Mari Harris, Ed.D.
Director of Education Programs, UC Merced PACE
Dr. Harris oversees the Teacher Preparation Program (TPP) preparing single subject and multiple subject candidates for a preliminary teaching credential. In addition, Dr. Harris is an instructor for several TPP courses; Foundations of Teaching and Project Based Learning (PBL). Dr. Harris received her BA and clear multiple subject teaching credential from California State University, Sacramento. Furthermore, Dr. Harris is a graduate of Mills College in Oakland, California where she received her Masters in Staff Development, Clear Administrative Credential and Doctorate in Educational Leadership.
She has more than 25 years in K-12 education as principal, vice-principal, site instructional coordinator and teacher. Dr. Harris taught master’s courses and doctorate courses at Shanghai Normal University in Shanghai, China. She is a lifelong learner and an advocate for 21st Century Culturally Relevant Teaching (CRT). Dr. Harris is passionate about preparing teachers to meet the diverse student population in the Central Valley, and the state of California.
"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world."
-Nelson Mandela
Clarence McFerren II, Ed.D.
Assistant Director Teacher Preparation Program, UC Merced PACE
Dr. McFerren, a Memphis native with nearly two decades of education experience, is the Assistant Director of the Teacher Preparation Program. Committed to fostering inclusivity, he empowers aspiring educators for lifelong learning and leadership, emphasizing hands-on experiences and cutting-edge methods to navigate the dynamic educational landscape. Recognizing educators’ impact, Dr. McFerren guides the program to cultivate culturally responsive teachers focused on social-emotional learning and wellness.
Starting as a preschool teacher in the District of Columbia, he taught at every grade level, predominantly as a public and charter Title I urban classroom teacher in Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia. Dr. McFerren, a former district-level administrator, unapologetically advocates for equitable access to creative arts and early childhood education. His research focuses on qualitative methods, explicitly addressing Black male teachers’ retention and belonging and the professional relationships between educational leaders and marginalized populations. Specializing in arts education, Dr. McFerren champions interdisciplinary, inquiry, and project-based learning and is known for his TEDx Talk, “Mental Liberation through Dance,” addressing mental health stigma.
Mayra Franco, B.A.
Credential Analyst and Program Coordinator
Mayra Franco was born and raised in Los Angeles and graduated from CSU, Northridge with a double Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Studies and Central American Studies in Spring 2019. Mayra started working as a student assistant in the Teaching Credential office and remained for the past 17 years in the world of Teaching Credentialing. When not at work, she likes to spend time with her family and friends. She also enjoys camping and loves nature outings.
Diana Saucedo-Nunez, M.Ed
Bilingual Added Authorization & CALTPA Coordinator
Diana Saucedo-Nunez obtained her bachelor's degree in Liberal Studies with a concentration in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL). She has a Multiple Subject Bilingual, Crosscultural, Language and Academic Development (BLCAD) Credential. Diana has worked for Merced City School District as a primary and upper grade classroom teacher for 9 years.
