Andrew Miller
Years Taught UNIV100: First year
Profession: Senior Academic Advisor, Center for Academic Advising, Retention, & Transitions
Why did you become a University Faculty Instructor?
I love helping students navigate and maximize their higher education experience to achieve their academic and life goals. Teaching UNIV 100 helps me be a better advisor!
Ann Ludwick
Years Taught UNIV100: First year
Profession: Assistant Dean, Schar School of Policy and Government
Why did you become a University Faculty Instructor?
I wanted to build deeper connections with students outside of orientation, and what better way to help students successfully transition than to teach UNIV 100.
Rhina Alvarado
Years Taught UNIV100: 3 years
Profession: Associate Director, Early Identification Program
David Atkins
Years Taught University 100: 22
Profession: Director of Licensing, Marketing and Administration
Why did you become a University Faculty Instructor? To help make the first semester of new students a little easier and offer them a resource beyond the class and during their future years at Mason.
Christian Barber
Years Taught University 100: 2
Profession: Assistant Director, Housing & Residence Life
Why did you become a University Faculty Instructor? Mason is a very large and constantly growing community with countless resources and opportunities for new students. By being a part of the UNIV 100 faculty team, I hope to contribute to our new students’ first semester experience and help provide them with the knowledge, skills, and connections to excel at Mason.
Jana Biever
Years Taught University 100: 2
Profession: High School Counselor.
Why did you become a University Faculty Instructor? While I was in my Master’s program, I worked closely with the Peer Advisor Team as a Graduate Assistant in CAART. I truly loved my time as their supervisor and support system so I knew that I wanted to continue to be a part of the UNIV program. I am excited to welcome incoming freshmen to Mason and help them navigate their first year out of high school!
Brandi Blake
Years Taught University 100: 2
Profession: Assistant Director for the Office of Diversity, Inclusion and Multicultural Education
Why did you become a University Faculty Instructor? Being a University 100 instructor means I have the privilege of serving as a resource to first year students beyond their Mason Orientation. This is also an opportunity for me to meet students outside of those that I interact with on a daily basis.
Ryan Braaten
Years Taught University 100: 4
Profession: Development and Alumni Affairs
Why did you become a University Faculty Instructor? To help students realize their goals, create a roadmap to success and make the most of their time at Mason.
Cameron Shaw
Years Taught University 100: 2
Profession: Director of Student Outreach, College of Humanities and Social Sciences
Why did you become a University Faculty Instructor? I became a UNIV 100 instructor so that I could continue to make meaningful connections with new students beyond those initial experiences at Mason. Also, as a passionate Mason alumna and current doctoral student myself, I enjoy every opportunity to share the resources that the university offers and to help students be successful and discover their own paths at Mason!
Katie Clare
Years Taught University 100: 8
Profession: Assistant Dean, Undergraduate Academic Affairs, Humanities and Social Sciences
Why did you become a University Faculty Instructor? Most of my day job is done in my office, and it doesn’t require or allow for interactions with students. I became a UNIV 100 instructor because I wanted some variety and wanted the opportunity to interact with students in the classroom. I love seeing how students develop in that first semester of college – the growth, the struggle, the opportunity; I’m honored to be a part of that experience for my students.
Vanessa Correa
Years Taught University 100: 2
Profession: Associate Director, ODIME
Why did you become a University Faculty Instructor? I absolutely love to teach. When I transitioned to Mason from NOVA, I didn’t think I’d have the chance to teach for awhile, while I adjusted to the new position. The opportunity arose to teach UNIV 100, and I am thrilled!
Latasha Eley
Years Taught University 100: 3
Profession: Education Research Specialist
Why did you become a University Faculty Instructor? As a former student affairs professional I worked in college admissions, academic advising, and with new student orientation. I thoroughly enjoyed how satisfying it felt to impact students’ lives daily. My current role as a federal employee allows for limited contact with the public, so I am excited about the opportunity to continue interacting regularly with college students at Mason.
