Student Success Staff

Dr. Angela Watts is the Director for Student Success in the School of Nursing. She oversees all student services and academic support under the Student Success Center (SSC). Dr. Watts leads the student affairs professionals in the SSC who provide many services, including student leadership development programming, student success coaching, academic support programs, and career readiness.

Rose Mary Padilla serves as an Administrative Assistant for the Student Success Center. She is responsible for managing the office, supporting the staff and their events, and ensuring the office runs smoothly. Additionally, Rose Mary helps support the PALS leaders, tutors, and Peer Mentors to ensure they are successful.

Benjamin oversees three premier peer support initiatives: Peer Mentoring, Personal Tutoring, and Peer Assisted Learning Sessions. In addition to managing these programs, Benjamin mentors the Peer Support Leaders, helping them develop leadership skills that will serve them well in future nursing careers. This mentorship creates valuable professional development opportunities for students even before they graduate.

Evelyn Kosalka-Pena serves as a Program Coordinator for the Student Success Center. Evelyn coordinates and oversees the all Student Success events (i.e., White Coat Ceremony, Commencement, cultural programming, etc.), student leadership development, and career readiness. Additionally, Evelyn facilitates the SON scholarship awards.

Julian Bañuelos is a certified Academic Success Coach with the Association for the Coaching and Tutoring Profession (ACTP). Julian provides academic skills development and success advising to undergraduate nursing students.