Meet The UNIV 100 Faculty
Name: Achim Loch
What year did you start teaching UNIV? Fall 2019
Profession: Senior Marketing and Outreach Specialist, Global Education Office
Why did you become a UNIV Faculty Instructor? I’m a first-generation college graduate and the first in my family to live in another country. I want to help others to adjust to life in college and abroad.
Name: Allie Wallace
What year did you start teaching UNIV? Fall 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.
Name: Alissa Karton
What year did you start teaching UNIV? Fall 1996
Profession: Student Affairs
Why did you become a UNIV Faculty Instructor? Because it’s the best job ever. Love getting to know Mason freshmen and helping them get acclimated to college life and creating awareness on all that Mason offers to help them be successful.
Name: Allie Edwards
Year: Fall 2019
Profession: Student Retention Specialist for the College of Science
Why I became an instructor: Because working in my position, I feel that a smooth transition to college is really important for student success. I want to teach students how to succeed at the university level!
Name: Ann Ludwick
What year did you start teaching UNIV? Fall 2019
Profession: Assistant Dean, Schar School of Policy and Government
Why did you become a UNIV 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.
Name: James “Artel” Smith
What year did you start teaching UNIV? Fall 2008
Profession: Program Manager & Policy Advisor
Why did you become a UNIV Faculty Instructor? I chose to teach because I love helping people and I enjoy helping to shape the minds of young adults.
Name: Ashley Bus Morgan
What year did you start teaching UNIV? Fall 2019
Profession: International Advisor at George Mason University
Why did you become a UNIV Faculty Instructor? I became a UNIV Faculty Instructor because I remember the difficulties I had when I started my higher education journey. I struggled adjusting to life on a campus, and I wish that I had a UNIV 100 course to help me through the process. My passion is serving students, and I can’t wait to help the next generation of university students thrive.
Name: Brad Teague
What year did you start teaching UNIV? Fall 2017
Profession: Assistant Director for Staff Onboarding & Development with Housing & Residence Life
Why did you become a UNIV Faculty Instructor? To engage with first year students and help them smoothly transition into their college career.
Name: Brandon Quiles
What year did you start teaching UNIV? Fall 2017
Profession: Assistant Director for International Programs, OIPS and PhD student
Why did you become a UNIV Faculty Instructor? The opportunity to teach and learn from first-year students. The mentorship and community established in the classroom is one of the most impactful for our freshmen.
Name: Brian J. Benison
What year did you start teaching UNIV?
Fall 2019
Profession: Global Alliance Administrator
Why did you become a UNIV Faculty Instructor?
UNIV is about building a student’s connection to their new home for the next four years. Generating a sense of community is challenging but research shows it is the best way to make sure students can power through the next four years. For UNIV study abroad, it is also about introducing students to the outside world, exploring culture shock, and looking at how global your career opportunities truly could be. I had the chance to experience all of this when I was at university and then in my future career. Teaching UNIV is my way of making sure other students can get the same opportunity.
Name: Cameron Shaw
What year did you start teaching UNIV? Fall 2017
Profession: Director of Student Outreach, College of Humanities and Social Sciences
Why did you become a UNIV Faculty Instructor? In my role, I have the wonderful opportunity to welcome new students to Mason during their orientation process. 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 alumna and current doctoral student, I enjoy every opportunity to share my experiences with new students, to highlight the resources that the university offers, and to help students discover their own paths and passions during their first year at Mason.
Name: Caroline Ramirez-Gaston
What year did you start teaching UNIV? Fall 2019
Profession: Industry Advisor for the heath, science, and sustainability industries.
Why did you become a UNIV Faculty Instructor? To develop long-lasting, genuine relationships with students, to provide support to students during a pivotal time of transition, and to instill and cultivate Mason’s culture of inclusivity.