Chanel Figueroa
Years Taught University 100: 2
Profession: Recruitment and Enrollment Services Specialist- College of Education and Human Development.
Why did you become a University Faculty Instructor? I want to create a safe community for first-year students to learn about the opportunities Mason has to offer. I hope that students leave this course with enhanced self-awareness and eagerness to dive deep into the college experience.
Jonathan Goldman
Years Taught University 100: 5
Profession: IT Director
Janae Johnson
Years Taught University 100: 2
Profession: Higher Education Administration
Why did you become a University Faculty Instructor? Two reasons: I love supporting students and I love Mason! In my role with University Information, helping students new (and old) to Mason find the resources or answers they need is one of the best parts of my job. I’ve always had a desire to teach, so the opportunity to share my knowledge and experience in the classroom drew me right in. I’m excited for this first year as a UNIV Faculty!
Alissa Karton
Years Taught University 100: 22
Profession: Student Affairs, University Life
Why did you become a University Faculty Instructor? Get to know students and be a resource for them in their transition to Mason and throughout their tenure as Mason students and beyond.
Patty Mathison
Years Taught University 100: 1
Profession: Director, Social Action and Integrative Learning
Why did you become a University Faculty Instructor? I became a University 100 Faculty Instructor to be able to aid in building and creating connections for incoming students to Mason. I love being able to witness a student’s growth throughout the years as they gain confidence and understand their own growth and potential.
Ric McClendon
Years Taught University 100: 12
Profession: Higher Education Administration
Why did you become a University Faculty Instructor? As a student affairs professional, being in the classroom provides an opportunity to engage students in an academic environment to create co-curricular experiences. UNIV 100 provides the platform and a high-energy space to do just that as we welcome new.
Eve Montavon
Years Taught University 100: 9
Profession: School Counselor
Why did you become a University Faculty Instructor? I have worked as a counselor in CAPS- Learning Services and I work with many students who has challenges and questions as they became part of the GMU community who needed a class like this- so I wanted to proactively be part of the team welcoming with new students and helping them successfully transition into their new “college family.”
Lisa Nolder
Years Taught University 100: 6
Profession: Associate Director and Academic Advisor for Undergraduate Programs in the Civil and Infrastructure Engineering
Why did you become a University Faculty Instructor? I enjoy working with undergraduate students and hope to make a positive impact on their transition to college.
Brandon Quiles
Years Taught University 100: 2
Profession: Student Engagement Coordinator for the College of Education and Human Development, PhD Student
Why did you become a University Faculty Instructor? The opportunity to teach for the first time, and be a mentor and resource to new students sounded like an exciting and challenging new experience.
Hortense Rascoe
Years Taught University 100: 8
Profession: Student Conduct
Why did you become a University Faculty Instructor? Love the positive interactions with students.
Seth Richards
Years Taught University 100: 1
Profession: Resident Director, Housing and Residence Life
Why did you become a University Faculty Instructor? I genuinely appreciate the reciprocal learning process that occurs in the classroom: “true teachers are those who use themselves as bridges over which they invite their students to cross; then, having facilitated their crossing, joyfully collapse, encouraging them to create their own.” ― Nikos Kazantzakis
Kylie Stamm
Years Taught University 100: 1st year
Profession: Assistant Director in Diversity, Inclusion, and Multicultural Education.
Why did you become a University Faculty Instructor? I wanted the opportunity to connect with incoming students to work with a PA to help new students feel a sense of community and belonging at Mason. The first few weeks of college are the most critical and can be difficult for many… I remember it was for me. There are so many resources and opportunities within the university, however it’s not always intuitive to navigate at the beginning. I look forward to connecting with the students in our class and learning with them.
J. Artel Smith
Years Taught University 100: 10
Profession: Federal Government Employee
Why did you become a University Faculty Instructor? To make a difference and to give back!
