central Valley.”

– Emmelin Herrera

Guided by mentors like Dr. Fred Nelson and Dr. Jeanie Behrend, Herrera enthusiastically recalls their impact on her teaching philosophy. Her collaborations with distinguished administrators and educators in Fresno Unified further enrich her professional growth.

“I still keep in touch with Dr. Fred Nelson who has been one of my biggest inspirations. I knew from the moment that I was in his class that I wanted my students to experience the same feeling. I remember always being engaged, feeling a sense of belonging, collaborating, communicating, and critically thinking to find solutions.”

– Emmelin Herrera

As an advocate for S.T.E.A.M. Content Integration, Herrera presents professional learning opportunities and contributes to curriculum design through Strategic Teacher Education Partnership (S.T.E.P.) Program. She emphasizes engaging students to discover their unique talents, nurturing their “inner magic.”

Herrera’s recognition as Teacher of the Year reflects her commitment to educational excellence. Grateful for the support from her family, colleagues, and community, she views the award as a testament to the transformative power of education.

With this career milestone checked off her list, Herrera aspires to one day become a professor at Fresno State, sharing her experiences and influencing future educators. Her other dreams include conducting research beyond the classroom, emphasizing the importance of student engagement and content integration for overall success. Herrera envisions a future where her students contribute positively to their communities and the world by uncovering their own passion and inner magic.

Sharing a Love of Education

Celebrating a pair of faculty couples this Valentine’s Day

Audra Burwell, Communications Assistant

February 7, 2024

Dr. Carol Fry Bohlin recalls reaching the front of the line at the 1990 American Educational Research Association (AERA) conference. It was finally her moment to catch professor and statistician Ed “E.T.” Tufte to sign her copy of his new book. To her delight, the opportunity arose to take a photo with the author! Seeking better light for the snapshot, they stepped outside, thwarting an attempt by another eager fan seeking an autograph– Carol’s future husband, Dr. Roy Bohlin!

The Bohlins officially met later that year (and the mystery of Roy’s rival that day eventually came to light) after attending an orientation for the new School of Education and Human Development faculty in the Education-Psychology (now Professional Human Services) building, where they both taught educational technology and mathematics education classes until the current Kremen School building was completed in 1994. They enjoyed serving in leadership roles for the San Joaquin Valley Mathematics Project and attending events together such as a presentation at the Saroyan Theatre by Carl Sagan. Their mutual love of all things STEM drew them closer and the couple married in 1992 with many faculty and students in attendance.

Dr. Roy Bohlin and Dr. Carol Fry Bohlin welcomed their son Christopher in 1995 and he became one of the first children in the Huggins Early Education Center. He would later attend University High School and Fresno State, majoring in computer engineering and mathematics, which makes the Bohlins a true Fresno State Bulldog family!

Dr. Swati and Dr. Rohit Mehta may have attended the same high school in India, yet it was not until their undergraduate college days at an engineering school that they finally crossed paths! The Mehtas married in 2012 and pursued doctoral degrees at Michigan State University in educational psychology and technology. With patience and perseverance, the pair found their careers leading them to Fresno State, and are now celebrating 18 years together and 11 years of marriage!

Dr. Rohit Mehta is an Assistant Professor of Secondary Curriculum with Instructional Technology in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction and the Department of Educational Leadership. His research interests are the intersections of pedagogy, literacies, creativity, technology, and coloniality. As an educator, he wants to help teachers foster creativity through teaching and learning practices that are liberatory of multiple ways of being, knowing, and doing.

Dr. Swati Mehta is an Assistant Professor of Liberal Studies. She centers her work on building long-term research-practice partnerships with local schools and districts to engage P-8 teachers in conceptualizing and co-constructing community-engaged culturally sustaining computing practices in their classrooms. She draws from her work with Dr. Ron Eglash on creating a computing curriculum using the Culturally Situated Design Tools (CSDT) that allows teachers to understand how cultural practices intersect with math, science, and computing concepts. 

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To learn more about our distinguished and dedicated faculty, visit our online Faculty Directory.

Holmes Program Empowers Doctoral Students through Nationwide Connections and Financial Support

Audra Burwell, Communications Assistant

January 25, 2024

The Doctoral Program in Educational Leadership at Fresno State has been accepted into the American Association of Colleges and Teacher Education (AACTE) Holmes Program, a nationwide initiative that aims to enhance the recruitment and success of students of color pursuing a degree in education. Students selected to become Holmes Scholars receive access to professional development opportunities and a national community of administrators, faculty and peers.

“Although the Holmes program has been around for over 30 years, we are one of just a few institutions in California to be a member. We are excited to offer this opportunity to our students.”

