Meet the Staff
Debi Hill
associate vice president for student affairs dehill@calpoly.edu
Debi Hill joined Cal Poly in July 2015 as the Director for the Disability Resource Center and Testing Services. In that position, she advocated and administered resources that provide equal access for all students, faculty, staff, and campus guests. She worked with staff to promote inclusive design, provided guidance on reasonable accommodations, and continues to assess the effectiveness of the campus experience. In the winter of 2019, she was promoted to Associate Vice President for Student Affairs. In this capacity, AVP Hill supports the Disability Resource Center, Student Academic Services (EOP, Upward Bound, and the Center for Military-Connected Students), Career Services, Cal Poly Scholars, and New Student and Transition Programs.
Dr. Hill obtained a bachelor’s degree in Management and Organizational Development and a Master’s degree in Education with a specialization in School Psychology from Fresno Pacific University. She completed her doctorate in Higher Educational Leadership from Fresno State University in 2021. Dr. Hill holds Administrative and Pupil Personnel Services credentials and has worked extensively in the educational setting. Before coming to Cal Poly, she was the administrator for the San Luis Obispo County Office of Education in Alternative Education. In this position, she managed over 50 classified staff, faculty members, and programs in the county’s Community School sites, Juvenile Court Schools, and Independent Study programs. Dr. Hill was also a psychologist for the San Luis Obispo County Office of Education for several years and was responsible for supporting at-risk and special needs students attending K-12 public schools.
Roger Wang
Eop Director RWANG62@CALPOLY.EDU
My name is Roger Wang and I am honored and proud to be the Educational Opportunity Program Director here at Cal Poly! I am a proud first-generation college student, who grew up in a low-income Asian-American single-parent household, growing up in Los Altos, CA in the Bay Area. My higher education journey started at Cal Poly Humboldt and I graduated with my BA in English - Literary Studies. Since then, I have worked in Student Affairs for over 12 years, working in Housing & Residence Life, the Dean of Students Office, and most importantly, I was an EOP Advisor for 2.5 years at Cal Poly Humboldt where I had a caseload of 200 low-income, first-generation students who I helped from pre-admission all the way to graduation and beyond.
I am ecstatic to have the privilege of working with the EOP program and work with the amazing staff here to help you on your journey to achieve your goal of earning a degree. I am passionate about advocating for and supporting EOP students and I look forward to meeting you. My office is located in Building 52, office 18, and if my door is open, feel free to say hi! I almost always have candy in my office and I love talking to students. So, please stop by and say hi!
Marie St. James
EOP Department coordinatoR mstjames@calpoly.edu
Hello! My name is Marie St. James and I was raised on the central coast in Arroyo Grande, CA along with my 12 brothers and sisters. I am a re-entry, on, LatinX, former foster youth, EOP participant, Upward Bound participant, and transfer student from Cuesta Community College. I received a Liberal Arts and Communication Studies degree at Cuesta College before transferring to Cal Poly where I received my bachelor's degree in Communication Studies.
My career in higher education administration started at Cuesta College in 2015 where I worked in the Admissions, Financial Aid, and Records departments in various roles
When I am not at work, I love spending quality time with my daughter, connecting with family or lounging with my cat ("Maui"). I also enjoy tapping into my creative talents, which are singing, cooking, photography, and writing. I also love nature, getting in a good workout, and exploring new places through travel.
Please stop by and say hello as I genuinely enjoy meeting new people and expanding my new Cal Poly family!
EOP Counselors
Cynthia Diaz
Hello everyone! My name is Cynthia Diaz, I was born and raised in Guadalupe, CA. I began my higher education at Allan Hancock College in Santa Maria where I received a degree in Liberal Arts. I then transferred to Cal State Northridge and received a degree in Child & Adolescent Development. After working with preschool age children, I quickly realized I wanted to work with older students. I attended Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo where I earned a Master of Arts in Education with an emphasis in Counseling and Guidance: Higher Education & Student Affairs. My career goal was to become an Academic Counselor and serve underrepresented students in the Central Coast area. I began my work at Allan Hancock College, working for various departments as an Academic Counselor. I have been an EOP Counselor Cal Poly since 2018 and it is truly one of my greatest accomplishments to be able to work for this program. I enjoy the work I get to do with my students and supporting them during their time at Cal Poly and post-graduation.
