“It’s never too late!” — Celebrating Christy Valencia
Christy Valencia reckons that she was the only one in Southern California with an OSU Beavs sweatshirt. Well, at least at Downey High School, she was the only one. Valencia wore that sweatshirt when she visited the Corvallis campus senior year. But alas! Out-of-state tuition was off the table for the family.
Howver, she was meant to be a Beav: 17 years later, she’s part of the Class of 2026, earning her bachelor’s in management.
“It's never too late!” Valencia said, who has spent the past several years balancing full‑time work, full‑time life, and full‑time learning — and doing it all with excellence.
Additionally, while converting her status to an OSU alumna, she’s been an OSU employee. Valencia studied online with Ecampus while working full-time in the College of Business advising office as the administrative programming assistant. She hasn’t just been a student; she’s been one of the people who helps the college run.
Valencia is, as her colleagues describe, “the glue” that holds operations together. She manages processes, solves problems and keeps the team functioning smoothly — all while earning top grades and seeking out leadership opportunities. Her colleagues see her as someone who “gets stuff done,” but also as someone who lifts others up, cheers them on and models what it means to be a leader.
My supervisor, Charlie Just, the whole advising team, and many amazing teachers and colleagues helped me along the way.
With an academic journey uniquely intertwined with her professional one, she has experienced the College of Business from both sides of the desk: working inside the very office that supports business students; taking the courses her colleagues, the advisors, recommend; navigating the online learning environment with discipline and curiosity; and sharing a deep understanding of what student success looks like in practice. The whole team cheers her on.
“My supervisor, Charlie Just, the whole advising team, and many amazing teachers and colleagues helped me along the way,” she said.
Their encouragement — paired with Valencia’s determination — helped her grow as a student and prepare as a leader ready for new opportunities.
One of the highlights of Valencia’s time as an undergraduate student was joining the inaugural cohort of the Ricci Leadership Academy, an experience she describes as energizing and transformative. Hearing from inspiring leaders, connecting with peers and exploring her own leadership identity helped her see the breadth of what she’s capable of. It also affirmed something her colleagues already knew: Valencia leads with integrity, curiosity and a commitment to community.
After graduation, Valencia plans to stay at OSU while pursuing her MBA. The College of Business is so proud to celebrate this milestone with her — and even more proud for everything that’s next.
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