Jose Rivas

Jose Rivas is a Program Coordinator for Student Engagement at Arizona State University's Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions, working within the Center for Academic and Student Affairs (CASA) at the Downtown Phoenix campus. In this role, he manages the Undergraduate Research Program, which supports over 120 students and 30+ faculty annually, and the Sacramento Scholars Internship Program, which places students in California State Capitol internships each semester. He also case-manages approximately 180 students per semester, supervises a team of Peer Academic Leaders and student workers, and produces large-scale events ranging from first-year welcome programming to field-based experiential learning trips.

Jose is currently pursuing a Master of Public Administration at ASU, expected in December 2026. He holds a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Criminology and Criminal Justice with a minor in Justice Studies from Arizona State University, along with certificates in Socio-Legal Studies and Legal Issues in the Criminal Justice System, and an Associate of Arts (AA) in General Studies from Mesa Community College.

Prior to his current position, Jose helped build both the Sacramento Scholars programs from the ground up, first as a Student Program Coordinator with CASA and then as a Management Intern for the Sacramento Scholars Program, where he developed internship programming, advised students, and fostered professional partnerships. He also gained hands-on legislative experience through his internship with Assembly District 52 of the California State Assembly. His earlier professional background includes supervisory and operations experience in healthcare administration and retail, grounding his approach to program management, student development, and public service.