Meet Our Staff

Rennie B. Schoepflin (Ph.D., University of Wisconsin—Madison) joined California State University, Los Angeles as professor and chair of history in September 2005 and after serving the university in several subsequent academic leadership positions, including both associate dean and dean, he joined the Honors College as Director in August 2019. He was a member of the College’s founding committee in 2008-09, and he has taught courses in intellectual history, environmental history, and the history of medicine, science and religion. His current research interests include religion and health, the history of health and medicine in California, and changing concepts of the supernatural in western thought.

Dr. Andrea Arias is the Assistant Director for the Early Entrance Program. She oversees recruitment, admissions, and advisement for EEP, and provides overall support for all EEP students. Dr. Arias joined the Cal State LA community after serving in K-12 public schools for over 20 years. She has a B.A. in Psychology from Loyola Marymount University, a Masters in Educational Administration from CSUDH, a Doctorate in Education with a focus in Organizational Leadership from Pepperdine University as well as several educational credentials. Her career spans four school districts and two counties, and she has provided support to numerous students and their families.

Ms. Castillo earned her BA in Psychology and her MS in Counseling, with an option in School Leadership and Counseling, from Cal State LA. Prior to becoming an academic advisor, she worked as a research assistant for the Psychology Department and as a student assistant at the University Academic Advisement Center. Her expertise in advisement encompasses general education requirements, university requirements, and university policies and procedures. She currently serves on the Professional Advisor Committee (PAC) to promote student success on campus. In addition, she sponsors several student organizations on the Cal State LA campus.

Office: KH D145-B

Phone: 323-343-5964

Email: [email protected]

Jessica is the Advisor & Coordinator for the National and International Scholarships & Fellowships Program (NISFeP). She works with all Cal State LA students/alumni, faculty, and staff to promote national scholarships, fellowships, and other off-campus opportunities. Jessica also advises and coordinates the Honors College Thesis process for EEP and Honors students in their senior year. As a proud alumna of Cal State LA, Jessica enjoys being a part of the campus community and appreciates being able to assist students in pursuing opportunities for advancing their academic and professional careers.