Khou Yang-Vigil

Nyob Zoo! My name is Khou Yang-Vigil and I have the honor of being the Educational Opportunity Program Coordinator and EOP Advisor. I am a Californian Hmong-American native and was born in San Pablo, California and lived the majority of my life in the beautiful wine country in northern California. I am a daughter of immigrant refugees and am the first person in my family (out of eight siblings) to earn a Bachelor’s degree and Master’s degree breaking the cycle of poverty. In 2006, I earned my Bachelor of Arts degree in American Multicultural Studies from Sonoma State University. I’ve always loved education and helping others to reach their full potential so in 2008, I left my comfort zone and moved out of state to attend graduate school at Indiana State University to earn my Master of Science in Higher Education and Student Affairs. I am a proud EOP Alumna and I wouldn’t be the person I am today without the love and support of EOP. 

I have worked within the California State University system for 10 years; beginning my career at Humboldt State University from 2010-2012 and then coming back to my alma mater, Sonoma State University, in 2012 to give back to the community who gave so much to me when I was an undergraduate student. I have a background in student leadership development, holistic advising - focusing on the whole student and making sure all aspects of the student is well and healthy (i.e. academics, personal, mental health well-being). I also bring with me expertise in crisis/emergency response, conflict mediation and communication, and event/program planning. 

I am blessed with having a beautiful loving family with my husband and three beautiful children. My children are my proudest accomplishments. In my spare time, I enjoy being able to play with my children, hiking, biking, and binge watching Kdrama. 

HOW I CAN HELP:

• Provide strategies and share best practices in support of underserved, first generation, low-income, and educationally disadvantaged students based on research/data and years of experience within the field of higher education. 

• Support and develop students individually to realize and maximize their highest potential in order to successfully complete and earn their Bachelor’s degree from academic planning to career and personal development. 

• Provide a safe, brave, and inclusive space for any individual who walks into my office to be heard, validated, and listened to. 

• Work collaboratively across campus and within the community in order to best serve and meet the needs of our students.