ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR
Andrea Arias serves as the Honors College Associate Director. Prior to this role, she led the Early Entrance Program and served in the Southern California public education system for over twenty-years in a range of roles including classroom teacher, Reading Specialist, English Language Development coordinator, Teacher on Special Assignment, and Vice Principal in two counties. Much of her career was developed by supporting students and their families enrolled in Title 1 schools reflecting 80% or greater enrollment in the National Free and Reduced Lunch Program. She is an advocate for equity and access as students successfully develop the skills necessary for success in college and career. She is a first-generation college graduate and earned a EdD in Organizational Leadership from Pepperdine University. Her personal experiences provide a deep understanding of our student community pursuing their educational goals and dreams while balancing other priorities including family and full-time work. After teaching her first cohort students at Cal State LA, the class awarded her with a “Best. Professor. Ever.” coffee mug.
What are you most proud of in your career and what’s next on your list of accomplishments?
“I am proud that I have spent my career serving students and their families, ranging all the way from preschool-aged to adult learners. I am also proud of the way I have bounced back from challenges. My dissertation was based on cultivating resilience because it can be grown inside of us with direct support.”
“I’d like to bring a more pronounced focus on career coaching to Honors College. I would have liked the chance to explore career options and understand my strengths better as a student. I feel like I struggled and bounced around for a long time, so I see it as adding value for our student community."
What is something about you that most people don't know?
“I don’t think many people know that I am a “first-gen” college grad from three generations of roots based here in L.A. I didn’t even realize I was “first-gen” until a few years ago because at the time I attended university, few supports existed, if any.”
In your free time, you like to...
“I like to read books, watch television, and try out different places to eat. I enjoy being outdoors and love spending time at the beach, even when it is raining!”
A movie I will never get tired of watching:
Love Actually: “I love the way the stories are interwoven and not each one has a happy ending. I can relate to many of the characters at different points in my life.”