Edward Abeyta: Director
Edward L. Abeyta is currently the Registrar and Director of Academic Services at UCSD Extension. Prior to joining UCSD Extension in 1995, Edward served as a counselor for the Early Academic Outreach Program at UCSD serving underrepresented students in San Diego high schools. Mr. Abeyta has a BA from the University of New Mexico, a Masters from the University of San Diego and is currently working on his PhD in Post Secondary Adult Education at Capella University. Edward has received numerous awards from UCSD and the UC Office of the President for his involvement in staff diversity and development initiatives. He is an alumni and member of LEAD San Diego and currently serves as a board member on the City of San Diego Citizens Review Board on Police Practices. Recently, Edward was selected to receive the San Diego Metropolitan Magazines 40 Under Forty award that recognizes the region’s young business and civic leaders.

Xochitl Villanueva: Assistant Director
Xochitl Villanueva received a dual B.A. in Sociology and Chicano History with a Specialization in Business Administration and a Master’s Degree in Urban Planning with an emphasis in Social Policy Analysis, Community Economic Development and Housing from UCLA. She has also had the opportunity to study abroad at the University of Cambridge, UK. Other than her five year stay in Los Angeles and her time in England; she has always called sunny San Diego her home. She began her UCSD career in Housing and Dining overseeing the administration of the Eleanor Roosevelt regular academic year contract process and managed the campus wide Summer Housing Program. From this foundation, she accepted the position of Program Coordinator for another summer program on campus. In this capacity, she had the opportunity to serve as the Acting Program Manager. In March of 2007, Xochitl accepted the post of Assistant Director for Academic Connections. Xochitl has an extensive background in overseeing the residential aspect of students’ college experience and high school summer programs. Her previous experience and knowledge make her an excellent fit for Academic Connections.

Teresa Poole: Administrative Assistant
Teresa Poole was born and raised in San Diego.  She graduated from the Academy of Our Lady of Peace in 2001.  She then went on to attend California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, where she graduated in 2005 with a major in English and a minor in Philosophy.  During her time at Cal Poly, she also studied abroad at the University of London.
Teresa now works as the Program Assistant for Academic Connections at the University of California, San Diego, and has been there since February 2007.  During her vacations, she has traveled to England, France, Spain, Italy, Switzerland, Scotland, Holland, and the Czech Republic.  In her free time, she enjoys writing, traveling, playing beach volleyball, and spending time with family and friends.

Marciano Perez, Jr.: Resident Dean
Marciano Perez, Jr. will be serving as the Resident Dean for Academic Connections. He has been on staff at UCSD for seven years and during the academic year he serves as the Resident Dean of Sixth College. Marciano has a Masters degree in Higher Education Administration from Ball State University and a BA in Spanish Literature from Denison University. As Resident Dean, Marciano is responsible for managing the residential component of the Academic Connections program.
Marciano has been working in Higher Education for over 14 years. Prior to coming to UCSD, he worked as a Resident Director at UC Davis and as an Assistant Resident Director at Ball State University. Other work experience has included working as a Residential Counselor at two public high schools in Indiana and Illinois.