Student Affairs Council

Director of Athletics

In 2022, Aaron was appointed Director of Athletics. Aaron previously served as Associate Athletics Director beginning in January 2017 and became Senior Associate Athletics Director in fall 2019. Allaire oversees all facility operations, maintenance and upgrades for Warrior Stadium, Fitzpatrick Arena, Warrior Baseball Field, Warrior Softball Field and the tennis courts. He also manages game day operations, including ticketing and event staff for all Warrior Athletics home events.

Additionally, he maintains the department's equipment inventory and serves as a liaison to the University's Physical Plant, Chartwells Dining Services, Risk Management, Campus Recreation, University Police Department and Event Services departments. He also oversees all scheduling of athletic facilities for practices, competitions, camps and third-party events.

During his time as an administrator, Warrior facilities have seen some major upgrades. Fitzpatrick Arena has seen the installation of a new floor, new seating and a video board. In addition, the arena lobby has received a complete makeover with new flooring, trophy displays, an interactive touchscreen and branding. Other improvements include major upgrades to the volleyball locker room, the addition of a golf short range, a new hammer cage, new pole vault and high jump pits at Warrior Stadium and increased branding at all venues.

Allaire currently serves as a sport supervisor for women's tennis, softball, women's soccer and women's basketball. He has previously supervised golf, baseball and men's and women's track and field.

Prior to joining the administrative staff, Allaire had been on campus since 1997, when he was a member of the baseball team. Beginning in 2001–02, Allaire served as an assistant baseball coach while holding a part-time role as a game day operations and equipment manager for all home events. Additionally, Allaire worked as an assistant in the Sports Information Office and taught courses in the kinesiology department.

He played baseball for the Warriors from 1997–99 and is a graduate of Cal State Stanislaus. Allaire has a bachelor's degree in history from Stan State, a California Secondary Teaching Credential from Chapman University and an M.A. in management with a specialization in leadership from National University.

He and his wife, Megan, have three children: Case, Kellen and Brady.

Director, Student Health Center

Amy Diaz serves as the Director of the Student Health Center at Stanislaus State. She comes to the university having served as the manager of emergency services for Dignity Health.

A native of the Central Valley, she earned her nursing degree from Merced College and her bachelor's in nursing from Grand Canyon University.   Like many of our students, she persevered as a first-generation college student and understands the challenges first-generation students may encounter.

She is dedicated to helping students overcome any barriers they may encounter in relation to their health. Diaz is excited to have the opportunity to play a proactive and intentional role in our student’s health and well-being. “As the Interim Director of the Student Health Center, I have the potential to influence our student’s overall wellness. I have an opportunity to engage our students and assist them in becoming proactive stewards of their own health and wellbeing.”

Her experience in the emergency department has sparked a passion for proactive, preventative care, leading her to the Student Health Center at Stanislaus State.

Dean of Students, Stockton

Amy joined the Division of Student Affairs in 2023 and serves as the Dean of Students for the Stockton Campus. She brings a wealth of experience, spanning more than two decades in higher education. With an extensive portfolio at regional campuses, San Joaquin Delta Community College and San Joaquin Valley College, Amy has served in various roles, including Director of Admissions, Registrar of Services and International Programs, Dean of Enrollment Service and Student Development and Dean of Students. Her strong vision for student support and success and her collaborative approach are invaluable to the Division of Student Affairs and the University.

Associate Director, Housing and Residential Life

Angie Edwards serves as the (Associate Director)(Interim Assistant Director) for Housing and Residential Life at Stanislaus State. She is a higher education administrator with more than 25 years of experience in student housing, residential life, business operations and organizational leadership.

Edwards began her career as a live-on professional in Housing and Residential Life at the University of Mary, where she supported residential operations, supervised student staff and developed programs that fostered student engagement and community building. She later gained experience in corporate housing, business operations, training and entrepreneurship before returning to higher education at Stanislaus State in 2019.

In her current role, Edwards is committed to creating a welcoming residential community where students can thrive academically, socially and personally. “I am grateful for the opportunity to bring my passion for empowering young people together with my experience and drive for business back to the university setting. Higher education has always been where I feel most connected to my purpose, and I am honored to support students during such an important time in their lives.”