Name: Casey Smith
What year did you start teaching UNIV? Fall 2019
Profession: Assistant Director for Off-Campus Student Services
Why did you become a UNIV Faculty Instructor? I became a UNIV Faculty instructor to build relationships with students and PAs. As someone who was a first generation college student, currently living in a different state than my home, and working with off-campus and other non-traditional populations, I can bring a great perspective and be an awesome resource to students in a variety of areas! I think the first year of college is a transformational experience and I’m excited to be a part of making that a great one for my students!
Name: Chantee Christian
What year did you start teaching UNIV? Fall 2019
Profession: Senior Program Manager/Government Consultant
Why did you become a UNIV Faculty Instructor? I became an UNIV Faculty Instructor because UNIV 100 was one of my first classes at Mason. My instructor for UNIV 100 was an amazing resource and later became one of my most valuable mentors. I wanted to be able to be a mentor and resource for students the way my instructor was to me and my fellow classmates.
Name: Christian Barber
What year did you start teaching UNIV? Fall 2017
Profession: Associate Director of Residential Communities, Housing & Residence Life
Why did you become a UNIV Faculty Instructor? Mason is 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.
Name: DaFran Ware
What year did you start teaching UNIV? Fall 2016
Profession: Undergraduate Academic Advising Coordinator for Volgenau School of Engineering
Why did you become a UNIV Faculty Instructor? I enjoy making connections with students and being a resource they can use during their time at Mason
Name: David C. Atkins
What year did you start teaching UNIV? 1991
Profession: Higher Education Administration
Why did you become a UNIV 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.
Name: Dominique Vines
What year did you start teaching UNIV? Fall 2019
Profession: Coordinator for Marketing, Housing and Residence Life
Why did you become a UNIV Faculty Instructor? I became a UNIV Faculty Instructor to help first-year students’ transition to college here at Mason and get the most out of their college experience. I typically work with first-year students during their summer orientation sessions, so I am looking forward to further developing my connections with students and watching them grow as Patriots.
Name: Eve Montavon
What year did you start teaching UNIV? Fall 2009
Profession: School Counselor
Why did you become a UNIV Faculty Instructor? I have worked as a counselor in CAPS- Learning Services
Name: Hortense Rascoe
What year did you start teaching UNIV? Fall 2010
Profession: Student Conduct
Why did you become a University Faculty Instructor? Love the positive interactions with students.
Name: Howard Eaves, Jr.
What year did you start teaching UNIV? Fall 2018
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
Name: Jan Quijada
What year did you start teaching UNIV? 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.
Name: Jana Biever
What year did you start teaching UNIV? Fall 2017
Profession: School Counselor – High School
Why did you become a UNIV Faculty Instructor? While I was in my Master’s program at Mason, I worked closely with the fantastic Peer Advisor Team as a Graduate Assistant for CAART. Now as a high school counselor, I love being able to continue to support students’ transition to college and beyond through teaching UNIV 100. The UNIV faculty, Peer Advisors, and staff truly care about helping Mason students feel prepared to tackle their first year of college.
Name: Janae Johnson
What year did you start teaching UNIV? Fall 2016
Profession: Higher Education Administration
Why did you become a UNIV 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 Facult
Name: Jasmyne Rogers
What year did you start teaching UNIV? Fall 2019
Profession: Student Support Specialist, OSCAR & Undergraduate Education
Why did you become a UNIV Faculty Instructor? I applied to become a UNIV faculty instructor because I love helping new students get used to the college environment. I also enjoy building positive relationships with students. While I interact with many students throughout the year, I typically see a revolving door of individuals. I am excited to work with a cohort of students to create an open, positive learning environment where we can grow together.
Name: Jennifer Sawyer
What year did you start teaching UNIV? Fall 2019
Profession: Undergraduate Recruitment and Admissions Coordinator in the College of Health and Human Services
Why did you become a UNIV Faculty Instructor? I decided to become a UNIV Faculty Instructor to connect with first year students and help them navigate all the different resources here at George Mason. I want to be someone they can come to with any questions during their first year at Mason and beyond. Ultimately, I want to encourage them to become part of this community and come to love it just as much as I do!
