Student Life
STUDENT LIFE AT PACIFICA
Our mission is to cultivate a welcoming, inclusive, and engaging graduate student experience that fosters connection, belonging, and personal growth. Through intentional support, meaningful community opportunities, and responsive services, Student Life partners with students from onboarding through graduation to help them thrive academically, socially, and holistically.
Our Commitments
Belonging and Community
We are committed to creating spaces and experiences where all students feel heard, valued, and connected. Through orientation, campus tours, student clubs, peer mentorship, and community gatherings, we foster a culture of belonging that supports diverse perspectives and shared learning.
Support Across the Student Journey
We are committed to supporting students at every stage of their graduate experience—from onboarding and transition to graduate studies. By providing thoughtful coordination of lodging, dining, mentorship programs, and student-centered resources, we reduce barriers and help students focus on learning, growth, and purpose.
Partnership, Care, and Engagement
We are committed to listening to students and partnering with them in shaping a vibrant campus life reflective of Pacifica’s mission and values. Guided by care, responsiveness, and shared responsibility, we continuously evolve our programs and services to meet the changing needs of our graduate community and to strengthen engagement, well-being, and student success.
Lauren Lastra, M.P.A.
Lauren Lastra, MPA, Dean of Students and Accreditation Liaison Officer (ALO), brings a mission-centered approach to organizational life. While at Pacifica, she has supported three successful WSCUC accreditation cycles spanning more than sixteen years, founded the Student Life Department in 2018—which she continues to oversee—and has served on numerous institutional councils and committees. In 2020, Lauren was nominated by her colleagues and appointed by the President to serve a two-year term as the inaugural staff representative on Pacifica’s Board of Trustees.
Prior to joining Pacifica, she lived in Chile’s Valparaíso region, where she worked as an Educator with the United Nations Development Programme, developing curriculum and teaching grades 6–12. Lauren is the President and a Founding Board Member of Santa Ynez Valley Pride and also serves as a Local Chapter Lead for Moms Demand Action.
Nicole Kitzmann
Nicole Kitzmann is the Associate Director of Student Residential Life at Pacifica. She is committed to the organization and implementation of all of your residential lodging and meal needs. Nicole has worked at Pacifica in the area of hospitality for almost a decade and enjoys ensuring that all students’ needs are met to the best of her ability. Prior to employment at Pacifica, Nicole’s professional experience stems from housing management, personal assisting, and security/first response. She graduated from Arizona State University with a degree in Sociology. In her free time, Nicole enjoys long walks with her dog Cozmo, catching a live sporting event, and time with family and friends.
Geovany “Geo” Lucero
Geovany “Geo” Lucero is the Student Life Coordinator at Pacifica. They are committed to serving students as a resource and amplifying DEI practices on campuses. Geo has over five years of experience in student affairs and enjoys being a part of people’s academic journey. Prior to working at Pacifica, they studied feminist studies (B.A.) at University of California, Santa Barbara. While attending UCSB, they were involved in student organizing, advocacy, and leadership throughout various campus organizations such as the Multicultural Center, Hermanas Unidas de UCSB, Associated Students and more. Their leadership as the 2021-22 Student Advocate General tackled areas such as: return-to-campus guidelines/COVID-19 policies, student housing crises, academic policy/procedure accountability, and student casework. They developed a passion for helping students navigate through their campus resources, programs, and policies in hopes of alleviating any pressures or roadblocks. Geo has worked in student affairs, event programming, public speaking, community advocacy/organizing, as well as dabbling into their barista skills at Starbucks. They enjoy exploring restaurant recommendations, attending live shows/concerts, and adventuring nature with their two dogs, Sage and Gansito.
