The College of Education Dean’s Undergraduate Advisory Board represents the voices, concerns, and interests of the diverse undergraduate student body and serves as a direct line of communication between students and College of Education administration in an effort to improve the undergraduate student experience.
The board meets monthly with the dean to lend advice and support on matters of importance to the student body. The board also serves as a representative voice in sharing the hopes and concerns of the students with the dean. Each board member serves as an outreach source to gather student voices and bring them to the table for discussion. The job of the board is to provide a voice for all undergraduate students in the College of Education.
For more information or to get in touch with a board member, please contact the board advisor, Sara Knepper via email. Applications to join the board are reviewed on a rolling basis.
Lena L Cummings
Major: Mild to Moderate Disabilities
Why did you choose this major? I want to become a Special Education Teacher because I think everyone deserves an appropriate, individualized, and equitable education. I myself am on the Autism Spectrum which has made academics challenging for me, unfortunately I was never provided the proper support I needed to thrive academically. My goal is to ensure no other student is overlooked how I was and to ensure each of my students receives the individualized education needed for success.
Why did you want to join the board? I want to join the Advisory Board because I want to bring representation to our disabled student population. More and more people with disabilities are entering the education field to try and fix the flaws in our education system and I would like to help get to that point. I want to bring attention to the struggles experienced by students with disabilities in college and play a role in finding solutions.
Favorite memory in the COE? One of my favorite memories in the COE has been meeting others with the same values as me! I have created such close relationships with the peers in my cohort, and feel like I gain so much from their perspectives! I have created so many meaningful relationships that I hope to maintain throughout my career.
Anika Larsen
Elementary Education
Why did you choose this major? I chose this major because I want to be able to give a new perspective on learning and academics to young children. I am aspiring to shed light on academic stress and overwhelm given to student at a young age and hoping to give them not only a reason to keep pursuing their education but enjoying while they have the privilege to do so.
Why did you want to join the board? I wanted to join the Dean’s Advisory board to give my colleagues a voice in the college. I want to be able to bring in multiple perspectives and opinions in order to better student services campus wide.
Favorite memory in the COE: My favorite memory at the College of Education is meeting new friends that have the same interests as me and watching them and myself grow into the educators we are aspiring to be.
Christina Petrin
Rehabilitation Studies & Services
Why did you choose this major? I chose Rehabilitation Studies and Services because I have always had a desire to help the community and make substantial differences. I love serving others and want to use my degree to create policies that help those that struggle with substance use and addiction.
Why did you want to join the board? When seeing the opportunity to join the board and become a voice for the student body, I knew the opportunity was a vital position necessary to student success. I wanted to expand my leadership skills and gain insight into the inner workings of the College of Education to apply that knowledge to other aspects of my professional development.
Favorite memory in the COE: My favorite memory would have to be my first "Haunts, Hounds, and Hoagies" Halloween event. It was a great introduction to the fun activities that the COE has to help support students and encourage them to get involved with their College.
Roarke Poggio
Leadership & Learning Innovation
Why did you choose your major? I chose to major in Leadership and Learning Innovation because I am passionate about connecting with people and facilitating community education outside of the classroom!
Why did you want to join the Board? I joined the Dean's Advisory Board to be more involved in the COE and work with other students to make our college experience even better!
Favorite memory in the COE: My favorite memory in the COE was 2022 Admitted Student Day because I loved meeting a ton of future teachers (and UA alumni) and hearing their stories!
Daniela Vasavilbaso
Elementary Education
Why did you choose this major?
As a first-generation Mexican-American student at the University of Arizona, I’m proud to be double majoring in Elementary Education with a Bilingual Emphasis and Spanish, with a minor in Adolescents, Community & Education. My passion for teaching and service is deeply rooted in my Tucson community, where I aim to empower bilingual students and create inclusive, culturally rich classrooms. Through my involvement in TRIO, leadership in Gamma Alpha Omega Sorority Inc., fieldwork in local bilingual elementary schools, and years of volunteer teaching at my church, I’ve developed strong skills in communication, leadership, and time management. I’m committed to becoming a teacher who inspires, advocates and gives back-just as my own educators once did for me.
Why did you want to join the board?
I want to represent the voices of students who, like me, come from historically underrepresented backgrounds-those navigating higher education as first-generation students, bilingual learners, and future educators who are committed to equity in the classroom. I am honored to contribute my experiences, leadership, and passion to the Dean’s Undergraduate Advisory Board and continue working toward a more equitable and supportive educational environment for all.
Favorite memory in the COE?
One of my favorite memories in the COE has been my role as a student assistant for the SSS TRIO Teacher Prep Program. It gave me the opportunity to support students, like me, who were navigating the challenges of college life while striving for academic success. Whether I was helping to organize events or managing office responsibilities, I felt like I was part of something bigger: a program truly dedicated to student empowerment and equity. More than just a favorite memory, my time with TRIO helped shape the person I am becoming-both personally and professionally. Being surrounded by people who believed in the potential of every student inspired me to do the same.