Cowell & Stevenson Advising

Marie Yoo

Assistant Director for Colleges Advising, Cowell and Stevenson Colleges

As Assistant Director, I assist students with general academic planning; help interpret administrative policies and procedures; direct students to resources and opportunities available on campus; assist with making appropriate educational choices and decisions; counsel students on academic issues and monitor academic progress; conduct informational sessions.  I also work collaboratively with various units on campus to support student success.

Xavier Hilton

Academic Advisor Cowell College
he/him

Hello! My name is Xavier Hilton, and I am an Academic Advisor for Cowell College. I am here to assist students with navigating University policies and procedures, academic planning, as well as directing students to resources on campus.

I’m a born and raised Santa Cruzean, attending and graduating from UCSC with a BA in History. I have a passion for education, having worked in local K-12 schools as a teacher and coach. I enjoy staying active and playing most sports, but I have a special affinity for soccer. In my free time you’ll find me walking our beautiful coastline, playing the saxophone, or relaxing at home listening to ELO.

I’m very excited to be a part of this community and look forward to meeting you!

Education: B.A. History, University of CA Santa Cruz

Peter Blackman

Academic Advisor Cowell College 

I enjoy supporting students as they explore and pursue their interests. I take a collaborative approach and emphasize creative problem-solving, self-reliance, and long-range planning. I like to get to know students well and establish long-term working relationships with them.

I have worked in higher education as an academic advisor, administrator, and faculty. Prior to coming to UCSC in 2020, I worked at numerous colleges, including the College of Santa Fe, the San Francisco Art Institute, and UC Berkeley as an Academic Advisor in Media Studies. 

I spend much of my free time with my wife and daughter. I am a musician and composer and spend time playing and writing music.  I also like to work on home improvement projects.  Contact the College Office to schedule an appointment.

Education: M.S. Interdisciplinary Studies, University of Oregon

Judy Nguyen

Academic Advisor Stevenson College 

My name is Judy Nguyen (she/her/hers) and I am a slug through and through. I am a Kresge College alumna who graduated with a BA in English Language Literature and a minor in Education. I went on to complete my graduate degree at San Jose State in Counselor Education before returning to UC Santa Cruz this time as a member of the UCSC staff. Although I’ve worn many hats over the years since then, the most fulfilling ones were where I got to support our students. As a college advisor, I am happy to continue providing support to our proud Banana Slugs!

Education: M.A. Counselor Education, San Jose State University

Sandra Ramirez

Academic Advisor Stevenson College 

Greetings! My name is Sandra Ramirez (she/her). My work is driven by student success, retention, graduation, and visibility. I have a passion for working with and alongside college students, which led to my career in higher education. 

I am a UCSC alumna and received my B.A. in Spanish Studies and Latin American & Latino Studies combined with Sociology. My trajectory at UCSC has included various student and professional roles within student orgs, the Resource Centers, STARS, the Honors Program, and other campus offices. 

Education: B.A. Latin American & Latino Studies, and Spanish Studies, University of CA Santa Cruz