Evelyn Lopez
Associated Dean of the College of the Arts
Cal State Fullerton
Fullerton, CA USA
“If you have the passion for the art you are making, money and success will follow, but only if you persist.”
Milestones
My road in life took a while to figure out.
I wanted to be a chef but after an awful experience with a customer, I decided it wasn't for me.
I went back to school after a friend suggested it.
I discovered I really liked to draw and I thought I would major in drawing and painting.
I was accepted into a highly selective drawing and painting major program.
I ended up switching to graphic design.
I was working in the industry as a graphic designer while working a second job for two years when I realized I didn't want to do this anymore.
I had a friend in the education field and decided I wanted the lifestyle he had.
I went back to school to pursue a degree in education.
Education
High School
Certification/License
Higher Education/Higher Education Administration
California State University, Fullerton
Higher Education/Higher Education Administration
California State University, Fullerton
Career
Associated Dean of the College of the Arts
I oversee all facilities: music, dance, theater and the visual arts.
Career Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Art
Education
Helping People
Day to Day
There's always something to fix and I'm walking around making sure all facilities are running as they should be. If the lights are out in a theater I'm the one that gets that call and I have to go fix it.
Advice for Getting Started
Here's the first step for college students
Visit the career center and talk to a specialist in the major you want to pursue and maybe down the line you could get an internship as well.
Recommended Education
My career is not related to what I studied. I'd recommend this path instead:
Hurdles
The Noise I Shed
From Parents:
"You shouldn't study art because you're not going to make a living."
Challenges I Overcame
First-Generation College Student
