“Embrace the messiness”: Departing Staff Advisor Mayté Frías reflects on her term

As Mayté Frías steps down from her role as staff advisor, she is most grateful for those who taught and supported her along the way.

“The people who work behind the scenes at UC are problem solvers. They’ve shown me how to take inventory, identify a problem that is within my control, and get to work.” 

This mindset is serving Mayté well in the position she began last fall as Director of Avanza in Inclusive Excellence at UC Davis, working to break down barriers to student success. “I’ve always believed that data can be a catalyst for equity, and Avanza demonstrates that every day. We connect the dots between what students need and the resources that can help them succeed.”

The next staff advisor to the Regents will be announced in the next few months. As Mayté approaches her last meeting of the Board of Regents as staff advisor, she shares some reflections on her two-year term.

Was the experience what you expected?

Nothing could have prepared me — my world exploded! To prepare for a meeting, I’d have 1,000 pages of information about all sorts of topics. It was a steep learning curve, but I’ve come away with a much more nuanced understanding of how the university works and the complexities of higher education. I’ve also developed a deeper understanding of the ways in which federal and state policy affect how the UC fulfills its mission.

What accomplishments are you most proud of?

UC winning five Nobel prizes in one year was definitely a highlight! At a time when there are so many threats to our mission, that accomplishment was incredibly inspiring. Seeing the global impact of UC’s research enterprise has made me even more committed to the importance of advocating for UC on the state and federal level.

What advice would you give the next staff advisor?

Be flexible and embrace the messiness. Be ready to change your priorities, approach, and opinion. And be ready to walk away with a deeper love for the University of California.

Any final words?

Yes — I have so many people to thank!

President Drake has my full admiration and gratitude. He always kept his eyes on the mission of higher ed and the University of California. It’s been a privilege to get to know President Milliken and see his laser focus on the big issues facing the UC. Both presidents are visionaries who showed me immense kindness. Rachael Nava, Nathan Brostrom, Yvette Gullat, Dave Rubin, and Marisa McAuliffe were all welcoming, supportive and open. I learned a lot from them. Dale Williams was the first and last stop every time I got lost, which happened often. 

At UC Davis, Chancellor May and Vice Chancellors Engelback and Reguerín have been incredibly supportive. I couldn’t have taken this on without their guidance and encouragement. UC Irvine’s Chancellor Gillman, who was my advisor, was insightful, generous, and fun to work with.

Both Regent Hernandez and Regent Komoto have enriched my life both personally and professionally, and I can’t thank them enough.

Finally, I’ve really enjoyed going on this ride with Staff Advisors Andenet [Emiru] and Matt [Hanson]. President Drake couldn’t have picked better work partners for me. They both are the highest caliber of professional you can find, and the staff advisor role gave me the opportunity to learn from them and become their friend. That was the biggest gift.