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Five faculty members have been selected for a 2025 Chancellor’s Fellowship recognizing their work to, in the words of the organizers, “foster a learning environment where all students can develop the skills to be successful.”

Chancellor Gary S. May told recipients he was proud to highlight their “commitment to reducing opportunity gaps for underrepresented students and/or students from underserved communities.”

The recipients, as named by Chancellor Gary S. May and the Academic Senate, are:

• Raquel E. Aldana, School of Law
• José Arenas, College of Letters and Science
• Gwen Arnold, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences
• Alejandro Naranjo Sandoval, College of Letters and Science
• Luis M. Peña-Lévano, School of Veterinary Medicine

Arenas and Peña-Lévano are members of the Academic Federation; the others are members of the Academic Senate.

The recipients will receive $5,000 in Academic Enrichment Funds.

Michelle Ko, an associate professor in the School of Medicine and chair of the Academic Senate selection committee, praised the recipients for their “outstanding mentorship of underrepresented students and/or students from underserved communities.”

Here’s how the committee described the contributions of the winners:

Raquel E. Aldana

Professor, School of Law

Professor Raquel E. Aldana is recognized for her research, expertise and deep commitment to the rule of law and human rights. Her work supports underserved and marginalized students through impactful community outreach, mentoring and advocacy. She actively promotes mentorship and inclusive programs and practices across campus and beyond, fostering educational access and social justice.

José Arenas

Academic administrator, Department of Chicana/o Studies

Academic Administrator José Arenas demonstrates his dedication to art and education daily through his leadership as director of Taller Arte del Nuevo Amanecer, or TANA. He actively engages �����о��� students and community members and �����о��� students in exploring art as a form of healing and empowerment. By creating inclusive, culturally rooted art experiences, Arenas fosters belonging, uplifts marginalized voices and helps dismantle barriers to expression and well-being in educational and community settings.

Gwen Arnold

Professor, Department of Environmental Science and Policy

Selected by the undergraduate class of 2023 as their commencement speaker, Professor Gwen Arnold has provided mentorship to over 140 students in effort to diversify the field of environmental policy education. In her role as lead faculty advisor for the Environmental Policy Analysis and Planning, or EPAP, major, Arnold developed and piloted a mentorship program connecting current undergraduates with alumni to support their educational and professional growth and development. Arnold’s work has had a profound impact on the students she serves, as one student noted: “I have been able to get personalized feedback for how to pursue my goals for the future and strong career advice.”

Alejandro Naranjo Sandoval

Assistant professor, Department of Philosophy

Assistant Professor Alejandro Naranjo Sandoval has dedicated his research career to making philosophy studies more accessible to historically minoritized populations. As demonstrated through his research and coursework, Naranjo Sandoval centers the voices of underrepresented groups and topics to better meet the diverse landscape and needs of students. His outstanding mentorship efforts include serving as faculty advisor for the ������� chapter of Minorities and Philosophy, or MAP.

Luis M. Peña-Lévano

Assistant Professor of Cooperative Extension, Department of Population Health and Reproduction

Assistant Professor of Cooperative Extension Luis M. Peña-Lévano is recognized for his outstanding expertise in the field of agricultural economics. He has championed inclusivity by sharing his journey and advocating for underrepresented voices. As a mentor, he has provided valuable guidance to graduate students on navigating academic spaces, fostering a more equitable professional environment. His efforts have empowered the next generation of agricultural economists with the tools and support needed to thrive in academia and beyond.