Much of our success at Cal Poly Humboldt depends on the dedication, experience, and skill of our staff members. For more than three decades, the annual Staff Recognition Awards program has recognized meritorious staff members at Humboldt. Read more about past recipients.
Lori Cortez-Regan, Academic Advisor, Academic Advising Center
Lori Cortez-Regan is a beloved, trusted advisor and colleague. Her years of experience at Humboldt make her a go-to resource for fellow advisors, staff, and faculty. She is always willing to jump in and help, often leading projects, and is always student-centered. She is always professional, compassionate, and collaborative, and it is a joy to work with her.
Isabelle Eddisford, Enrollment Services Specialist, Office of the Registrar
Isabelle Eddisford is an exceptional seven‑year staff member whose expertise in institutional policy and unwavering professionalism support both routine and high‑stakes processes in registration and enrollment. She goes above and beyond when serving students, supporting student assistants, training new staff, strengthening officewide operations, and approaching every complex situation with precision, compassion, and a commitment to inclusivity. Her leadership extends across campus through her work with the High School Scholars program, the Fee Waiver program, and the Gender Diversity Task Force, all of which benefit from her collaborative spirit and dedication to expanding access to education.
Thomas Elliott, Coordinator, Place-Based Learning Communities
Thomas Elliott brings an extraordinary blend of innovation, precision, and heart to everything he does in his work with the Place-Based Learning Communities office. His deep institutional knowledge strengthens our systems, from enrollment and budgeting to faculty support, while his commitment to accessibility, sustainability, and thoughtful mentorship ensures our work reflects the values we stand for at Cal Poly Humboldt. He leads with care, integrity, and attention to detail, and colleagues across campus consistently speak to how impactful, collaborative, and genuinely great he is to work with.
Alison Hodges, Lead Academic Advisor, Academic Advising Center
Ali Hodges is passionate about her role as an academic advisor and is dedicated to improving processes and training around academic recovery and advising. Ali has taken a key role as a lead advisor in implementing programs and changes to improve campus-wide advising. Ali humanizes the need to support students with care and empathy while they work to rebuild their academic careers. She is also quick to jump at opportunities to collaborate on ongoing projects and is always willing to mentor or answer questions from other advisors. Ali is a pleasure to work with and is a valued member of the advising family.
Tracey Hubbart, Student Services Professional, Financial Aid Department
Tracey Hubbart demonstrated exemplary leadership and innovation during the assistant director's maternity leave, ensuring the Financial Aid office's seamless operation. Her mentorship and commitment to service are evident in her proactive training sessions and collaborative efforts to optimize workflow, fostering a unified and efficient team. Tracey's dedication to ethics, social justice, and resource stewardship highlights her invaluable contributions to the office's success.
Santana J., Student Services Professional, Financial Aid Department
Santana J. deserves this award for his exceptional ability to seamlessly transition roles, innovative problem-solving, and dedication to mentorship within the Financial Aid office. His proactive approach and commitment to continuous learning have not only ensured a smooth office transition but also enriched the knowledge and skills of new staff members. Santana's service-oriented mindset and ethical leadership have significantly contributed to the team's success and sustainability efforts.
Keshnee Naidoo, Secondary/Elementary Education Program Coordinator, School of Education
Keshnee Naidoo has demonstrated her leadership in advancing equity-focused educator preparation, strengthening mentorship through teacher residency programs, and expanding access through strategic recruitment and grant support. As an Equity Fellow with the CSU Center for Transformational Educator Preparation Programs, she collaborates across the CSU system to reimagine and strengthen educator preparation. Her campus and statewide impact reflect a deep commitment to social justice and sustainable program development.
Jeremy Nichols, Academic Department Coordinator II, Departments of Critical Race, Gender, & Sexuality Studies and Native American Studies
What distinguishes Jeremy Nichols most is not only how much he has learned, but how quickly and confidently he has applied that knowledge in the service of both departments. His initiative, reliability, and commitment to excellence make him an outstanding recipient for this recognition.
Fernando Paz, Campus and Community Development Coordinator and Equity Arcata Co-Manager, Office of Diversity, Equity &Inclusion
Fernando Paz has demonstrated that his service to the University exemplifies mentorship, innovation, and sustained commitment to ethical, equity-centered service. Through his past leadership of El Centro Académico Cultural and his current role in the Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, he has built strong, trust-centered relationships that support culturally responsive practices for student success and belonging, particularly for Hispanic and Latine students, faculty, and staff. Fernando is a collaborative leader who actively advances equity and inclusion through cross-campus partnerships, workshops, and dynamic community engagement. His work reflects a deep commitment to social justice and sustainability, as he develops programs and systems that strengthen long-term institutional capacity for inclusive excellence at Cal Poly Humboldt and our greater community.
Valerie Sinco, Student Services Professional, Financial Aid Department
Valerie Sinco’s innovative leadership and exceptional mentorship have significantly enhanced the Federal Work Study Program, fostering meaningful opportunities for students and strengthening cross-departmental collaborations. Her dedication to service, commitment to ethics and social justice, and efforts in sustainability have not only improved program efficiency but also positively impacted the institution and community. Recognized with the Kick Axe Attitude Award, Valerie exemplifies the values of teamwork, resource stewardship, and a passion for uplifting others.