Graduate Studies Staff

5241 North Maple Ave., M/S TA51
Fresno CA 93740-8027 
Phone: 559.278.2448
Email: gradstudies@mail.fresnostate.edu

Interim Graduate Dean
Dr. Elizabeth Lowham

Graduate Admissions 
April Cardiel (Graduate Admissions Coordinator) | 559.278.4073 | acardiel@mail.fresnostate.edu
Coordinator for the Graduate Admissions Office; Cal State Apply application assistance, CSU minimum eligibility requirement review, general admission advising, university application review, California residency and reclassification review, special admission appeals, transcript and GPA evaluation, and communications. 

Hortencia Iribe (Graduate Admissions Advisor) | 559.278.4073 | hiribe@csufresno.edu
Cal State Apply application assistance, CSU minimum eligibility requirement review, general admission advising, university application review, California residency and reclassification review, special admission appeals, transcript and GPA evaluation, and communications.

Special Admissions, Classification, Advancement to Candidacy, Evaluation and Clearance of Graduate Degrees and Advanced Certificates 
Alexis Holladay (Lead Graduate Degree Specialist) | 559.278.2448 | aholladay@csufresno.edu
All undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in or pursuing Blended Bachelors/Masters Degree Programs
Provides leadership and coordination for the Graduate Degree Specialist Unit, ensuring consistency and oversight of graduate degree evaluations, processing, and degree clearance functions performed by the unit. Serves as the primary advising and policy resource for Blended Bachelor's/Master's Degree Programs and supports graduate academic policy review, curriculum coordination, and related administrative processes.

Misty Brazill (Graduate Degree Specialist) | 559.278.2448 | mistyb@csufresno.edu
Students with last names beginning A-K (except students enrolled in or pursuing Blended Bachelors/Masters Degree Programs)
Evaluation of the following: special admits, change of degree objectives, administrative academic probation, disqualification, classification requests, advancement to candidacy, program adjustment requests, course validations, graduation eligibility for graduate degrees and certificates of advanced study; clearance of master's/graduate degrees, doctoral degrees, and certificates of advanced study; issue letters of certification

Sandy Brooke (Graduate Degree Specialist) | 559.278.2448 | sbrooke@csufresno.edu
Students with last names beginning L-Z (except students enrolled in or pursuing Blended Bachelors/Masters Degree Programs)
Evaluation of the following: special admits, change of degree objectives, administrative academic probation, disqualification, classification requests, advancement to candidacy, program adjustment requests, course validations, graduation eligibility for graduate degrees and certificates of advanced study; clearance of master's/graduate degrees, doctoral degrees, and certificates of advanced study

Thesis and Dissertation Review, Publications, Committee Assignments, Program Coordinator Updates
Debbie Neufeld (Coordinator, Dissertation/Thesis Office) | 559.278.2448 | dlneufeld@csufresno.edu
Thesis and dissertation review and final approval; Social Media/Communications; Graduate Student Success Center support; division webpage updates and maintenance

Graduate Student Writing and Statistics Resources and Support
Ronald Dzerigian (Coordinator, Graduate Student Success) | 559.278.2448 | rdzerigian@csufresno.edu
Graduate Student Success Center - supervisor: operations, seminars/workshops, writing group facilitator

Division Operations 
Jose L. Medina III (Administrative Analyst/Specialist) | 559.278.2447 | josemedina@mail.fresnostate.edu
Provides senior administrative leadership and strategic direction for the Division of Graduate Studies. Serves as a key advisor to the Dean on institutional priorities, policy development, and operational effectiveness; oversees division operations to ensure alignment with academic, regulatory, and compliance standards; and directs the administration and continuous improvement of graduate student awards, scholarships, and related programs.

Azucena Gutierrez (Budget Analyst) | 559.278.3079 | azucenag@csufresno.edu  
Budget support for the division

Zenia Avelar (Administrative Support Coordinator) | 559.278.2448 | zeniaa@mail.fresnostate.edu
General information regarding Division of Graduate Studies deadlines and events; Requests for division forms, publications, and recruitment materials; undergraduate petitions to enroll in graduate level courses; Application support and status updates for post-baccalaureate applicants; Division of Graduate Studies Social Media