Division of Student Affairs Staff
William Watkins, Ed.D.
Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students
william.watkins@csun.edu
Dr. Watkins was appointed Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students in 2010. He is a alumnus of California State, University, Northridge, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in Urban Studies. As an undergraduate, he was elected student body president — the first African American to hold that position — and he received the prestigious Outstanding Graduating Senior Award. He went on to earn his master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Southern California and his doctorate in Education Leadership from the University of California, Los Angeles.
Dr. Watkins is the chief student affairs officer, providing leadership and direction to the programs and services of the Division of Student Affairs. He is a member of the president’s cabinet, and serves on or chairs a wide range of campus committees and boards. He serves as a student advocate and advises student leaders, clubs and organizations. Dr. Watkins is widely respected for his commitment to the intellectual and personal development of students, and he is dedicated to continuing the work that has made Student Affairs a division focused on student learning and success.
Ryan Marlin
Associate Vice President for Student Affairs, Enrollment Services
ryan.marlin@csun.edu
Ryan Marlin serves as the Associate Vice President for Enrollment Services at CSUN, where he provides strategic leadership and administrative oversight for key areas supporting student access and success. His portfolio includes Admissions, Enrollment Technology, Financial Aid and Scholarships, the International and Exchange Student Center, the Office of the Registrar, Strategic Communications and Student Outreach and Recruitment.
With more than 25 years of progressive experience in higher education administration, Ryan has led initiatives in enrollment management, student recruitment and advising, marketing communications and strategic planning. His work reflects a deep commitment to student-centered service and institutional excellence.
Ryan holds an associate degree from Golden West College, a bachelor’s degree in Sport Management with a minor in Business from Georgia Southern University and a master’s degree in Higher and Adult Educational Administration from Arizona State University.
Shelley Ruelas-Bischoff, Ph.D.
Associate Vice President for Student Affairs, Student Engagement and Well-Being
shelley.ruelas@csun.edu
Dr. Ruelas-Bischoff brings her passion and commitment to successful student engagement, development, learning and connection within our CSUN community. She provides leadership, strategic direction and administrative oversight for Student Development and Transitional Programs, Student Housing and Residential Life, Student Life and Leadership/The Matador Involvement Center, and Basic Needs programs and services supporting students' food stability and housing security. Dr. Ruelas-Bischoff has focused on issues of wellness, equity and access throughout her career, with a strong emphasis on collaborative initiatives that improve the educational, social and personal outcomes of underserved and diverse student populations. She is the first in her family to graduate from college and deeply appreciates the transformative power of education. Dr. Ruelas-Bischoff earned her undergraduate degree in Psychology from the University of California, San Diego, and later completed her Ph.D. in Counseling, Clinical and School Psychology at the University of California, Santa Barbara.
Freddie Sánchez, Ph.D.
Interim Associate Vice President for Student Affairs, Equity and Inclusion
freddie.sanchez@csun.edu
Dr. Sánchez is an advocate for social justice, equity and inclusive practices in higher education. Being the son of immigrant parents and a first-generation college graduate with beginnings in South Los Angeles has guided his passion to serve as an advocate and student affairs leader who creates educational opportunities for students to thrive. Dr. Sánchez serves as the Interim Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs, Equity and Inclusion at CSUN, providing leadership to various departments, including the Center on Disabilities, Disability Resources and Educational Services, National Center on Deafness and the University Student Union. He also provides direction on equity and inclusive practices at the division and campus levels. Dr. Sánchez serves as cocoordinator of the Identity-Based Resource Centers initiative and teaches in the Educational Leadership and Policy Studies master's program at CSUN.
Dr. Sánchez is involved at various regional and national levels, including currently serving as the NASPA (NASPA: Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education) cochair for the Latinx/a/o Knowledge Community, a member of the California State University Young Male of Color Consortium and the California Council of Cultural Centers in Higher Education. His commitment to equity, inclusion and justice has been recognized by the Association of College Unions International as the 2021 Revis A. Cox Memorial Scholarship recipient, and he was nominated for his outstanding staff performance for the Wang Family Excellence Award in 2022 and 2023, the highest honor in the California State University system. Dr. Sánchez holds a B.S. in Financial Mathematics and Statistics, a B.A. in Spanish, both from the University of California, Santa Barbara, an M.Ed. in Postsecondary Administration in Student Affairs from the University of Southern California and a Ph.D. in Education with an emphasis in Educational Equity from San Diego State University and Claremont Graduate University.
Michael Clemens
Administrative Assistant
michael.clemens@csun.edu
Maria Fidaleo-Angell
Administrative Analyst/Specialist
maria.angell@csun.edu
Madalynn Gayheart
Resource Manager
madalynn.gayheart@csun.edu
Thanh Kha
Associate Budget Analyst
thanh.kha@csun.edu
Gerson Lam
Student Conduct Officer
gerson.lam@csun.edu
Zeina Otaky-Ramirez
Associate Dean of Students and Director of Student Conduct and Ethical Development
zeina.ramirez@csun.edu
Dina Reyes
Administrative Support Assistant
dina.reyes@csun.edu
Mandy Shamir
Administrative Analyst Specialist
mandy.fontaine@csun.edu
Kevin Velez
CARE and Conduct Coordinator
kevin.velez@csun.edu