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Tom Ellett

Associate Vice President for Student Affairs
Telephone: 212-998-4475

Email: te13@nyu.edu

Welcome to NYU’s Residential Education website. My name is Tom Ellett and I serve as the Associate Vice President for Student Affairs. I have been at NYU since August 2001. Over the past seven years there has been unprecedented change within the residence halls. We have moved to a first-year residence hall system, created 50 Explorations floors (living/learning theme floors), added 19 Faculty-in-Residence, created two Residential Colleges, added numerous traditions for community development (like the NACURH 2007 program of the year ­ Ultra-Violet Live!), and recruited the best staff in the country. The best part of working at NYU is the students. The diversity of interests and backgrounds make this a place that requires a depth of thinking and reflection to be able to best serve our students. Each year I interview all newly hired RAs and this activity has only reinforced my love of NYU. We are an involving and evolving organization. We value creativity, energy, and a caring demeanor.

For those interested in my background, I have a PhD from Fordham University in Educational Leadership and Administration, an MFA from Catholic University and a BA from Fordham U. I worked previously at Syracuse, Catholic U, and Utica College. I have two children and a wonderful wife who live in the Res College at Broome Street. In my spare time I am a personal life coach.  My office is in Kimmel Center, room 601 should you want to visit during my office hours. The following is a listing of the 2008 RAs favorite books.  Enjoy the reading.

 

Kate Baier

Director of Residential Education
Telephone: 212-998-4311
Email: kb52@nyu.edu

I am a Wisconsin native who has worked at Stony Brook University (Stony Brook, New York) and Ball State University (Muncie, Indiana). I have earned a Master of Science in Education (Counseling) from the University of Nebraska (Kearney, Nebraska) and a Bachelor of Arts (English) from the University of Wisconsin--La Crosse. I an currently a doctoral candidate at St. John's University (New York). I am a mother to Greta and two dogs, Beckett and Huckleberry. In my spare time, I am an avid reader, and a fan of Lost and U2.

Craig Jolley

Director of Residential Education
Telephone: 212-998-4311
Email: caj2@nyu.edu

My responsibilities include oversight for the Residential Education departmental budget, human resources, network and technology, student services, judicial affairs, and policy development. Our offices are located on the C-Level of the Weinstein Residence Hall. I obtained a Bachelors of Arts degree from Saginaw Valley State University, a Masters of Arts degree in Student Affairs Administration from Michigan State University, and a Juris Doctorate from Brooklyn Law School. I have been with the University since 1996, holding positions in Housing and Residential Education.

Nancy Manzuarte

Administrative Aide
Telephone: 212-998-4311

Email: nam3@nyu.edu

Hi!! My name is Nancy Manzuarte and I am the Administrative Secretary in the Residential Education Office at Hayden. I have been with the Department for nine years. I am the first line of contact that students have when they come into our office so it is really important for me that they know that I really do care and want to help them in any way I can. I was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York and am married with two children. Please feel free to stop by the office if you have any questions.

Anna Schmidt

Associate Director of Residential Education

Telephone: 212-998-4065

Email: anna.schmidt@nyu.edu

I currently oversee the living learning programs in the Department of Residential Education at NYU, including Explorations and the Residential Colleges. I first moved to the United States in 1996 after growing up in Augsburg, Germany. My Bachelor of Arts is in Media Arts and Design from James Madison University in Virginia and I hold a Master of Arts in Higher Education Administration from New York University. Prior to my current position, I have worked as a Community Development Educator in Goddard and Rubin Hall, and an Academic Advisor in the College of Arts and Science at NYU. I can be found running all over the city--sometimes figuratively, oftentimes literally. Favorite Qualities? Style and Grace.