When I am not at work, I am most likely with my children. I have identical twin boys and identical twin girls, as you could imagine I am busy! I love being a mom and feel extremely blessed to experience motherhood with my four little blessings. Aside from being a mom I enjoy pampering myself, I like to go shopping, wine tasting, going to Dodger games, Pitbull concerts and spending time with my friends.
I look forward to continuing to serve EOP!
Drexler Alcantara
Hello everyone! My name is Drexler Alcantara. I was born and raised in the Central Valley. My college journey began at Porterville College where I earned my associate’s degree in Administration of Justice. I then transferred to Chico State where I earned my bachelor's degree in Social Science. I went on to graduate school where I earned my master’s degree in Educational Counseling at Cal State, Bakersfield.
Navigating college can be an exciting, yet overwhelming experience. As you embark on this new journey at Cal Poly - remember that we are here to offer guidance and support whenever you need it. Whether you're seeking advice on time management, study strategies, or life outside the classroom, don't hesitate to reach out. Together, we can work towards your goals and personal growth.
When I am not in the office, I enjoy working out, spending quality time with family and friends, road trips, playing sports, and exploring the central coast!
I look forward to connecting with you all!
Roberto Ruiz
I am a first generation transfer student who grew up in Venice, worked in community recreation in Santa Monica and advocated for students in underrepresented high schools in the Los Angeles Harbor schools, Compton, Norwalk and Long Beach. Even as I assisted students in the Santa Monica Malibu districts, I have learned that students have hope and that is my goal as your EOP counselor ~ to help you in the completion of your degree and to prepare you to the world beyond Cal Poly.
EOP Student Assistants
Kevin Castaneda
Major: Business Administration
Hey Hey everyone! My name is Kevin Castaneda, I am in my 6th year, and I have been here for a minute, so we have some knowledge, so if you'd need any help, or have any question, let me know, I will try my best and if I don’t know we will find out, and if we don’t then we will create a solution. Perfect, I am not, I might not always be on 100, but I care and want to care and am trying, so I got y'all , we got each other. I am currently trying to switch my major, and if the world allows me and if I do everything as best as I can, and hopefully looking to be in healthcare or public health or somewhere in community spaces.
Ana da Silva
Major: BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
Hello everyone! My name is Ana Da Silva. I am a fourth-year Business Administration Major with a concentration in Accounting and a Minor in Spanish. I am a first-generation college student. I was born and raised in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and, I moved to the U.S. when I was thirteen. I went to high school in the Bay Area. I love spending time with my family and friends, eating açai, and photography. I also love going to the beach, watching soccer, traveling, and listening to music.
Sergio Gonzalez
Major: Construction Management
Hello Everyone! My name is Sergio Gonzalez. I am a second year construction management major. I am a first generation student from Vallejo, CA. In my free time I like to go out and spend time with family and friends. #EOPproud
Jose Pardo
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Hi! My name is Jose Pardo. I am a third-year Mechanical Engineering major. I was raised in the Central Valley in a small town called McFarland. I love playing video games and sports.
Sam Finch
Major: BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
Hello, Mustangs! My name is Sam Finch and I am so delighted to be a new EOP Student Assistant this year! Currently, I am a third-year Business Administration major with a concentration in Marketing here at Cal Poly. In my free time, I love to be outdoors and spend time with friends. I look forward to assisting you and being a part of the EOP team!
Aubriana Medina
Major: sociology
Hello everyone, my name is Aubriana Medina. I am a second-year sociology major with a concentration in pre-law. I am a first-generation college student from Napa, CA. I’m so excited to be an EOP Student Assistant this year and hopefully have the chance of meeting everyone!