As a parent of two college students who attend Stanislaus State, Edwards feels a special connection to the University and its students. She is honored to contribute to the campus community and help create an experience where students feel supported, connected and empowered to succeed.

Assistant Vice President, Community Engagement and Belonging

Carolina Alfaro has over 20 years of unparalleled service and experience working with diverse communities both on and off campus. She served as the founding Director of the Warrior Cross Cultural Center (previously the Diversity Center) at Stanislaus State and takes pride in cultivating an atmosphere that promotes inclusivity and understanding of diverse populations. She oversees Community Engagement and Belonging (CEB) -- programming related to diversity, inclusion, social justice and equity.

Leading the CEB with a holistic approach, she is invested in providing students with opportunities that foster leadership, cultural awareness, social justice, equity awareness and community engagement. She is an advocate for marginalized communities and continues to be a resource to help many feel safe and empowered.

Executive Director, Associated Students, Incorporated & University Student Center

As a first generation professional, Cesar Rumayor has been at Stanislaus State serving in different roles within Associated Student, Inc. (ASI) and the University Student Center (SC) for over 15 years. A graduate of Stanislaus State, and a lifelong resident of the central valley, currently residing in Modesto. Cesar currently serves as the Executive Director for both ASI and the Student Center.

ASI continues to develop many active leaders, serving as the voice of the students through involvement in the campus community. Every year the Board grows stronger and more engaged as a result of the outstanding representation by the ASI Board of Directors. The Board has many action plans for the near future and continues to represent the student body, advocating on behalf of the campus community.

The Student Center works extremely hard to inform students and maintain overall excitement for the new University Student Center. We are passionate about the University Student Center building and continue to stay committed to providing programming and services for our students.

ASI and SC have worked closely and collaborated as a team to continue with programming and providing services. Both organizations continue their commitment to provide fun and exciting programs and activities for the students. This plan will support our goals of increasing campus pride and enhancing the student life on campus.

“You can’t understand most of the important things from a distance. You have to get close.”

Get Involved! Go Warriors!

Associate Dean of Students

Dr. Clarissa Lonn serves as the Associate Dean of Students. She has served as the Student Conduct Administrator, the Director for Student Leadership and Development, Coordinator for Faculty Mentor Program and Instructor at Stan State. In the field of student affairs. She has also held positions at Worcester Polytechnic Institute in Massachusetts and University of California, San Diego. She is passionate about advancing opportunities for first-generation college students to engage in an exceptional educational experience that offers a pathway full of opportunities and leadership.

She earned her Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership to expand her academic research and leadership, advance student success and positively impact higher education. She is passionate about mentoring, teaching and advising students to provide experiential learning opportunities that contribute to their growth and development in their academic and co-curricular education.

Associate Director, Student Health Center

Denise was born and raised in the Central Valley. She has been a nurse for 20 years. In 2020, she began serving as a Staff Nurse II in the Student Health Center. Today, Denise serves as the Student Health Center’s Associate Director. She formerly worked with Stanislaus County’s Health Services Agency for 12 years and held various other nursing positions prior. She holds an associate's degree in nursing from Modesto Junior College, a bachelor's degree in nursing from the University of Phoenix, and certification in public health nursing since 2019.

Denise says, “My hobbies include concerts,  dancing, and trips to Disneyland, but I find no greater joy in life than spending time with my family.  Working with college students is a unique and rewarding experience.  I am dedicated to making the Student Health Center the go to place for all the students' health care needs by creating a warm and welcoming environment for our diverse population."

Interim Director, Learning Commons

Erlynn Johnson is the interim director of the Learning Commons. She joined Stan State as an advisor and supplemental instruction coordinator in the Academic Success Center before moving to the Learning Commons, where she served as lead coordinator overseeing tutoring and supplemental instruction. Prior to joining Stan State, Erlynn worked at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, supporting tutoring and peer-mentoring programs within the Disability TRiO Student Support Services Program.

As a first-generation college graduate from Utah State University, Erlynn is dedicated to student success and development. She is committed to supporting students seeking academic assistance and student assistants pursuing their academic, professional and career goals. Erlynn believes learning is a process, that asking for help is a strength, and that challenges can provide opportunities for growth. She views the Learning Commons as a collaborative space rooted in community and confidence-building, where students can engage in dialogue and share experiences, strategies and perspectives that support academic success.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to give back to the students at Stan State by helping create an environment where students feel supported, connected, and empowered to pursue their goals both in and out of the classroom.”

