Dr. David Glasgow, Assistant Vice Provost

As the Assistant Vice Provost, Dr. David 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. David 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.

Dr. Trista Beard, Associate Director

As the Associate Director, Trista’s primary responsibilities include holistic support and advising, academic engagement programs, promoting the Fund to local high schools and community colleges, coordination of the NTSAF Exceptional Funding Program, and the implementation of retention programs for the Fund. Trista is a first-generation college student from a working class rural town. She earned her bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Rochester, a Master’s from Simmons College in Boston, and her Doctorate in Education from USC. After teaching English in Japan, she began working at USC in study abroad programs where she became an expert on global learning and international programs. Her research interests in higher education focus on first-generation college students, social capital exchange, and the development of success models. When she’s not working or writing, Trista enjoys spending time with her family.

Brie Ortega, Student Services Advisor

Brie is excited to serve Topping Scholars as an advisor committed to socioeconomic justice, educational equity and student well-being. Her practice and philosophy are influenced by her experiences navigating higher education as a low income community college transfer student without much support or guidance, and coming to understand such experiences through a Critical Race Theory (CRT) lens. Since earning a Master of Social Welfare from UCLA, she’s worked in higher education, career development and mental health, developing a passion for their intersection. The concept of emotional justice is deeply influential and fascinating to her. Before coming to USC, she served as a college counselor, career coach and advocate for Los Angeles County foster youth. Outside of work, Brie is dabbles in photography, learning guitar and Afro-Brazilian drumming. Please come by and say hello!

Dustin Wong, Governing Board Chair

Dustin is currently a sophomore pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Public Policy, alongside a minor in Management Consulting. On his path to USC and to Topping, Dustin has devoted numerous hours towards empowering others, serving in various councils, committees and boards to deliver change from behind the scenes for both his school community and abroad. From teaching English at rural primary schools in Southeast Asia, to enabling his fellow students to establish their own service programs and extracurricular activities at school, he brings a diverse range of experiences to tackle the Governing Board’s impending challenges. Dustin is driven by his interest in the perennial lessons of history, and firmly believes that only through education can we equitably share our knowledge today, thus writing a better narrative for tomorrow. He is now an official member of the Topping Staff as the 2018-2019 Governing Board Chair.

Betzabel Martinez, Program Coordinator

Betzabel is a current graduate student at the Rossier School of Education pursuing a Masters of Education in Educational Counseling. She is a recent graduate from the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) and has a degree in Statistical Science and another in Spanish Literature. While at UCSB she worked for Residential and Community Living as a Resident Assistant and was a member of the NASPA Undergraduate Fellows Program. Additionally, she became an advisory committee member for UCSB’s ONDAS Success Center, a Title V Hispanic Serving Institute Grant project that allowed her provide direction on how the university uses it’s federal grants to provide resources for first generation, low income undergraduate students, specifically in STEM majors. These involvements as an undergrad solidified her passion in pursing a career in higher education. Betzabel’s motto as she advances her career as a student and professional is, “Enter to learn, depart to serve” as she hopes to continue serving her community by serving as guidance to all students and peers she encounters. 

Adeeva Myers, Program Coordinator

Adeeva Myers is a current graduate student at the Rossier School of Education pursuing a Masters of Education in Educational Counseling. She earned her B.A. degree in Social Welfare from the University of California, Berkeley. While attending Berkeley, Adeeva took an active role in her community as an intern for the Black Recruitment and Retention Center, aiding to increase acceptance and graduation rates of African American students. She also participated in various leadership roles on campus including working as a Resident Assistant and being a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated. Most recently, Adeeva worked with the USC College Advising Corp building a college-going culture at Woodrow Wilson High School in Long Beach by assisting majority low income first generation students in applying and enrolling into college. As a product of an under-resourced high school, Adeeva understands the plight of students needing added support in their efforts to achieve within higher education. Her goal is to see our education system grow into a more equitable institution where students of all backgrounds can achieve equally. She is dedicated to occupying positions to help cultivate young lives, especially concerning their academic success.