Colin Terry

Program Administrator

Telephone: 212-998-4218

Email: colin.terry@nyu.edu

Greetings! I serve as the Program Administrator for Residential Education. Primarily, I work with each of our Special Interest Housing communities, including the Residential Colleges, Explorations, International House, and Greenhouse. I earned my Bachelor's in Political Science from Gonzaga University in Washington State, where I originally hail from, and my Master's in Higher Education Administration/Student Affairs from New York University. Weeknights? I am at a coffeshop. Weekends? I am out of the city trail running or hiking.

Melissa Sterba

Associate Director for Judicial Affairs

Telephone: 212-998-4885

Email: mas35@nyu.edu

Welcome to NYU! My name is Melissa Sterba and I am currently an Associate Director in the Department of Residential Education. In this capacity, I analyze the implementation and enforcement of our judicial policies. Additionally, I collaborate with my colleagues to create innovative programs and initiatives that engage students in thinking more critically about the choices they make and how their actions affect others. I hold a JD from Villanova University, and a PhD from the University of Pennsylvania. I am a former professor of Education who since joining NYU has learned that some of the greatest lessons in life occur outside of the classroom in the communities where students live. My time away from the office is spent with my family of four wonderful children, my husband and my best friend, Mojo, our black lab.



Matt Patashnick

Assistant Director for Judicial Affairs

Telephone: 212-998-4887

Email: mjp287@nyu.edu

Greetings! My name is Matt Patashnick and I am an Assistant Director in Residential Education. In this capacity, I oversee our Judicial Affairs process. I work with the students, staff, and faculty members that make up our residence halls to ensure that your home is a safe, respectful, and welcoming community. As a student at New York University, it is my hope that you have a great time in our amazing city but that you'll also assume responsibility for your behavior. When you move to campus, you'll be given information about all of the specific rules and regulations that govern your conduct. I recommend that you take some time to familiarize yourself with these policies, as you will be held accountable to them. I am always available to answer any of your questions. Though I now call New York home, I’m originally from Springfield, MA. I completed my B.A. in Human Services and Sociology from The George Washington University, in Washington, DC and my M.Ed. in Higher Education Administration and Student Affairs from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. I’ve got a great family, amazing friends, and I love coffee.

Judicial Educator

Melissa Tihinen

Judicial Educator/Community Development Educator for 13th Street
Telephone: 212-998-4635

Email: mt83@nyu.edu
Hello! My name is Melissa Tihinen and I am the Judicial Educator for Residential Education. In this role, I am responsible for the educational aspects of the judicial system which includes educating students about alcohol and other drugs, administering the conflict resolution program, advising the Peer Judicial Board, and acting as the ombudsperson for students who need guidance in the judicial process. I am a Chicago native (Go Cubs!), who came to NYU via Washington, DC in 2005. I received my B.A. in Communications from Bradley University and an M.A. in Public Policy and Women’s Studies from The George Washington University. At GW, I also worked with the Center for Alcohol and other Drug Education and with the Sexual Assault Response Team. I enjoyed working with students so much that I accepted a Resident Director position at George Mason University following my graduation from GW. During my time at NYU, I have also served as the CDE for Rubin Hall and Alumni/7 th Street Halls. In my spare time, I enjoy running, seeing shows, reading, drinking coffee and volunteering.

 

Mark Hazelbaker

Assistant Director for Residential Staff Development

Telephone: 212-998-4616

Email: mdh4@nyu.edu

Since the Summer of 2001, I have been responsible for all aspects of the recruitment, selection and training of our student staff. I have previously worked as a Residence Director at Drew University (Madison, New Jersey) where I study in the doctoral program in Religion and Society and have been at NYU since 1998 when I came on board as a Residence Hall Manager for 400 Broome Street and the Greenwich Hotel. My undergraduate career was at Miami University (Oxford, Ohio) and I hold a Master of Divinity degree from Princeton Theological Seminary. My professional interests include the development of practice-based training models and the roles of religion and self-advocacy in students' personal development. I currently live with my two girls, Ouisie and Daphne, at our residence on Water Street.