– Dr. Juliet Wahleithner

The inaugural cohort for the Holmes Scholars at Fresno State is comprised of four students in spring 2024: Adelfa Lorenzano, Dana Grisby, Fabiola Pérez and Floridia Cheung. Two students will be accepted in the fall to fulfill the program’s capacity of six Holmes Scholars, and two new Scholars will be added each academic year as students complete their three-year doctoral program. Interested Fresno State doctoral students may apply to the program by completing an application expressing their professional goals, research areas and intentions for participating in the program. 

“…Being selected for the first cohort of the Holmes Scholars program at Fresno State is sincerely an honor. As a first-generation Latina, to know that there are programs looking for individuals with my background is rewarding.”

– Adelfa Lorenzano

Benefits of the program include connections with fellow Holmes Scholars at Fresno State and member institutions, the National Association of Holmes Scholars Alumni (NAHSA) alumni network, peer and faculty mentors and the program coordinators on campus. Holmes Scholars may receive funding to join a professional organization, benefit from tuition support after advancement to candidacy, and are invited to attend monthly AACTE meetings for the Holmes Program, professional development sessions, the Summer Policy Institute in Washington, D.C., the Annual Meeting and the Holmes Program Preconference. These resources aim to empower participants throughout their educational journeys and help them explore diverse career options in education.

“As a doctoral candidate, I want to do action research that is meaningful for myself and my school communities, and to focus on empowering our unique and under-represented population. We all work and serve Central Valley students, and it is important to collaborate together in research and study to support our diverse student population.”

– Floridia Cheung

The Fresno State Holmes Scholars Program will be housed in the Kremen School of Education and Human Development and is jointly coordinated by Dr. Ignacio Hernández, the Director of the Doctoral Program in Educational Leadership, and Dr. Juliet Wahleithner, the Director of Educator Preparation Programs. Through the inclusion in the AACTE Holmes Program, Fresno State strives to provide aspiring educators from diverse backgrounds with the support and guidance they need to excel in their graduate studies and make a meaningful impact in the field of education.

“Holmes Scholars often become part of a community that advocates for diversity and inclusion in education. This involvement can raise visibility within the academic community and position me as an advocate for positive change in my field that will hopefully lead to a leadership role of principalship in my district.”

– Fabiola Pérez

Information about the Fresno State Holmes Scholars is available at FresnoState.edu/holmesscholars.

Meet the Inaugural Fresno State Holmes Scholars 

Floridia Cheung Online Cohort 7 Floridia Cheung is the principal at Design Science Middle College High School, a Fresno Unified School District specialty school at Fresno City College. She has been a middle and high school teacher in science, career technical education (CTE) for architecture and art and is a Fulbright teacher that had the opportunity to visit Indonesian schools in 2018. Floridia earned a B.A. from UCLA, an M.A. from Fresno State and is enrolled in the Ed.D. in Educational Leadership in order to become a better advocate and educator for students in the Central Valley.
	Fabiola Pérez Face-to-Face Cohort 16 Originally from Culiacán, Sinaloa, Fabiola Pérez is Vice Principal at Bullard High School within Fresno Unified. Her 17-year career in education includes roles as a teacher, coach and administrator where she uplifts underprivileged students and fosters a positive school culture. Fabiola is a two-time Fresno State alumna with a B.A. in Liberal Studies, an M.A. in Teaching and expects to complete her Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in 2025.
Dana Grisby Online Cohort 8 Hailing from Merced, CA, Dana Grigsby is a tenured professor of African American Studies at Laney College in Oakland, CA. She has served in the U.S. Peace Corps twice, in both Botswana and Guyana and has been recognized as a Stanford Global Studies Education Partnership forInternationalizing Curriculum (EPIC) Fellow (2020) and with the Kremen School of Education and Human Development Equity Scholar Doctoral Award (2023-24). Dana earned a B.A. in Journalism from Howard University, an M.A. in African American Studies from UCLA and anticipates completion of her Doctorate in Educational Leadership in 2026.
	Adelfa Lorenzano  Face-to-Face Cohort 17 Adelfa Lorenzano is the Director of Reedley College’s Title V (DHSI-2020): Community and College Connections for Expanded Educational Opportunity project. She is a founder and is current Past-President of the Latino Faculty and Staff Association, co-chair of the annual Reedley College Padres Como Compañeros Conference, and has served on numerous youth-focused advisory and community event boards. Adelfa has a B.A. from Fresno Pacific University, an M.A. from National University and expects to complete her doctorate in 2026.

Inspiring Brilliance

Preparing Future Generations of Educators

A Teachers and Friends of Education Honor Wall Featurette

Karen DeVoogd considers her name being engraved on the Teachers and Friends of Education Honor Wall to be one of the proudest moments of her career. This honor, gifted to her by colleagues in 2022, symbolizes her lasting impact at CalStateTEACH where she played a pivotal role in creating the curriculum that now prepares teachers across California.

Originally from Drumheller, Alberta, Canada, Karen’s passion for teaching was ignited from an early age while growing up in the small rural town. She pursued her education at The University of Calgary, where she was honored with a student teaching award during her undergraduate years. Karen’s fascination with human inquiry and development led her to Michigan State University, where she earned her B.A. in Elementary Education and M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction.

