Dr. Rick Trevino
Director

Dr. Rick Trevino is a Higher Education professional with a passion for student development and enhancing student success. He is a first-generation college student that earned a B.S. in Kinesiology and M.P.A. from California State University Northridge, as well as an Ed.D. in Higher Education Leadership from California Lutheran University where his dissertation focused on first-generation students in First-Year Experience programs. Dr. Trevino has spent over decade overseeing areas such as Student Life, First-Year Experience, and Student Success Programs. Dr. Trevino most recently served as the Associate Director of the First-Year Experience for USC Dornsife.

Liam Tsao
Governing Board Chair 2021-2022

As Governing Board Chair, Liam utilizes his academic, professional, and personal experiences in policy and advocacy to lead the Board and serve NTSAF students.

Viviana Ramirez
Graduate Assistant/Program Coordinator

Viviana Ramirez is a current graduate student at the USC Rossier School of Education. She obtained her B.A. in Sociology and minor in Educational Studies at UCLA. Viviana is the daughter of Mexican immigrants and a first-generation college student. Having experienced the imposter syndrome along with other hardships first-generation students face, and having had the support of mentors and special programs geared towards first-generation students, has helped her succeed in higher education. Viviana’s goal is to positively impact and uplift first-generation college students by using and applying the knowledge she has gained from her educational trajectory and life lessons. 

Alejandra Tenorio
Graduate Assistant/Outreach Coordinator

Alejandra Tenorio is a current graduate student at USC Rossier School of Education. She is pursuing a Master’s of Education in Post-Secondary Administration and Student Affairs. She obtained a double B.A. in Gender and Sexuality Studies and Media and Cultural Studies at UC Riverside. Alejandra chose higher education as her field of specialization because as a first generation Latina from South Central Los Angeles who constantly battles with imposter syndrome, she wants to holistically support students who find themselves struggling in similar ways. She believes higher education should be founded on an equity-minded approach and every student should be provided with their own set of tools and strategies to succeed. Alejandra aspires to be the support, confidant, and advocate the Topping Scholars and Fellows need throughout their academic career. By building meaningful connections and finding common ground she hopes to provide them with a safe and welcoming space.

Dr. Erica Lovano McCann
Assistant Vice Provost for Student Success and Retention

Dr. Erica Lovano McCann oversees the Norman Topping Student Aid Fund, Kortschak Center for Learning & Creativity, Academic Honors and Fellowships, and the Leonard D. Schaeffer Fellows in Government Service Program. Dr. E graduated from the University of San Diego with a BA in Sociology and minors in gender studies and non-profit management. She earned a Masters in Education for Postsecondary Administration in Student Affairs and her Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from USC. Her dissertation focused on first-generation college students and the influence of high impact practices on their perceptions of, access to, and participation in higher education.
 

Dr. David Glasgow
Assistant Vice Provost for Research and Experiential Learning

As Assistant Vice Provost, Dr. Glasgow provides vision, program design, and administrative leadership for key signature programs at USC which include research opportunities, fellowship programs, and scholar programs.  He is a first generation college student. Dr. Glasgow earned a B.S. and M.P.A. from the School of Public Administration (now Sol Price School of Policy, Planning and Development) and an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from the Rossier School of Education at USC.  His primary focus is increasing undergraduate student retention and graduation by providing critical programs and services to academically engage students in their degree attainment at USC.