Fullerton College Welcomes 13 New Faculty this 2025-26 Academic Year
Fullerton College is thrilled to welcome 13 new faculty members who will begin their service this fall 2025 semester. We look forward to seeing our new faculty excel in teaching, scholarship and shaping the future workforce.
Meet Our New Faculty
Ryan Flores
Ceramics
Division of Fine Arts
Ryan Flores received his Bachelor of Fine Arts in ceramics from California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) and a Master of Fine Arts in sculpture and extended media from Virginia Commonwealth University.
An alumnus of Chaffey College, Flores is a proud owner of a wealth exhibitions, including “The Undergrowth” at Moskowitz Bayse in Los Angeles and “Rising from the Garden” by Art Production Fund at Frieze Projects: Set Seen. Notable group exhibitions of his also include “Clay Pop” at the Jeffrey Deitch Gallery and “Wayfinder” at Craft Contemporary Museum. He has also contributed to the art world abroad at the Marlborough Gallery in London for his work titled “Shelf Life.”
Flores has also participated in residencies such as Lighthouse Works and Vermont Studio Center, where he received the Harpo Foundation Native American Residency Fellowship. His teaching experience includes positively impacting students at California State University Fullerton (CSUF), Long Beach City College, Glendale Community College, St. John’s University and Wagner College.
LaToya Green
Communication Studies
Division of Humanities
LaToya Green brings over a decade of teaching and coaching experience to the classroom. Since 2014, she has specialized in argumentation, persuasion and public address while directing nationally recognized speech and debate programs. She is widely regarded as one of the leading minds in collegiate policy debate, with a reputation for cultivating inclusive, high-performing teams that emphasize critical thinking, civic engagement and leadership.
Her competitive debate career spans 20 years, including national recognition as the 2012 Cross Examination Debate Association (CEDA) Debater of the Year and the first individual speaker award winner at the National Debate Tournament (NDT) in over 50 years for Emporia State University. Her coaching tenure includes leadership roles at Wake Forest University, Emporia State University, and California State University, Fullerton—where she most recently served as Director of Debate and earned multiple national coaching honors, including the USC Policy Debate Coach of the Year and CEDA’s Galentine Award for Exceptional Women in Coaching.
Beyond the classroom and competitive circuit, Green is the founder of Higher Definition Leadership and Empowerment Coaching (HDLEC), where she provides training and facilitation in leadership development, strategic communication and purpose-driven goal setting. She has delivered workshops and keynotes at institutions and organizations such as Columbia University, the University of Texas at Austin, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. and the City of Littleton, Colorado.
Green’s teaching and speaking style is known for its authenticity, energy and ability to inspire transformative reflection. Grounded in the belief that “inspired people inspire people,” she encourages students and colleagues alike to lead with purpose and communicate in higher definition.
A first-generation college graduate, Green holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in communication–public relations from Emporia State University, and a Master of Fine Arts in communication with an emphasis in rhetoric from Wake Forest University.
Kaitlin Kroupa
Anatomy/ Physiology
Division of Natural Sciences
Kaitlin Kroupa earned her bachelor’s degree in human biology with a minor in human development at University of California, San Diego (UCSD), followed by her master’s degree in biology with a focus in molecular biology and immunology at California State University, Long Beach (CSULB). She has 12 years of teaching experience ranging from teacher’s assistant, adjunct instructor and tenured professor of anatomy and microbiology. She also has a range of experience in clinical medicine, scientific research, cadaver dissection and forensic science that transcends beyond the classroom.
Beyond her commitment to teaching, Kroupa enjoys being an active member of the college campus. During her previous time at Fullerton College, she was a member of the Faculty Senate, as well as multiple committees including the Diversity Advisory Committee, Study Abroad Committee and Campus Accreditation Committee. She also served as division coordinator for the Student Learning Objects Advisory Committee.
Kroupa is also dedicated to cultivating Fullerton College’s mission of diversity, equity and inclusion by taking professional development courses towards earning a teaching certificate in inclusive classroom teaching, teaching the Latino student and more.
Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, exercising and reading. She can always be found in the middle of an arts and crafts project, making personal gifts for her loved ones.
Jacob McFee
Construction Technology
Division of Technology and Engineering
Jacob McFee is a proud Fullerton College alum, Marine Corps veteran and passionate educator with a deep commitment to empowering students through skilled trades education. As someone who once sat in the very classrooms he now teaches in, McFee brings a unique sense of purpose and connection to his work as a Construction Technology instructor.
After serving in the U.S. Marine Corps infantry, McFee pursued his education with the same discipline and drive, earning a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Chapman University. His academic journey, combined with years of hands-on experience in the construction industry, has shaped his practical, student-centered teaching approach.
McFee has served as an adjunct professor at Fullerton College for over five years and holds a B2 Residential California contractor license and certifications in OSHA Outreach Training. In addition to his technical skills, he was trained by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to support veteran students in navigating their educational benefits—a role he takes to heart.
