Presenter Bio - Martin Lesaca
Martin Lesaca is an experienced higher education professional and Academic Advisor at Arizona State University, where he advances student success through holistic advising, innovative technology, and data-informed support strategies.
Serving students across the Tempe, Downtown Phoenix, and ASU Online campuses, he has built a career around helping diverse student populations navigate their academic pathways, persist toward graduation, and reach their educational and professional goals.
Lesaca pairs student-centered advising with operational excellence, drawing on deep experience in academic counseling, student services, and university administration. His work centers on building accessible, personalized experiences that empower students to make informed decisions while strengthening the connection between students and the institution. Beyond one-on-one advising, he has contributed to training initiatives, process improvement projects, and the development of advising resources that raise consistency and service quality across academic units.
A strong advocate for the thoughtful integration of technology in higher education, Lesaca has emerged as a leader in applying artificial intelligence to academic advising. As a member of the College of Integrative Sciences and Arts (CISA) AI Task Force, he champions the responsible use of AI to improve communication, streamline administrative processes, and expand access to student resources — all while preserving human relationships at the heart of effective advising. His guiding philosophy: technology should complement, not replace, the personal connections that drive student development and success.
Committed to continuous learning, Lesaca regularly pursues training in artificial intelligence, data analytics, business process improvement, and emerging educational technologies, adapting his practice to meet the evolving demands of higher education and prepare students for a technology-driven future. Outside his professional work, he has a long history of community engagement through volunteer musical ministry, reflecting his broader commitment to leadership and service.
Through student advocacy, technological innovation, and collaborative leadership, Martin continues to advance Arizona State University's mission of excellence, access, and student achievement. Helping shape what academic advising looks like in an AI-enabled future.