Name: Jonathan Goldman
What year did you start teaching UNIV? Fall 2013
Profession: Director, Computing Resources, Volgenau School of Engineering
Why did you become a UNIV Faculty Instructor? I offered to teach the UNIV class for students with majors in the Volgenau School of Engineering because I thought the students could benefit from my experiences in various aspects of the fields in which they were majoring.
Name: Josh Kinchen
What year did you start teaching UNIV? 2018
Profession: Associate Director, LGBTQ Resources, ODIME + LGBTQ Resources, George Mason University
Why did you become a UNIV Faculty Instructor? I want to connect with students and help them have a successful first year at Mason.
Name: Krista Uhrig
What year did you start teaching UNIV? Fall 2019
Profession: Program Operations Manager, International Enrollment Partnerships
Why did you become a UNIV Faculty Instructor? Transitioning from high school to college has many challenges, and I want to serve as a resource and mentor to students navigating those challenges. It is also exciting to see students transform from “the new kids on campus” into confident students who feel more comfortable navigating new situations and sharing their knowledge with peers.
Name: Sehrish Hussain
What year did you start teaching University 100: Fall 2019
Profession: Masters student in Counseling and Development; Learning Strategist in Office of Disability Services.
Why did you become a University Faculty Instructor? I love teaching and I find the classroom to be a transformative space where growth happens. I love to witness this growth by collaboratively learning from first year students and help them reach their potential. Transitioning into college can both scary and exciting and I hope support them through this process!
Name: Dr. Latasha Eley
What year did you start teaching UNIV? Fall 2016
Profession: Institutional Review Specialist
Why did you become a UNIV 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 position allows for limited student contact, so I am excited about the opportunity to continue interacting regularly with college students at Mason.
Name: Lauren Wagner
What year did you start teaching UNIV? Fall 2015
Profession: Assistant Director, Academic Affairs in the College of Visual and Performing Arts
Why did you become a UNIV Faculty Instructor? After five years in the Admissions office, getting to meet amazing students coming to Mason, I decided that I wanted to be able to see what they were doing AFTER getting here. I was adjunct faculty at Duke, the University of Rochester and the University of San Francisco before coming to Mason, so the opportunity to get back into the classroom and to watch our students grow and hopefully help them thrive was too exciting to pass up.
Name: Liz Adema
What year did you start teaching UNIV? Fall 2018
Profession: Registration Specialist
Why did you become a UNIV 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.
Name: Lori Alvarado Yi
What year did you start teaching UNIV? Fall 2019
Profession: Academic Advisor
Why did you become a UNIV Faculty Instructor? The most rewarding part about working at a university is getting to know students and sharing resources to support their goals. As a first generation college student, navigating college was so overwhelming. I hope this class, our PA and I can help lessen anxiety and make the transition to college a lot easier.
Name: LuLu Géza Kelemen
What year did you start teaching UNIV? Fall 2018
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!
Name: Maria Perez
What year did you start teaching UNIV? Fall 2019
Profession: Academic Advisor in College of Health and Human Services, Office of Student Affairs
Why did I become a UNIV Faculty Instructor: To provide guidance, mentorship and be a resource to first-year students through their first semester at Mason and afterwards as well.
Name: Marty Abruzzo
What year did you start teaching UNIV? Fall 2019
Profession: Student Services Coordinator, School of Integrative Studies
Why did you become a UNIV Faculty Instructor? As soon as I counseled students at Career Services I realized I want to work in Higher Education and impact students as they navigate to their future.
Name: Megan DuBois
What year did you start teaching UNIV? Fall 2018
Profession: Cultural Arts Manager, City of Fairfax
Why did you become a UNIV Faculty Instructor? I love helping students figure out their place in this world. I feel like UNIV is the perfect place to adjust to college life, and start to think about what you want to do after.