He is a proud advocate for equity, inclusion and career readiness and strongly believes in creating a supportive environment where all students, especially those from historically underserved backgrounds, can thrive in the trades.
Outside the classroom, he enjoys time with his wife and two children, exploring hands-on projects and staying active in his professional field. He is honored to continue serving the Fullerton College community that helped shape his own educational path.
Victor Meza
Librarian
Division of Library and Learning Resources
With nearly 15 years of service in libraries, Victor Meza is a passionate librarian and advocate for equity, access and social justice in higher education. Born and raised in Santa Ana, California, he is a first-generation college graduate and a proud product of community colleges.
Meza plays an active role in campus Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) efforts as a member of the Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSI) Transformation Team at Fullerton College. He is also a proud member of Cohort 2 of the Aspiring Radical Leaders Institute (ARLI), a statewide program focused on dismantling structural racism in California community colleges. He also brings a student-centered, equity-driven approach to librarianship, grounded in collaboration, cultural fluency and transformative leadership. In his free time, he enjoys listening to music, going to the gym and hanging out with friends and family.
Meza holds a Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) degree from the University of Southern Mississippi, a Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration from California State University, Fullerton and an Associate of Arts from Santa Ana College.
Kavita Rajah-Boyer
Natural Sciences
Division of Natural Sciences
Dr. Kavita Rajah-Boyer’s passion for environmental education and ecology stems from a lifelong fascination with nature and a deeply held belief in the power of education. She identifies as a first-generation immigrant woman of color and is the first in her family to earn a Doctor of Philosophy degree. Her teaching and mentorship are grounded in a commitment to equity, access and student empowerment, particularly for those from historically underserved and underrepresented backgrounds.
Dr. Rajah-Boyer has taught biology, environmental science and physical geography at Futures Academy of Carlsbad, California State University, San Marcos, University of Redlands, University of San Diego, the Design Institute of San Diego and San Diego State University. She seeks to create active and engaging learning environments where students are empowered to ask questions and explore complex issues. Since 2021, she also served as a Visiting Lecturer at the University of Redlands, designing and teaching new courses in soil science and agroecology, advising students in capstone projects and mentoring first-generation and transfer students as a College Advising Fellow and Extended STEM Orientation Coordinator.
Dr. Rajah-Boyer’s teaching philosophy is informed by her lived experiences, which have inspired her to create courses reducing financial barriers, elevating diverse voices in science and promoting active learning rooted in student inquiry. She also uses field studies, community partnerships and hands-on projects to provide students with practical experience. From facilitating discussions on environmental justice to guiding students through fieldwork in ecology, she centers on empathy, dialogue and transformative learning.
Dr. Rajah-Boyer bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Redlands and her PhD in ecology from the Joint Doctoral Program at San Diego State University and the University of California, Davis. With nearly a decade of experience cultivating a deeper understanding of ecological principles and their application to real world challenges, her scientific expertise spans ecology, microbial ecology, environmental science and justice and more.
Outside of the classroom, she enjoys spending time with her family, playing board games, tennis and experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen. She also enjoys hiking with her dog and exploring diverse ecosystems wherever the weekends take her.
Leticia Ramirez
Administration of Justice
Division of Technology and Engineering
Leticia Ramirez has worked for the Fullerton Police Department (FPD) for approximately 25 years and in the forensic field for 15 years. She has also been the FPD Forensic Supervisor for the last five years.
An experienced professional, Ramirez is responsible for the crime scene and evidence processing training for her team, laboratory management, evidence analysis and more. She also plays a key role in the research and implementation of up-to-date practices and technologies in the forensic field and oversees the procurement of advanced equipment for the CSI unit.
In addition to her duties at FPD, Ramirez teaches the POST (Peace Officer Standards and Training) curriculum for the Government Training Agency in her Crime Scene Techniques Core Course. In this role, she trains law enforcement detectives in essential forensic and investigative procedures aligned with California POST standards.
Over the last four years, Ramirez has had the pleasure of serving as an Administration of Justice Adjunct Instructor at Fullerton College. Her involvement on our campus has been crucial. She played a big role in the development of the Crime Scene Investigation Skills Certificate Program and Crime Lab, collaborating with faculty and industry professionals to prepare students for entry-level positions in the field.
Ramirez was recipient of the Honorable Mention for Excellence in Lab Management Award at the 2023 Lab Manger Leadership Summit and was commended for her development of effective safety and quality forensic programs, delivering excellent technical results and exceeding organizational goals.
Michelle Ramirez
Child Development and Educational Studies
Division of Social Sciences
Michelle Ramirez joins the Child Development and Educational Studies (CDES) department with over 20 years of experience in early childhood education and a deep commitment to collaborative, constructivist teaching. She believes that learning is a shared journey—one that flourishes through meaningful relationships, open dialogue and inclusive environments.
