Holmes Scholars Program
At CSUSB, the Holmes Scholars Program supports doctoral students committed to expanding educational opportunity through leadership, research, service, and advocacy. Through collaboration with AACTE, the program provides access to national professional development, mentoring, and networking opportunities that strengthen scholar persistence and broaden their impact in higher education and the field of education.
Mission
The mission of the Holmes Scholars® Program is to build a strong pipeline of future faculty and education leaders who reflect the nation’s students and communities.
- AACTE National Office: Provides professional development (e.g., dissertation retreats), mentoring, and scholarly engagement opportunities across a nationwide network of higher education institutions and partners. National programming is offered below market rates to expand access and strengthen connections among programs and alumni.
- CSUSB Holmes Program: Provides campus-based mentorship, guidance, and funding to support participation in national Holmes events. Funding varies annually and is not guaranteed. Support is typically offered for one major event per year, and Washington Week is generally a one-time experience during the three-year tenure, depending on available budget.
- The Holmes Program at CSUSB recruits doctoral students within the James R. Watson & Judy Rodriguez Watson College of Education who demonstrate strong academic performance, leadership potential, and commitment to equity and educational excellence.
- AACTE does not recruit, select, fund, or create selection criteria for individual scholars except that Holmes Scholars are expected to meet high standards of academic excellence, leadership, research, advocacy, and educator workforce demand
- Scholars are expected to uphold high standards in academic excellence, leadership, research, service, and professional conduct throughout their tenure in the program.
Meet our Holmes Scholars
Pablo Gutierrez, originally from Mexico City, states that his life revolves around three pillars: God, family, and friends. He is a persistent individual with a strong desire for continuous personal and professional growth. He holds a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Actuarial Science from Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico (UNAM) and a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) with dual foci in Cyber Security and Marketing Management from CSUSB.
He is currently employed full-time as an International Admissions Evaluator at CSUSB. Throughout his professional journey, he's gained experience working at Oracle as a Business Development Consultant and as a Sourcing Recruiter.
Some of his hobbies include watching movies and series, playing video games, and hiking. Traveling and exploring the world also holds a special place in his heart, as he's been fortunate to visit many countries, but the most unforgettable experiences occurred during his Study Abroad programs in South Korea, China, and Germany. Building friendships with individuals from various countries and backgrounds was a truly enriching experience for him.
Brianna Deadman is a doctoral student in Educational Leadership at California State University, San Bernardino and an English lecturer at Lake Tahoe Community College. A first-generation Chicana scholar, educator, and mother, her work is deeply rooted in equity, belonging, and community-engaged leadership. Her research explores artificial intelligence in higher education as an opportunity to rethink curriculum and assessment in more ethical, equitable, and human-centered ways. Brianna is also the founder and program coordinator of the College-to-Community mentorship program, which supports Inland Empire students as they transition from K-12 into college. She is passionate about teaching, mentorship, and creating learning environments that truly serve the students of today and tomorrow.