Name: Megan Goforth
What year did you begin teaching at Mason? Fall 2018
Profession: Education Specialist
Why did you become a UNIV Faculty Instructor? To serve as a mentor freshman and teach incoming students all of the amazing things Mason has to offer.
Name: Megan Reichelt
What year did you start teaching UNIV? Fall 2019
Profession: Reference, Research and Instruction Specialist
Why did you become a UNIV Faculty Instructor? I became a University 100 teacher because, as a librarian, I love connecting students with the right resource that will help them succeed or to share a story with them that changes their perspective. I felt that this class was an amazing way for me to interface with the students and help guide them to change the world for the better
Name: Michelle Murphy
What year did you start teaching UNIV? Fall 2019
Profession: Higher Education: Current Position Assistant Director, Alumni Relations
Why did you become a UNIV Faculty Instructor? I believe in the student experience and enjoy the opportunity to be a part of their journey at Mason!
Name: Odette Willis
What year did you start teaching UNIV? Fall 2019
Profession: Adjunct Faculty for School of Nursing
Why did you become a UNIV Faculty Instructor? I love taking ‘wide-eyed,’ brand new students and turning them into knowledgeable, inquisitive, productive professionals. My goal is to empower them to want to learn as much as possible and to take advantage of all the learning opportunities available to them.
I base my teaching on the needs of the students. I firmly believe in using a variety of activities to keep students actively engaged in learning. My greatest joy is witnessing that moment when suddenly, the light bulb comes on and the student has that “AH HAH!” experience. You see a passion light up in their eyes that is phenomenal. These are the experiences that exemplify success and make me interested in working with first-semester students.
Name: Rebecca Stauffacher
What year did you start teaching UNIV? Fall 2017
Profession: Assistant Director of Family Programs, New Student and Family Programs
Why did you become a UNIV Faculty Instructor? Because both of my parents are teachers, I grew up wanting to follow in their footsteps and teach. UNIV 100 provides me with that opportunity! I’m excited to team up with a Peer Advisor to help new students navigate Mason and all of its resources.
Name: Ric McClendon
When did you start teaching UNIV: Fall 2006
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 students.
Name: Ryan Braaten
What year did you start teaching UNIV? Fall 2014
Profession: Associate Director of Development, College of Visual and Performing Arts
Why did you become a UNIV Faculty Instructor? To help students realize their goals, create a roadmap to success and make the most of their time at Mason.
Name: Samantha Greenberg
When did you start teaching UNIV? Fall 2019
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: Sherrene DeLong
What year did you start teaching UNIV? Fall 2019
Profession: Wife, Mom, PhD Student
Why did you become a UNIV Faculty Instructor? I wanted to become a UNIV Faculty Instructor because this is the class I wish I had when I was in college. I wish I had a faculty member who cared about me personally, who could help me navigate the transition into college life. Now I get to be that instructor, and I am thrilled to offer resources, empathy, and some “learned-the-hard-way” insights for my students.
Name: Stormi Woltz
What year did you start teaching UNIV? Fall 2018
Profession: Academic Advisor
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: Theresa Flynn Bevilacqua
What year? Fall 2019
Profession: Mason Success Coach and Global Gateway Instructor, Ireland
Why did you become a UNIV Faculty Instructor? UNIV is the best environment for students all experiencing the thing at the same time to connect and begin building relationships. I thrive in this environment and enjoy nothing more than mentoring students during this transition. Additionally, I’ll bring to this particular group of students, who are studying in Ireland spring 2020, my knowledge of the country, culture and experiences.
Name: Troy Lowery
What year did you start teaching UNIV? First year
Profession: Director of Student Outreach, Undergraduate Academic Affairs, Humanities and Social Sciences
Why did you become a UNIV Faculty Instructor? I know how momentous the first year can be for students transitioning into college. For most, it is a major adjustment and I want to be there as an additional mode of support as they embark on their journey here at Mason. Also, undergraduate students are awesome and already full of rich lived experiences! This should be incorporated into the classroom by acknowledging them as both learners and knowers. We all have something to learn and contribute. Being a UNIV instructor is an amazing importunity to take this mindset and put it into action in a collaborative setting.
