Student Success

Jake Lorchueya

Jake received his Bachelor of Arts in History and a Master of Science in Counseling with a Concentration in Student Affairs and College Counseling from California State University, Fresno. His career choice stems from a desire to help students thrive and achieve their academic goals.

He has experience in admission and recruitment, academic coaching, community college advising, and dual enrollment/high school enrichment advising. With his lived experiences and accumulated knowledge, Jake aims to make students feel supported and empowered throughout their journey in higher education.

Last Names A-L: Sarah Miers

Sarah received her undergraduate degree in Human Development at Sonoma State University and her Master’s in Education / Counseling Student and Personnel at San José State University. Sarah has served students and families for the past 14 years with enrollment, academics, and financial aid in an online university program, UC, nonprofit scholarship program, and high school.

For the past 8 years, she has worked closely with first generation low-income students. She is passionate about education being accessible and equitable and enjoys working with students who are transitioning into a new school. As a lifelong learner and parent of children with learning differences, she is following her interests and obtaining a certificate to be an educational therapist.

Last Names M-Z: Nasiha Alicic

Nasiha earned a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts in History from the University of California, Riverside and a Graduate Certificate in Academic Advising from Kansas State University. She aims to utilize her experience to help students thrive and develop their sense of self and life-long skills.

Nasiha has worked in both higher education and continuing education, with roles including a graduate teaching assistant, a career services advisor for a video game development and graphic design program, and most recently as an academic advisor for the College of Arts and Humanities at Central Washington University.

Sarah Miers

Sarah received her undergraduate degree in Human Development at Sonoma State University and her Master’s in Education / Counseling Student and Personnel at San José State University. Sarah has served students and families for the past 14 years with enrollment, academics, and financial aid in an online university program, UC, nonprofit scholarship program, and high school.

For the past 8 years, she has worked closely with first generation low-income students. She is passionate about education being accessible and equitable and enjoys working with students who are transitioning into a new school. As a lifelong learner and parent of children with learning differences, she is following her interests and obtaining a certificate to be an educational therapist.

Last Names A-K: Nasiha Alicic

Nasiha earned a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts in History from the University of California, Riverside and a Graduate Certificate in Academic Advising from Kansas State University. She aims to utilize her experience to help students thrive and develop their sense of self and life-long skills.

Nasiha has worked in both higher education and continuing education, with roles including a graduate teaching assistant, a career services advisor for a video game development and graphic design program, and most recently as an academic advisor for the College of Arts and Humanities at Central Washington University.

Last Names L-Z: Ryan Ploch-Branscum

Ryan has over five years of experience working in higher education. He completed his BA in Sociology and MA in Education with a Concentration in Counseling and Student Personnel, both from San José State University. Ryan has demonstrated experience in leading student success programs at SJSU serving as a Lead Academic Advisor in the College of Science, Lead Peer Mentor in the College of Social Sciences, and Academic Support Mentor at University Housing Services.

Jake Lorchueya

Jake received his Bachelor of Arts in History and a Master of Science in Counseling with a Concentration in Student Affairs and College Counseling from California State University, Fresno. His career choice stems from a desire to help students thrive and achieve their academic goals.

He has experience in admission and recruitment, academic coaching, community college advising, and dual enrollment/high school enrichment advising. With his lived experiences and accumulated knowledge, Jake aims to make students feel supported and empowered throughout their journey in higher education.