Alexandra Cota is an undergraduate student receiving her B.A. in music with an emphasis in vocal performance and is the undergraduate Student of Distinction from the Department of Music.
Cota is a third-generation Fresno State student who developed her singing and performance abilities during high school. Three years in a row, she was accepted into the CCDA Regional and All-State Honor Choirs and chosen to sing in a National Honor Choir that performed in Carnegie Hall.
“During my senior year of high school, I knew that I wanted to pursue a degree in music, as it had become my greatest passion,” said Cota. “Fortunately, I was accepted into Fresno State’s voice program and Smittcamp Family Honors College.”
In addition to the President’s Honor Scholarship, Cota has received various other scholarships, including the Dean’s Council Scholarship in 2023 and the Bulldog Pride Eartha Kitt Vocal Performance Scholarship in 2021.
“Alexandra is an exceptional student. She is a very talented soprano, a natural leader and a brilliant scholar. She is very erudite and mature for her age and has already garnered some national and international experience,” said Dr. Maria Briggs, associate professor of voice.
Cota is heavily involved in the music department, especially in the vocal and choral areas. She has been a section leader in both the Chamber and Concert Choirs and is the leader of the costumes team for the opera program.
“This Smittcamp scholar is an intellectual and a performer, and she approaches everything she does with an eye to artistry at a high level. She sees obstacles and finds ways to overcome them,” Dr. Anthony Radford, professor of music, voice and opera, said.
The College of Arts and Humanities at Fresno State 