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.
Raya Jefferson
Leadership & Learning Innovation
Role: Vice Chair
Why did you choose your major?
I chose Leadership, Learning, and Innovation because I am passionate about rehabilitation education and creating meaningful learning opportunities for individuals who may not have had access to the same tools and resources I was fortunate to receive. I believe everyone deserves the chance to grow, learn, and better themselves. My goal is to help design curriculum and educational pathways that empower people, restore confidence, and open doors to new possibilities.
Why did you want to join the Dean’s Advisory Board?
I wanted to join the Dean’s Advisory Board because I am deeply committed to being part of the change I want to see in education. I believe in advocating for students, strengthening student voices, and helping shape policies and initiatives that promote equity, access, and innovation across the College of Education. I am excited about the opportunity to collaborate with faculty, staff, and fellow students to help build a more inclusive and forward-thinking academic community.
Favorite memory in the College of Education?
My favorite memory in the College of Education has been meeting so many incredible people from different cultures and backgrounds who all share a common goal — making a difference in education. Being surrounded by individuals who are passionate about equity, inclusion, and culturally responsive teaching inspires me every day. Seeing the progress being made toward a more diverse and inclusive future in education truly excites me.
Anika Larsen
Elementary Education
Role: Secretary
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.
Sadie Merz
Elementary Education
Role: Member
Why did you choose this major? I’ve always wanted to be an elementary school teacher, it’s all I’ve ever wanted to do since I was 8. I also have so much respect for teachers who have patience for kids who have learning differences. I myself have ADHD and Dyscalculia, and my elementary school teachers were so patient with me and made me feel valued when I felt like I didn’t belong and wasn’t as smart as the other kids. I also just want to be a person kids can go to if they feel like they don’t have anyone to go to. I’m so fortunate to come from an amazing household with such loving parents, but I know it’s different for many kids, so I want to be someone they can come to if they feel like they don’t have the ability to talk about it at home. I just want to be a friendly face and a comfort person to kids. While also being able to teach them important lessons that will help them grow into smart humans.
Why did you want to join the board? I’ve found the college of education such a safe space for me to come and study and just get involved with the people here. And I wanted to be a part of that and get involved early on, so I can really make a difference in the college of education through my time at the University of Arizona!
Favorite memory in the COE? I love the events held in the college of education such as the college of education welcome event and the Halloween event held. It’s a place where I was able to learn more about the college of education, while also participating in fun games, eating some good food, and of course petting some adorable dogs!!
Daniela Vasavilbaso
Elementary Education
Role: Member
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.
Maddie Wilkov
Early Childhood Education
Role: Member
Why did you choose this major? I chose Early Childhood Education because I am passionate about working with children and want to make a meaningful impact on their lives. I love knowing that I can be a part of their growth and development and experience some of their first milestones with them. I especially enjoy seeing how each child expresses themselves through imaginative and dramatic play and learning what makes each child unique. I am excited to build meaningful relationships with my future students, support their development, and create an environment where they feel comfortable learning, growing, and being themselves. Most of all, I hope to help my students flourish and make a positive difference in their lives.
Why did you want to join the board? I wanted to join the Dean's Advisory Board because I am already an ambassador for the College of Education and have had such an amazing experience in that role. Being an ambassador has given me the opportunity to become more involved in the College and see how many incredible opportunities it provides to students. I wanted to take the next step by joining the Dean's Advisory Board so I can make an even greater impact on the College of Education as a whole. The College has given me so many opportunities, experiences, and connections that I am incredibly grateful for, and I want to give back to the community that has given me so much. I hope to use my voice and experiences to help make the College an even stronger and more welcoming community for students.
Favorite memory in the COE? One of my favorite memories in the College of Education has been participating in the back-to-school events. I loved getting to color a tote bag, complete a bingo board, and connect with other students at the beginning of the semester. I also enjoyed getting to participate in similar activities during the spring semester. Another favorite memory of mine is participating in the Valentine's Day grams and getting to write thoughtful messages for all of my friends. These small events have made the College of Education feel like a community and have given me so many fun memories with the people around me.