Khou Yang-Vigil
Director of Equity and Access Programs
Contact
707-664-3525
khou.yangvigil@sonoma.edu
Office
Schulz 1114BAbout
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.
Education
- M.S. in Student Affairs and Higher Education, Indiana State University
- B.A. in American Multicultural Studies, Sonoma State University