Director, Career Services

A Central Valley native, Evelyn graduated from Turlock High School and began her career in student affairs with the San Jose State University Career Center. There she developed an interest and passion for working with students and helping increase their confidence in their academic and professional endeavors. She held a variety of roles throughout her time there and ultimately decided to pursue her master's degree to be able to work with students 1:1 in their career development. She received her MA in Education and began to work more closely with first generation and undeclared student populations. She had the opportunity to serve as the University Ombudsperson at San Jose State University for two years before returning to career services at Stanislaus.

“I am thankful for the opportunity to serve students, alumni and employers of Stanislaus and surrounding counties. I love the Central Valley and know that the students here are what continue to make this a community of growth and prosperity. Students I have worked with often love this area too, so I’m excited for the opportunity to help them build their careers here. I also appreciate the opportunity to help them expand their knowledge of opportunities throughout the nation."

Senior Associate Vice President for Student Affairs/Dean of Students

Dr. Heather Dunn Carlton joined the Division of Student Affairs in April 2021 and serves as the dean of students and senior associate vice president for student affairs. She brings to Stan State three decades of experience supporting students in various roles, including orientation, health and wellness, student activities, diversity and inclusion and student conduct. She has previously worked at UC Berkeley, Stanford, Sacramento State and the University of the Pacific.

Dunn Carlton’s portfolio includes student engagement and well-being resources. She also serves on the ASI and Student Center boards. Dunn Carlton has built a dynamic and collaborative team serving students by expanding and promoting the StanCares team and resources, championing affordable housing and ensuring students are aware of and have access to basic needs, counseling and health services.

Dunn Carlton is the mother of two college student-athletes and a self-described college sports superfan. She looks forward to cheering for the Stan State Warriors, whether on the field or in the classroom!

Director,  Basic Needs

Heather S. Pearson Villeda serves as the Director of Basic Needs. She has worked at Stanislaus State since Summer 2018. Heather enjoys the excitement of being a part of Stan State, as the institution is home to a dynamic and motivated student population. 

Before her time at Stanislaus, Heather worked at the University of the Pacific, Humboldt State University, Gogebic Community College, Oregon State University, University of Minnesota, Twin-Cities, and University of Idaho in residential life, student conduct, first-year transition and new student orientation programs, alcohol education, and fraternity and sorority life. She is currently a student, working on a PhD in higher education leadership through Colorado State University.

Chief of Operations

Ms. Jennifer Humphrey joined Student Affairs in December 2019. She is an alumna and twenty-five-year employee of Stanislaus State. Over her career she has served in roles as the Assistant Director and Director of Housing and Residential Life, University Judicial Officer and Executive Assistant for the Vice President for Student Affairs at Stanislaus State. She has worked with financial planning, strategic planning, assessment, student support services, facilities management, recruitment and retention strategies, contracts and procurement, human resource management and operations.

Raised in the Central Valley, with a bachelor's degree in political science and a master's of public administration from Stan State, she is committed to serving our region through her work with the University and community. Hobbies include spending time with her dogs, day trips with family, beach camping, reading and all things Disney.

Ms. Humphrey has said, “I am excited to be part of Stanislaus State, an environment of belonging and support for all. From my interaction with faculty to my experiences as an elected student leader, I have always valued and appreciated the guidance and encouragement I received as a student.   This culture of care has continued throughout my career. From these experiences I learned to value lifelong learning, teamwork, and perseverance. Working to benefit our students, each other and our region is an honor.”

Associate Vice President for Student Affairs

Jennifer Sturtevant serves as the associate vice president for student affairs at California State University, Stanislaus (Stan State). Since joining the university in 2016, she has held several leadership roles focused on student support, well-being and success, including interim care manager and director of Basic Needs and Warriors Take Care.

A Turlock native, Sturtevant earned her bachelor's degree from Stanislaus State and a master's degree in child development from Sacramento State.

Throughout her career at Stan State, Sturtevant has worked to strengthen campus and community partnerships, expand access to essential resources and remove barriers to student success. Her experience includes leading basic needs initiatives, coordinating student care and connecting students experiencing challenges with appropriate campus and community support services.

