What I Do
As the Dean of Student Access, I work with a team of Admissions professionals, Assistant Directors, and a Web and Technology Support Specialist to ensure our students receive the best assistance possible in-person, over the phone, and online to start and stay in college. Additionally, I work out in the community to create new pathways to the College.
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Biography
Luis emerged from a childhood spent amidst the agricultural landscapes of the Treasure Valley, where he engaged in tasks such as weeding onions, harvesting potatoes, and tending to fruit trees. Motivated by a desire to transcend his agricultural roots, he embarked on an educational journey that led him from the fields to the classrooms of Boise State University.
Having earned his bachelor's degree, Luis gained five years of professional experience before returning to his alma mater for a master’s degree in public administration. In 2023 he obtained the Strategic Enrollment Management Endorsement from the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers. He is currently pursuing a doctorate in higher education administration, showcasing his unwavering commitment to education.
In 2003, Caloca initiated his career in higher education at Boise State University as a Career/Follow-Up Counselor for the College Assistance Migrant Program. He assisted students with employment and support services to improve retention rates. He joined the Larry Selland College of Applied Technology in 2007 as an Advisor/Call Center Coordinator. Caloca started a call center for the college with a mission to provide personalized outreach to students interested in career and technical education. He was part of a team that generated a 10% increase in enrollment. In July 2008, he played a pivotal role as a founding staff member of the College of Western Idaho (CWI) before the institution enrolled its first students. Currently, he holds a role overseeing Admissions and One Stop Student Services. He is a strong believer in student and staff feedback providing multiple channels to generate information that can be used to improve admissions operations. Over the years Caloca has led many initiatives to revise policies and processes, create communication campaigns, and reimagine student facing tools with an eye for ease of use facilitating student access.
Caloca is an active participant in various professional associations, including the Pacific Northwest Association for College Admission Counseling, National Association for College Admission Counseling, American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers, and Idaho Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admission Officers, where he served as President in 2012. He has presented at regional conferences on various topics including: Idaho’s Direct Admissions Initiative, recruitment of various student groups, the innovative use of technology, and most recently the proliferation and integration of artificial intelligence to increase staff efficiency and better serve students.
Beyond his professional commitments, Caloca is deeply engaged in the community. He has served as a board member for the Idaho Latino Scholarship Foundation and the University of Idaho President’s Latino Advisory Council. Currently, he acts as the State Advisor for the Future Hispanic Leaders of America, a high school organization he co-founded in 1997. Caloca is also a board member for the Idaho Hispanic Business Association and an ambassador for the Idaho Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. He serves on the Nampa Schools Foundation board and is a member of the Healthy Impact Nampa Coalition, reflecting his dedication to the city he proudly calls home.
In his leisure time, Caloca cherishes moments with his family, indulges in gaming, explores Nampa’s evolving downtown scene, enjoys the rhythm of dance and the melody of karaoke.
Education
- M.P.A., B.A., Boise State University
Service Areas
- Admissions
- communication, processing, and recruitment
- international admissions
- military recruitment
- Latinx Student Services
- One Stop Student Services