Alumni

Hello Alums!

You are a valuable member of the UCR network!
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Share your story with us!

Do you have a recent career achievement you want us to know about? Email John Batres to share your story with the SOE for a chance to be featured in the latest dean's newsletter, social media, or somewhere else. We look forward to hearing from you!

Make sure to connect with the UCR Alumni office to update your contact information, and learn about UCR alumni news and events.

Contact Us

John Batres
Advancement Coordinator
john.batres@ucr.edu

SOE Alumni Excellence Awards in Education

Each year the UCR School of Education recognizes up to 3 outstanding alumni who, in alignment with SOE’s mission, are committed to advancing equitable educational systems and practices. Awardees include a teacher credential alumni on faculty at a K-12 school (elementary school, middle school, high school), a graduate program alumni (MA or doctoral degree recipient), and an alumni who works in school administration/leadership. Awardees are selected by Dean Joi A. Spencer in consultation with a committee of SOE faculty and community members.

Nominations for the 2025 Awards will open during the 2025 Winter quarter.

2024 Awardees

The School of Education hosted the 2024 Alumni Excellence Awards in Education on May 7, 2024. This in-person event honored alumni who have made significant contributions to the field of education. Alumni, students, faculty, staff, friends, and community members were in attendance for the special evening dedicated to excellence in education. Photos from the event can be viewed here.

Alumni Excellence Award Recipient:

Doctoral Alumna

Selin Y. Nielsen, Ph.D. '11

Selin Y. Nielsen, Ph.D. '11

Founder & President, Human Migration Institute

Dr. Selin Yildiz Nielsen, with a career in international education, refugee advocacy, and global engagement, serves as the Founder and President of the Human Migration Institute, and a Professor of Global Studies. Born in Ankara, Turkey, Dr. Nielsen and her family immigrated to California in 1987, where she later earned her undergraduate degree from UC Berkeley and a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from the University of California, Riverside. She then co-founded Glocally Connected, that gave way to establishing the Human Migration Institute.

Alumni Excellence Award Recipient:

School Administration & Leadership

Angel Rodriguez, M.Ed. '21

Angel Rodriguez, M.Ed. '21

Associate Vice Chancellor of Government Relations & Strategic Communications, San Bernardino Community College District

Angel Rodriguez is a governor’s appointee to the California Student Aid Commission, where he has served since 2021. He is the only UCR alum on the commission, which manages a $3 billion portfolio of student financial aid programs, including the Cal Grant, Middle Class Scholarship, and the California Dream Act Application. Angel is also the Associate Vice Chancellor of Government Relations & Strategic Communications at the San Bernardino Community College District. In this role, he directs legislative advocacy, coordinates public awareness campaigns, and oversees grant administration.

Alumni Excellence Award Recipient:

Faculty at K-12 School

Xochilt Salgado, M.Ed. '23

Xochilt Salgado, M.Ed. '23

Second Grade Teacher, Riverside Unified School District

Xochilt Salgado is a Chicana activist scholar, first generation, non-traditional, and transfer student from Moreno Valley College/ RCC. She graduated from UCR in 2022 with two bachelor degrees in Education and Liberal Studies with highest honor Summa Cum Laude. In 2023, Xochilt graduated with a master's of education with preliminary teaching credential in multiple subjects. She was involved with Future Teachers of Color as a secretary for two years while at UCR. She was also part of a research study E.S.P.A.R.i.T.U. and currently works for the Riverside Unified School District as a second grade teacher.