Meet Our Team

Melissa Glaser
Melissa Glaser
Director

Melissa is a proud Wildcat alumna and has supported K-State students since 2005. Before becoming the program's Director, she served as a TRIO ESS Success Coach, helping students identify and achieve their academic, personal, and professional goals. 

Throughout her career at K-State, Melissa has taught writing and literature courses for the English Department, student success courses for K-State First, and orientation courses for the College of Arts & Sciences. She has also led a team of student workers and provided professional development for staff in the Office of Recruitment and Admissions. Earlier in her career, she worked with students and peer tutors in a program that focused on helping first-year students transition successfully into college.

As a leader, Melissa values intentional collaboration, growth mindset, and above all, an ongoing commitment to student support and success. As Director, she continues to coach students one-on-one and wants every student in the program to know that she is here for them.

B.S. Elementary Education - Kansas State University
B.A. English - Kansas State University
M.A. English - Kansas State University

In her free time, Melissa enjoys yoga, meditation, hiking the Konza Prairie, spending time with friends, serving as a CASA volunteer, and being a mom. She loves trees, music, cats, and her two children. She does not love cooking, but she does make delicious guacamole.

Scott Velasquez, PhD
Scott Velasquez, PhD
Academic Services Coordinator

Dr. Scott Velasquez is an experienced higher education professional with more than 20 years of service in TRIO programs, supporting student access, retention, and success. In his role with TRIO ESS, he manages the tutoring program and coaches students. He earned his PhD in Criminology in 2016. 

In addition to his professional role, Scott is an adjunct professor at Kansas State University and a local community college, where he teaches and mentors students while drawing on his extensive experience in education and student development.

Emily Vieyra
Emily Vieyra
Program Specialist; Writing Specialist

As a TRIO ESS Success Coach, Emily helps students develop goals and navigate campus resources. She values making sure students feel seen, heard, and appreciated. 

As the program's Writing Specialist, Emily also supports student writers in one-to-one meetings to talk through ideas and provide constructive feedback on drafts. 

Before joining the TRIO ESS team, she helped students prepare for graduate school and share their research with TRIO McNair Scholars Program. Emily has several years of higher education teaching experience in expository writing, creative writing, and theater appreciation. Her professional background also includes K-12 visual arts education, art curriculum development, journalism, graphic design, and event coordination.

B.A. English - The University of Kansas
M.A. English - Kansas State University
 
When she’s not on campus, Emily enjoys paper mache and clay sculpting, acrylic painting, teaching community-based art classes, writing short fiction, and spending time with family.

Image not available for Max Pease
Max Pease
Office Specialist

Max is an (almost) lifetime Manhattanite and K-State Wildcat. As the Office Specialist for the Manhattan TRIO ESS program, he supports the team by completing administrative and budgetary tasks for the department. His goal is to ensure that the TRIO coaches and tutors can continue to support students on their journey here at K-State.
After graduating high school, Max attended K-State and loved it. He understands that college can be challenging for many who attend, and he is happy to be part of a program that can help students who may be struggling or facing barriers. He has extensive experience in office support and administration from his background as a medical biller and HR manager here in Manhattan.
When he is not at work, Max enjoys spending time with his partner, learning new skills, woodworking, and playing video games. He has no kids, except for a big fluffy cat and an even fluffier tiny dog. If you’re a student in the TRIO program, curious about it, or just in the building, feel free to stop by Holton Hall 103 to say hi!