Sturtevant is committed to fostering a campus environment where students feel supported and have access to the resources they need to succeed. She values collaboration among campus leaders, faculty, staff and community partners to advance student well-being and educational success.

Director, Community Engagement and Belonging

Jesse Magaña is dedicated to social justice and expanding access to higher education. With 10 years of experience in education, Magaña has worked in both K-12 and higher education, focusing on creating welcoming environments where students can succeed academically and personally.

Magaña holds a bachelor's degree in sociology from the University of San Diego and a master's degree in postsecondary administration and student affairs from the University of Southern California. He is currently pursuing a doctorate in transformative action in education at the University of the Pacific. His work focuses on removing barriers to higher education and advocating for underrepresented and first-generation college students.

Magaña values student involvement and has partnered with student organizations to create opportunities that reflect the diverse experiences of the student body. He believes meaningful student engagement is essential to positive change and strives to ensure students have a voice in shaping their educational experiences. He began his career in higher education at CSU Dominguez Hills, where he advised the Associated Students Inc. Board of Directors, and continued this work at Sonoma State and the University of the Pacific.

Magaña joined the Student Leadership, Engagement and Belonging office at Stanislaus State in fall 2024. As a member of the Central Valley community, he is passionate about supporting local students and advancing the department's mission of fostering leadership development, personal identity exploration and student success throughout their college experience.

Associate Director, Housing and Residential Life

Dr. Bettencourt-Wojciechowski serves as the Associate Director of Housing and Residential Life at Stanislaus State. 

Assistant Athletic Director for Compliance Services, Athletics

Katherine Meyer serves as the assistant athletic director for compliance services at Stanislaus State. In this role, she oversees all aspects of student-athlete eligibility and serves as the adviser to the university's NCAA Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC).

Prior to this role, Meyer served as the athletics compliance coordinator beginning in December 2019. She also brings more than five years of professional experience in admissions and outreach.

Meyer and her husband, Jason, reside in Hughson, California, with their English bulldog, Gunnar. A proud graduate of Stanislaus State, she remains true to her Southern California roots as a Los Angeles Angels fan.

Community Engagement Specialist, Community Engagement and Belonging

Lissett De La Cruz is a higher education and community engagement professional with a bachelor's degree in psychology and a master's degree in public administration from Stanislaus State. With more than 10 years of experience in higher education and four years in nonprofit administration, she has dedicated her career to fostering student success, strengthening community partnerships and creating programs that promote equity, belonging and access.

Throughout her career, De La Cruz has served in various roles at Stanislaus State, including admissions coordinator, evaluator, academic adviser, diversity, equity and inclusion analyst and community engagement specialist. She has played a key role in advancing initiatives that create leadership opportunities for students, faculty and staff. She co-founded the Chicanx/Latinx Faculty and Staff Association (CLFSA) and the First-Generation Faculty and Staff Association (First-Gen FSA), helped establish the foundation for the university's first-generation programming efforts, co-created Innovate-U, a leadership development program designed to empower emerging student leaders, and founded First-Gen Fridays to foster connection, visibility and support for first-generation students.

In her current role within the Community Engagement and Belonging department, De La Cruz coordinates the Understanding Our Community series and leads community-centered programs that strengthen regional partnerships, expand access to educational opportunities and encourage meaningful dialogue and civic engagement. Her work is grounded in the belief that strong relationships, authentic collaboration and inclusive practices can transform both campuses and communities.

Outside of her professional work, De La Cruz is an avid traveler, a proud horse, dog and cat mom and enjoys spending time with her family. She also loves attending jaripeos and rodeos, where she celebrates culture, community and connection.

Vice President for Student Affairs

Dr. Markel D. Quarles serves as vice president for student affairs at Stanislaus State, where he provides leadership for programs and services that support student success, engagement, well-being and belonging. With more than 25 years of experience in higher education spanning student affairs, enrollment management, athletics and teaching, Quarles is recognized for his student-centered approach and commitment to expanding opportunities that help students thrive academically, professionally and personally. His work reflects a strong dedication to access, success and serving the diverse communities of California's Central Valley.

Prior to joining Stanislaus State, Quarles served as associate vice president for student access and success at California State University, Bakersfield. He is a fellow of the American Council on Education and has contributed to national, statewide and local initiatives focused on college access, student success, career readiness and community impact.