Ramirez was drawn to Fullerton College for its strong culture of collaboration and its progressive approach to preparing future educators. She feels deeply aligned with the department’s constructivist teaching practices and is excited to contribute her Reggio-inspired perspective to the courses she will teach.
As a community college graduate, Ramirez brings a personal understanding of the challenges many students face while balancing work, life and education. Her academic journey—from Cerritos College to the University of La Verne and ultimately earning her master’s degree in education from California State University, Long Beach (CSULB)—fuels her passion for supporting students in achieving their goals.
A California native, Michelle was raised in Whittier. She enjoys spending time with her husband near the ocean and exploring her home state whenever possible.
Arthur Ross
Musical Theatre
Division of Fine Arts
Coming from the City of Costa Mesa, Arthur Ross is honored to carry forward a proud legacy as the new professor of musical theater at Fullerton College. Since Spring 2024, Ross has contributed extensively to the program as an adjunct faculty member, choreographing numerous department productions. From 2008 to 2014, he also served as adjunct faculty at Cypress College, where he taught in the Theatre and Dance Department and choreographed concerts and theatrical productions.
Ross has also directed and choreographed musicals across Los Angeles, Orange County and New York. As a performer, his credits include appearances at Disneyland Resort, Universal Studios Hollywood, regional theaters and Broadway, as well as roles on television. A proud member of AGVA, AEA, IATSE and SDC, he holds an Master of Fine Arts in acting from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and a Bachelor of Arts in Communications with a specialization in directing and choreography from Bowling Green State University.
Donald Salcedo
Ethnic (Native American) Studies
Division of Social Sciences
Donald Salcedo is a proud community member of the Quechan Indian Nation in Fort Yuma, California and the Pueblo of Laguna—Paguate Village—in Laguna, New Mexico.
Salcedo brings a wealth of experience, with having worked 15 years in urban and reservation settings in Indian Country. The work he has done continues to guide his identity and core values.
A graduate of Arizona State University, Salcedo earned his master’s degree in Indigenous Education with a focus on Intergenerational Indigenous Ways of Knowing Through Cultural Practice. He also completed his undergraduate studies at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), with a bachelor’s degree in American Indian Studies. Before transferring to UCLA, he was a student here at Fullerton College—an experience that helped shape the path he is on today.
Salcedo shares that it is a true honor for him and his family to return to Fullerton College and serve alongside the incredible Hornet faculty and staff.
Jewell Taylor
Counseling and Student Development Counselor
Division of Counseling
Jewell Taylor holds a deep passion for serving and empowering historically underserved student populations. With both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in social work from Historically Black Universities, her academic and professional foundation is rooted in counseling, mental health, program development and culturally responsive practices.
Taylor brings over a decade of experience as a Counselor in the California Community College system, having served at institutions such as Los Angeles City College and Chaffey College. Additionally, over the past year, she has had the immense pleasure of serving as the Adjunct Counselor/Co-Coordinator for the Umoja Community Program and as Faculty Advisor for the Black Student Union at Fullerton College.
Her work is marked by numerous relevant professional highlights, including serving on the Development and Advisory team for the first Umoja cohort at Los Angeles City College, contributing to the approval of the first Umoja Math course and the establishment of the first Black Student Success Center at Chaffey College. She also led the launch and ongoing success of Fullerton College’s inaugural Umoja Learning Community.
Taylor is a proud advocate for student success, equity, inclusion and firmly believes that with the right community, anyone can thrive. Outside of work, she enjoys quality time with her nine-year-old daughter, exercising and traveling.
She is honored to continue building a healthy, vibrant and transformative community for students and colleagues alike.
Magali Trujillo-Gonzalez
CalWORKS Counselor
Division of Counseling
Magali Trujillo-Gonzalez brings over nine years of experience in the California Community College system, with more than six of those in full-time counseling roles. Before joining Fullerton College, Trujillo-Gonzalez served as a tenured CalWORKs Counselor at Victor Valley College, providing holistic academic, career and personal counseling to a diverse student-parent population. Her deep knowledge of CalWORKs/TANF program policies, coupled with her bilingual fluency in Spanish, makes her an invaluable asset to the students we serve.
From her early volunteer work with first-generation and economically underserved students to her leadership in orientation programs and academic success workshops, she has continually demonstrated a passion for empowering students to navigate and thrive in higher education.
Trujillo-Gonzalez holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and social behavior from the University of California, Irvine (UCI) and a master’s degree in educational counseling from the University of La Verne. She is currently pursuing a doctorate in clinical psychology at the California Institute for Human Science.
Outside of work and school, she is a devoted dog mom who enjoys a good hike and visiting cute coffee shops. Her husband and her also recently welcomed a beautiful baby girl last September.
Coming Soon: EOPS Faculty Member
The final faculty member will be hired by EOPS on a one-year temporary contract later this year.
