The Liberal Studies Program has a strong advising team ready to support students and ensure their success. Below students will find more information and ways of connecting with the team.
Meet your Liberal Studies Major Advisor
Elizabeth Whitmyre is the SSHA Academic Advisor for Liberal Studies. Elizabeth was born and raised in San Jose, California. After moving to Merced, California, Elizabeth attended Merced College and CSU Stanislaus and received a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies with a concentration in Mathematics from CSU Stanislaus. She then dedicated 12 years to teaching mathematics and advising students in the A.V.I.D. program. When she’s not working, she enjoys reading, watching The Office, baking cookies, and working out with her friends.
“I found through my teaching career that I have a passion for helping students discover and develop their own strengths and empowering them to be independently successful in their academic careers. It’s an honor to be a part of each student’s journey and to help provide resources and be a guide that will allow students to bring their own goals and dreams to life. I love that UC Merced is dedicated to celebrating and embracing the diversity of its student and community population.”
Make an Appointment with Elizabeth View Elizabeth's Walk-In/Zoom-In Hours
Meet Your SSHA Transfer Advisor
Linda Safer is the SSHA Transfer Coordinator. Linda was born and raised in Turlock, California, located here in the Central Valley. Linda attended Chico State University and received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with minors in Career & Life Planning and Family Relations. When she's not advising students, she is spending time with her loved ones, reading a good book, or soaking up the sun with her fur baby, Gigi!
"As a first-generation college student, I depended heavily on campus resources to help me succeed in school. My advisors, mentors, and professors played a huge role in my academic success. Being able to take the knowledge I learned from them and my own educational journey and share it with students is so rewarding. I love being able to empower students and see them make their dreams a reality."
Make an Appointment with Linda View Linda's Walk-In/Zoom-In Hours
Meet Your CalTeach Advisor
Melissa Amarillas is the CalTeach Student Services Advisor. As a first-generation college student, Melissa started her education and career at Modesto Junior College. She went on to receive her B.A. in Communication Studies at Stanislaus State and M.A. in Communication and Leadership with an emphasis in college teaching of communication from Gonzaga University. After developing an interest in neurodiversity, she earned a graduate certificate in Autism Special Education from San Francisco State University. As the Student Services Advisor for CalTeach, Melissa is a resource to answer questions and help guide students along the path towards a career in teaching. She is often listening to an audiobook and enjoys spending time with her husband & 3 kids.
"I believe that the value of a college degree not only lies in the information learned but the skills that are developed. Graduates should be self-advocates, critical thinkers, and experienced educators. To quote my CalTeach colleague Mariah Gonzales, 'You don't have to be a teacher to be an educator.' Staff, faculty, peers, and partners make up the campus community to support students in learning, using, and growing those skills and more. I am honored for the opportunity to be a part of that community at UC Merced!"