Quarles holds a doctorate in educational leadership from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and has also served as a lecturer in educational leadership, mentoring future higher education leaders.

Director, Disability Resource Services

Marvin Williams serves as the director of Disability Resource Services at Stanislaus State, where he oversees efforts to ensure students have equal access to academic programs and campus life. He holds a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from Santa Clara University and a master's degree in biomedical engineering with an emphasis in rehabilitation from Iowa State University. Williams also holds Assistive Technology Professional and Rehabilitation Engineering Technologist certifications from the Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA).

Prior to joining Stanislaus State, Williams served as the assistive technology coordinator at Fresno State. He previously held the same role with the Delaware Assistive Technology Initiative at the University of Delaware's Center for Disabilities Studies. During his time at the University of Delaware, he co-taught an undergraduate course on technology in early childhood education and a graduate course on universal design for learning. He also served as an expert reviewer for the Delmarva Foundation, evaluating letters of medical necessity for appropriate equipment recommendations and effectiveness.

Williams serves as the staff adviser for the Black Student Union and is a member of the Black Faculty and Staff Association and the President's Council for Diversity and Inclusion. He also serves as vice president of the advisory board for Disability Resource Agency for Independent Living (DRAIL), one of California's Centers for Independent Living.

Williams brings more than 20 years of experience working with the disability community, including 18 years in higher education.

Senior Student Affairs Analyst, Vice President for Student Affairs 

Miranda Stokes serves as the senior student affairs analyst on the Student Affairs Central Operations Team at Stanislaus State. In this role, she provides central support to the Division of Student Affairs, the vice president for student affairs and the assistant vice president for operations.

A proud Stan State alumna, Stokes earned her bachelor's degree in psychology and worked as a student assistant in the university's Print Shop, where she developed a passion for supporting fellow students and the campus community. She also holds a master's degree in public health from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and brings previous professional experience at Stan State.

Driven by a desire to give back to the community where she was born and raised and the university that helped shape her journey, Stokes returned to Stan State in 2020. Her commitment to supporting students throughout their academic journeys and personal development aligns with the mission of Student Affairs. She recognizes the value of higher education and its impact on the Central Valley.

Outside of work, Stokes enjoys spending time with her family and pets, being outdoors and cheering on her favorite sports teams.

Associate Director of Student Success Initiatives, Community Engagement and Belonging

Myisha Butler-Ibawi serves as the associate director of student success initiatives for Community Engagement and Belonging at Stanislaus State. Previously, Butler-Ibawi served as the Black student success coordinator in the Division of Student Affairs' Student Leadership, Engagement and Belonging department, where she focused on reimagining identities to support student success.

Associate Athletic Director, Athletics

Steven Flowers was appointed associate athletic director at Stanislaus State in 2023. Prior to this role, he served one season as an assistant volleyball coach at Stan State, concluding nearly a decade of collegiate coaching experience. A California native, Flowers returned to his home state after working at institutions in New Mexico and Texas.

In his current role, Flowers oversees athletic facilities, communications and game day experiences for student-athletes and fans. He has spearheaded initiatives that promote community engagement, including Education Day and Fall Festival.

“The best part of Stan State is the people,” Flowers said. “I am honored to play a small role in creating an environment for all that allows them to show their Warrior pride and continue to grow this community.”

Flowers earned his bachelor's degree in sports, wellness and recreation management from Oklahoma Christian University and a master's degree in educational leadership from Western New Mexico University.

He and his wife, Lauren Flowers, the head volleyball coach at Stan State, reside in Turlock with their two daughters, Joy and Micah.

Director, Campus Recreation

Victor Lucatero, a graduate of California State University, Stanislaus, serves as the director of Campus Recreation. Although he did not originally plan to pursue a career in recreation, his experience as a student assistant at the Student Recreation Complex inspired him to explore the field.

Lucatero developed a passion for campus recreation and worked his way through various roles within the department. Through these experiences, he gained a deeper understanding of recreational programming and its impact on student well-being. His goal is to enhance students' lives by providing opportunities that promote health, wellness and engagement through recreation.

Lucatero continues to explore emerging trends and best practices in recreation to strengthen programs and support student health and wellness. Known for his humor and enthusiasm, he often shares his playful motto: “I didn't choose the Rec Life, the Rec Life chose me.”