Idaho State University

Directors:

James Yizar, Director
James H. Yizar, Jr.  is also known as Byrd around the university and Idaho community and has been associated with ISU for over 30 years.  He is from L.A., California and is an alumnus of the ISU Track & Field team which won 3 conferences titles.  He is a member of Kappa Alpha Psi (historical black fraternity), Phi Kappa Phi (national honor society), and Kappa Delta Pi (international education honor society).  He is married (Joanna) and has two girls (Jamiece & Jaelyn) and is working on completion of his dissertation in Educational Leadership. return to top
Mike Echanis, Assistant Director
Michael L. Echanis first came to ISU in 1973, serving as the coordinator of the TRiO Special Services program until 1985. He was Dir. of Admissions at ISU from 1985- 2002, when he rejoined the TRiO family as the Asst. Director of TRiO. He received his B.S. degree in psychology from Southern Oregon State University in 1973 and his M.Ed in 1978. He is the past president of the Idaho Association for Collegiate Registrars and Admission Officers and is currently an active member of the Council for Opportunity in Education and the Northwest Association of Special Programs. He is married (Dawn) and has two daughters (Tiffany and Natalie). return to top

Support Staff:

Kate Erickson, Administrative Assistant I
Kate Erickson brings over 25 years of office management experience to the TRiO Program. She received her B.A. degree from Chico State University. She is a member of Phi Kappa Phi National Honor Society. She has one son who is attending Idaho State University. return to top

Rose Jones, Office Specialist II

Rose Jones brings over 12 years of office experience to the TRiO Program. She has an Administrative Assistant Certificate from Idaho State University. She likes to read, camp and play with her grandchildren. She is the mother of 6 children and grandmother of soon to be five grandchildren. return to top

Vacant, Technology Advisor
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Karen Kamusoko , Work Study Student
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Educational Talent Search:

Margo McLelland, Educational Planner, Pocatello
Margo McLelland has worked for the TRiO program for more than 20 years and has coordinated the ETS middle school outreach program in Aberdeen, American Falls, and Blackfoot since it began 7 years ago. Margo has her undergraduate degree in Corporate Training and her Master's degree in Occupational Training Management.
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Saralyn Pozernick, Educational Planner, Pocatello
Saralyn Pozernick graduated with her B.S. degree from Idaho State University in Secondary Education with a teaching emphasis in Social Studies.  She works with students in the 8th through 12th grades in Rupert and Burley. She is currently working on her Master's degree in Public Administration. She is married (Hector) and has two children (Caleb and Amelia). return to top

Cheryl Zimmer, Recruiter/Advisor, Idaho Falls
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Adria Masoner, Recruiter/Advisor, Burley
Adria graduated with her B.S. degree from Idaho State University.  She works with students in the 8th through 12th grades in Rupert and Burley. return to top

Christine Hernandez, Educational Planner, Twin Falls
Christine Hernandez is in her ninth year with TRiO. She graduated with her masters in school administration.  She works with students in the 8th through 12th grades in Twin Falls and Jerome. She resides in Twin Falls and is married with five members in her family.return to top

Amy Slack, Recruiter/Advisor, Pocatello
Amy Slack works with student in the 8th throught 12 th grades at Snake River Junior High, anke River High School, Mountain View Middle School, Blackfoot High School, and ShoBan School. She gradutaed in Political Science from Boise State University and obtained her Master's degree in International Studies from the University of Wyoming. She is married and has two children.

Student Support Services:
Ram Eddings, Advisor/Counselor
Ram Eddings has worked in the TRiO program as an Advisor/Counselor for 14 years dating back to 1980. Ram believes that all students can be successful and believes TRiO is the program that truly does help students reach their educational, career, and life goals. Ram is also an avid rugby fan and coaches the ISU Men's and Women's Rugby club. return to top

Diana Guerrero, Advisor/Counselor, Pocatello
Diana Guerrero has worked for the TRiO program for 11 years as the Recruiter/Advisor in the ETS Placement Program. She is now working with the Student Support Services office of TRiO on Idaho State Univeristy Campus. Diana has her undergraduate degree in Early Childhood Education and her Master's in Human Resource Training and Development. return to top

Upward Bound:
Mike Taylor, Coordinator
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Henry Evans,Coordinator
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