Student Champion and Advisor Cheryl Lugo Leads with Compassion

Cheryl Lugo embodies Chico State’s commitment to putting students first. 

Lugo works with more than 1,500 child development and psychology majors, many of whom represent historically underserved populations, first-generation students, or distance learners. She makes sure they are on track to graduate and physically and mentally healthy and, if not, helps them find a way forward.

“Cheryl exudes warmth and support,” said Ryan Patten, interim dean of the College of BSS. “Students often send her emails explaining they would not have graduated without her support and guidance.”

Lugo can navigate sensitive topics with empathy and support so that students leave knowing they have someone in their corner, he said.

As a direct line of support, her office tells the story of belonging. Students who visit her are greeted with posters that read, “Everyone is welcome here” and “When you walk into this office, you are respected, you are valued, you are heard, you matter,” and symbols of completed ally training for different audiences, whether Dreamers or LGBTQ+ students.

The magic happens when you acknowledge and validate [a student’s concern] because it allows them to say, ‘Now that you’ve validated that for me, now that I feel heard, I can think of other options.’”

Cheryl Lugo

For her, learning about each student’s background is the first step in identifying the challenges they face and where they need help. She keeps in mind that each student who walks into her office comes from a different background and cultural upbringing that can shape their college experience.

“I want to know your story,” she tells her students. “Help me understand what makes you who you are, what influences you, and what helps you move forward. I am here to honor those backgrounds and make sure the way we move forward makes the most sense for you.”

Lugo, who joined Chico State in 2020, prides herself on creating a safe environment for her students to discuss their setbacks in a way that doesn’t make them feel ashamed for struggling.  

“It allows them to see themselves as a developing human being with a lot of potential,” she said. “It then instills autonomy and a sense of hope that things will move forward, regardless of challenges that get in the way. The magic happens when you acknowledge and validate [a student’s concern] because it allows them to say, ‘Now that you’ve validated that for me, now that I feel heard, I can think of other options.”

She sees her advising style as that of a co-pilot. She offers recommendations and guidance but lets her students drive the car so they can make informed decisions.

Lugo draws on her expertise as a former marriage and family therapist to provide students with a higher level of care, her colleagues say. She has the skills to talk with students about their mental health and helps connect them to additional services if needed.

In addition to helping students navigate college, Lugo translates documents and communicates with Spanish-speaking students and families. Since September 2023, Lugo has served as the interim senior coordinator of Advising and Student Success. The role has allowed her to continue to advocate for her students, but she now handles the more sensitive or complex cases. Whatever the obstacles, she finds creative solutions so the student can complete their degree.

“To be able to see a student go from failing a class to passing a class and now being able to apply to graduate school or pursue their career goals, that’s one of the proudest moments for me,” she said. “I am able to see how not giving up on them has allowed them to not give up on themselves.”