Kareema Smith
Years Taught University 100: 2
Profession: Student Success Coordinator, Honors College
Why did you become a University Faculty Instructor? I have had the pleasure to experience the UNIV 100 course as both a student in the course and as a Peer Advisor who co-taught the course. Without this course, I fully know that my transition into college would not have been the same. Creating a genuine community within the classroom while also helping to support students as they navigate the first semester at Mason are what I am most excited for!
Mikaela Spencer
Years Taught University 100: First year
Profession: Program Administrator in the Global Education Office
Why did you become a University Faculty Instructor: To help students transition to Mason. I remember taking a freshmen transitions course in college and found it very helpful.
Nicole Springer
Years Taught University 100: 2nd
Profession: Assistant Dean
Why did you become a University Faculty Instructor? I mostly teach students who are nearing the end of their college careers. I love working with students and would like to learn more about our first-year population. I hope to help students transition to college and learn about all the wonderful opportunities Mason has to offer. The more students feel comfortable in their first year the more confident they will feel throughout their entire college career.
Rebecca Stauffacher
Years Taught University 100: 2
Profession: Coordinator for Family Programs, Orientation and Family Programs and Services
Why did you become a University Faculty Instructor? Both of my parents are teachers, and I have always wanted to try my hand at teaching. I’m excited to team up with a Peer Advisor to help new students navigate Mason and all of its resources!
Christian Suero
Years Taught University 100: 2
Profession: PhD Student – Sociology
Why did you become a University Faculty Instructor? I became a University Faculty Instructor because I want to give back to the everyday George Mason student. Every student should have the opportunity to learn about their university and what it offers. I want to help students find opportunities and become the best versions of themselves!
Brad Teague
Years Taught University 100: 2
Profession: Resident Director
Why did you become a University Faculty Instructor? I wanted to become a UNIV instructor to help first year students better transition into college, as well as make connections with students and hear their stories.
Liz Wallis
Years Taught University 100: 1st year
Profession: Registration Specialist
Why did you become a University Faculty Instructor? I became a UNIV Faculty Instructor to work with our Global Gateway: South Africa students. I look forward to not only helping students succeed in their transition to Mason, but to be as prepared as possible for their semester abroad.
DaFran Ware
Years Taught University 100: 7
Profession: Academic Advisor, School of Engineering
Why did you become a University Faculty Instructor? I enjoy connecting with students in a different way beyond advising in my office. I enjoy helping new incoming students transition into college life.
Aubrey Whitehead
Years Taught University 100: 2
Profession: PhD student
Why did you become a University Faculty Instructor? The transition to college can be a tough one. Just want to help make the process as smooth as possible for incoming freshmen.
Shannon Williams
Years Taught University 100: 1st year
Profession: Director of PhD Student Services, Schar School of Policy and Government
Why did you become a University Faculty Instructor? College life is about so much more than classes. The community we create in class can help students explore the full range of opportunities available to them during their time at Mason.
Dianna Leonard
Years Taught University 100: First year
Profession: Program Administrator, Global Education Office
Why did you become a University Faculty Instructor? I want to help students adjust to initial college life and beyond. I participated in a similar program when I was a freshmen and found it very helpful.
Howard Eaves, Jr.
Years Taught University 100: First Year
Profession: Business Process Analyst, Federal Government
Why did you become a UNIV Faculty Instructor? This gives me an opportunity to give back to those transitioning from high school to higher education. There were things that I wish “someone” had shared with me when I made that transition. Now I have the opportunity to be that “someone”
Jannevince “Jan” Quijada
Years Taught University 100: First Year
Profession: Assistant Director of 1st Generation Students at ODIME
Why did you become a UNIV Faculty Instructor? As a first generation college student myself, I can relate to the challenges that first-generation students face. As a UNIV 100 Faculty Instructor for the STEP section, I seek to empower other first-gen college students through academic success and community involvement in Mason.