Name: Vanessa Correa
What year did you start teaching UNIV? Fall 2017
Profession: Associate Director, Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Multicultural Education (ODIME) + Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer & Questioning (LGBTQ) Resource Center
Why did you become a UNIV Faculty Instructor? I absolutely love to teach and am honored to have the opportunity to work with first generation students in the classroom. It’s a privilege for me to provide academic support in an environment where students are comfortable and can practice/improve upon the necessary skills for a successful transition to Mason. Teaching this course is the highlight of my semester!
Name: Vita Chalk
What year did you start teaching UNIV? Fall 2011
Profession: Associate Dean of Undergraduate Academic Affairs (for the College of Humanities and Social Sciences).
Why did you become a UNIV Faculty Instructor? In 2013, a young women who describes herself as a “trend forecaster” on twitter, posted the quote “be the person you needed when you were younger.” This phrasing shows up again and again on the internet, but that philosophy is really what drove me to pursue a career as an administrator at Mason, and alter the path I had been on to become a more traditional professor. As a first generation college student, who was a single mother and non-traditional student at the same time, I really hoped to find support to help get through my undergraduate degree program. But I felt so out of place at the University and so scared to fail that I seldom reached out early in my studies. It wasn’t until my last year of my undergrad degree that I found my voice as a scholar, and I started to realize that it was ok for me to admit the struggle and seek advice from my academic mentors. My experiences and struggles as a college student are the reason I work at Mason, and the reason I try every day to help Mason students succeed. Teaching UNIV 100 is just one way I try to do this.
Name: Yi Shang
What year did you start teaching UNIV? Fall of 2019
Profession: Mental Health Counselor
Why did you become a UNIV Faculty Instructor? Helping and supporting young people to achieve their full-potentials gives a meaning to my professional life.
Name: Deanna Bullard
What year I started teaching UNIV 100: 2019
Profession: Office Manager in Student Involvement
Why did I become a UNIV 100 faculty instructor: I love working with college students, especially freshmen! My professional experiences in Student Engagement and Career Services have given me the chance to learn about how to best serve students, and I’m so excited to use these skills as a UNIV 100 faculty instructor!
Name: Jonathan Carmona
What year did you start teaching UNIV? Fall 2019
Profession: Global Programs Coordinator, International Programs and Services
Why did you become a UNIV Faculty Instructor? I want to become a resource for incoming students and let them know that they belong here and have my support. As a Mason Alumnus, I feel that I can provide a very personable perspective of what it means to be part of the Mason Community!
Name: Leslie Fiorella Durham
What year did you start teaching UNIV? Fall 2019
Profession: I am an academic adviser, recruiter and program coordinator with the School for Conflict Analysis & Resolution
Why did you become a UNIV Faculty Instructor? I am excited about the opportunity to work with freshman and be a part of their academic journey as they transition to College students. Being able to share my knowledge of Spain and assist in their study abroad experience, is a privilege and joy.
Name: Kelly McNulty
What year did you start teaching UNIV? Fall 2019
Profession: Experiential Programs Administrator, Global Education Office
Why did you become a UNIV Faculty Instructor? I’m passionate about building community, both locally and globally, and recognizing how the two are usually pretty connected. This UNIV course and Gateway program allows first year students to do this in Fairfax and abroad, while providing space to create their own definition of success from day 1 at Mason.
Name: Chanel Figueroa
What Year did you start teaching?: Fall 2016.
Profession: Assistant Director of Recruitment- College of Education and Human Development
Why did you become a UNIV Faculty Instructor: I became an UNIV 100 faculty member do empower first-year students with foundational knowledge towards self-advocacy, self-assessment for growth, and fun tools to maximize their college experience.