Throughout her life, Karen has always envisioned herself as a teacher, and she considers herself incredibly fortunate to have seen that dream become a reality. With the new perspective of being a grandparent, she remains curious about how individuals learn and grow. Karen attributes her success to the many wonderful teachers who have influenced her journey, particularly her lifelong mentor, Dr. Pam Lane-Garon.

Under Dr. Lane-Garon’s guidance, Karen assumed leadership of the Mediator Mentors program at Fresno State. As the coordinator and then director until 2016, Karen had the opportunity to support this project dedicated to training students to become peer mediators. Lane-Garon’s wisdom and guidance have had a profound impact on Karen, who embraces her mentor’s mantra of becoming a better version of oneself every day. 

After retiring from her faculty position in 2022, Karen now works with the Whitaker Peace and Development Initiative’s Domestic Harmonizer Program. Based in Long Beach, California, she focuses on education and supporting teachers, students and parents in understanding the importance of constructive conflict resolution and implementing this in the classroom.

Reflecting on her teaching philosophy, Karen believes that inspiring others to recognize their own brilliance is essential. She aims to hold up a mirror that reflects learners’ gifts and curiosities, guiding them to see the value they bring to the world. As a faculty instructor with the CalStateTEACH program at Fresno State from 1998 to 2022, Karen played a significant role in preparing future teachers for their careers.

As Karen continues her journey in education, she remains dedicated to working in schools and supporting future leaders who understand the power of peaceful practices and kindness. She believes in embodying Dr. Pam Lane-Garon’s message and sharing it with her peers and aspiring educators: “Remember, every day you have a chance to be a better version of yourself than you were yesterday.”

(Written by Audra Burwell, a Creative Writing MFA student employed by the Kremen School of Education and Human Development.)

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The Teachers and Friends of Education Honor Wall showcases excellence in education with engraved names and messages for visitors of the campus to see. Celebrate your educational journey or that of a friend or colleague by ordering a personalized brick at TeacherHonorWall.com. Each brick purchase supports technology used by students.

For inquiries, visit the Office of the Dean in Kremen School, Room 210, call 559.278.0210 or email KremenSA@csufresno.edu.

Associate Professor David E. Low of the Kremen School Awarded Arthur Applebee Award for Excellence in Research on Literacy

(Pictured Above: Dr. David Low with Dr. Kathleen Hinchman, AAAERL Chair)

The Kremen School of Education and Human Development’s Associate Professor David E. Low and his colleague, CSU Dominguez Hills College of Education Dean, Jessica Pandya, are recipients of the Literacy Research Association’s Arthur Applebee Award for Excellence in Research on Literacy. Their article, “Centering Children’s Voices and Purposes in Multimodality Research” was recognized at the 2023 Annual Literacy Research Association (LRA) Conference in Atlanta on Nov. 30.

The article, published in August 2022 in the Journal of Literacy Research, examines how the theorization of semiosis in academic scholarship is disconnected from how it is conceptualized by children. To bridge this gap, Drs. Low and Pandya analyzed 75 interviews with children about their digital video making. Analysis of children’s responses demonstrated socially-embedded, age-specific understandings of how semiotic modes operate, as well as when and why children employ them. In many cases, children’s ideas ran counter to formal semiotic grammars and literacy theories. Drs. Low and Pandya subsequently argued for the need to advance child-centric social semiotic theories that center children’s voices, purposes, and capacity to generate theory. Doing so, they argued, would honor the legacies of theorists who came before by adding emergent voices to an ever-evolving discussion.

(Dr. Jessica Pandya, Dean of CSU Dominguez Hills College of Education)

As an educator, Dr. Low’s work centers around mentoring pre- and in-service teachers to develop frameworks that honor the cultural and intellectual legacies of their students and the larger community. In particular, Dr. Low is dedicated to educating current and future teachers and school leaders to situate educational disparities within political, social, and historical contexts, to surface possibilities for social change through collaborative critical inquiry, and to view all learners, including themselves, as intellectuals, full of creativity and promise. 

The award’s namesake, the late Arthur Applebee, was a distinguished Professor at the University at Albany and a renowned literacy and language scholar. Each year, the award honors a single influential article in the field of literacy research. 

Drs. Low and Pandya’s award marks the first time in the award’s history that researchers from non-R1 institutions have been so honored.

Dr. Low is also a recipient of the 2023 Divergent Award, given by the Initiative for Literacy in a Digital Age Research. He has published extensively, in journals such as Journal of Literacy Research, Research in the Teaching of English, Language Arts, and numerous others. His contributions to the Department of Literacy, Early, Bilingual, and Special Education at the Kremen School have positively impacted the lives of countless students in the community. 

(Written by Audra Burwell, a Creative Writing MFA student employed by the Kremen School of Education and Human Development.)