Kayla Vaughan
Years Taught University 100: First year
Profession: Graduate Assistant in CAART Office
Why did you become a UNIV Faculty Instructor? I really enjoyed my time as undergraduate student at Mason. I want to help students with the transition and fall in love with Mason like I did.
LuLu Géza Kelemen
Years Taught University 100: First Year
Profession: Assistant Director, LGBTQ Resources
Why did you become a UNIV Faculty Instructor? To support students in finding resources when they get to Mason, especially LGBTQ+ identified students!
Lauren Wagner
Years Taught University 100: 4
Profession: Assistant Director for Undergraduate Academic Advising
Name: Jessica Clark
Years taught University 100: 2
Profession: Development & communications Officer, University Libraries
Why did you become a UNIV Faculty Instructor: I became a Univ 100 instructor to connect with students and to support them as they make their transition to life at Mason. Starting college is an exciting time with many options, and I enjoy working with students to help them lay the foundations for a successful Mason experience.
Name: Julie Trkula
Years Taught at Mason: First year
Profession: General Manager, Green Machine Ensembles
Why did you become a UNIV Faculty Instructor? I wanted to help new Mason students with their transition to college. I interact closely with Mason students in all of the Green Machine Ensembles, and thought it would be a great addition to continue that interaction with our students through this course.
Name: Stormi Woltz
Years Taught at Mason: First year
Profession: Academic Advisor; Recreation, Health, and Tourism
Why did you become a UNIV Faculty Instructor? Some of the most profound things students learn in college are cultured outside of the classroom. I am interested in bringing these life lesson into a classroom setting to help students transition into a new part of their lives.
Name: Samantha Greenberg
Years Taught at Mason: First year
Profession: Associate Director (of Family Programs), Orientation and Family Programs and Services
Why did you become a UNIV Faculty Instructor? I love working with new students and wanted an opportunity to be more involved in their transition than just over the summer at orientation. The best piece of advice I can give to new students is to “find your person”, someone who you can turn to for help when you don’t even know where to start. That person doesn’t have to have all the answers, but they know someone who does and will point you in the right direction. I am excited to teach UNIV 100 and to be that person for new students.
Name: Sara Montiel
Years Taught at Mason: 6
Profession: Associate Director of Student Services, School of Integrative Studies
Why did you become a UNIV Faculty Instructor? The students! I started teaching UNIV 100 to get better connected with students. Six years ago (and four offices ago) I of course worked with students, but they were brief encounters. Teaching UNIV 100 gave me an opportunity to develop relationships with students, which opens the door on serving them better, and that’s why I keep coming back!
Name: Vita Vock
Years Taught at Mason: 7 years
Profession: Professor
Why did you become a UNIV Faculty Instructor? I went through a lot when I was an undergraduate and wanted to help students at Mason have a great first semester experience!
Name: Moira Kelley
Years Taught at Mason: 1
Profession: Administrator, Global Gateway Program, GEO
Why did you become a UNIV Faculty Instructor? I became a UNIV instructor to ensure that my first year Global Gateway students have a smooth transition from high school, to university life and ultimately to their overseas Gateway location!
Name: Hermione Pickett
Profession: Academic Advisor
Why did you become a UNIV faculty Instructor? I wanted to teach a first-year seminar because I am passionate about supporting our diverse student body in getting off to a good start in their academic career at Mason. This is my first year teaching a UNIV 100 course.
Name: Dr. Tina Bell
Year I began teaching: 2018
Profession: Assistant Professor of Biology
Why I am a UNIV faculty Instructor: I enjoy helping new college students feel successful and comfortable in the college setting. I see this as a great opportunity to meet a variety of students across campus.
Name: Alexandra Wallace
What year did you begin teaching at Mason? 2018
Profession: Global Discovery Program Administrator, UNIV Global Gateway Instructor
Why did you become a UNIV Faculty Instructor: I am passionate about intentional, intercultural experiences and am excited to be working with Gateway students in navigating the Mason experience, as well as the study abroad experience