Nic Evans

Assistant Director for Residential Leadership
Telephone: 212-998-4211

Email: ne12@nyu.edu

Nic has been involved with student leadership since he was a student leader himself. He held several leadership positions in local, regional and national student organizations. Nic served as editor-in- chief of four yearbook publications and was elected Student Body President in his junior year of college. As a professional, Nic has advised several student organizations including his work with students at the nation's very first Robert Greenleaf Servant Leadership House. The House is located at the University of South Florida. Nic also instructed credit-bearing leadership courses in the leadership minor program at the same institution. Nic has presented at local, regional and national conferences on the topic of leadership and has advised students for over six years. Nic currently serves as advisor to the Inter-Residence Hall Council at New York University, NACURH’s 2007 School of the Year, and performs various leadership training and development activities at the institution. He has a Master of Education in Higher Education Administration/Curriculum & Instruction from the University of South Florida and a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from Johnson & Wales University.

 

Leadership Assistant

Florentina Williamson-Noble

Leadership Assistant
Telephone: 212-998-4976

Email: florentina@nyu.edu

Hi there, my name is Florentina Williamson-Noble and I am the Leadership Assistant for the Department of Residential Education. I joined the central office this year after serving as a Resident Assistant in Weinstein Hall for the past two years. My involvement in student leadership began during my first year as an undergraduate student at NYU, when I served on the executive board of Weinstein's Hall Council.  During that year I realized how much being a leader can enhance a student's experience.  I am thrilled to now have the opportunity to advise the Inter-Residence Hall Council, a group full of incredible student leaders!  I grew up in London until I was 8, when my family moved to Westchester, NY.  I completed my B.A. in Italian Studies from NYU's College of Arts and Science, and am now working towards a Masters in Public Administration with a concentration in international non-profit management at NYU's Wagner Graduate School for Public Service.  When not in the office or in class, I enjoy traveling, cooking and photography.

 

Rachel Alldis

Assistant Director of Residential Education
Telephone: 212-998-4072

Email: ra71@nyu.edu

Welcome! My name is Rachel Alldis and I am thrilled to work at NYU as one of the Assistant Directors of Residential Education for the Union Square area. I hail from Colorado Springs, CO, and have previously worked at Emerson College in Boston, and Syracuse University. I received my Bachelor’s degree in Speech Communication from Bradley University and then went on to complete my Master’s degree in College Student Personnel from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. I have the pleasure of working with ‘more, our Sophomore Year Residential Experience, and I am excited about some of the wonderful programming opportunities we will be offering to our students this year. I enjoy traveling, going to Broadway musicals, and reading a good book. I am excited to continue working with the amazing staff and students in Union Square and I’m looking forward to another great year.

Jodi Bailey

Director of Graduate Student Life; Associate Director, Student Resource Center
Telephone: 212-998-4937

Email: jb2676@nyu.edu

I received my Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst double majoring in English and Communications. I received my Master’s degree in Higher Education (Educational Policy, Research and Administration) at UMass as well. My graduate work concentrated on women who held leadership positions within higher education. Before coming to New York University I worked at Quinnipiac University in Connecticut for four years as both a residence hall director and as an assistant director. Here at NYU I oversaw the First Year Residential Experience (FYRE) buildings for three years as an assistant director. Recently I am currently the Director of Graduate of Student Life and the Associate Director of the Student Resource Center where the main focus is to help guide students through NYu and help address any concerns that they might have. Please feel free to contact me with any questions you might have. I am looking forward to another great year here at NYU and am excited to see what is ahead!

AD Downtown Pic

Kristi Lonardo Clemens

Assistant Director of Residential Education

Telephone: 212-998-4156

Email: kristi.clemens@nyu.edu

Greetings! Hello! I am Kristi Lonardo Clemens, one of the Assistant Directors of Residential Education. I supervise the CDEs, ACDEs, RAs, and Peer Educators in Goddard, Broome, Lafayette, Cliff, and Water Street! I am excited to work with the residential colleges in their first year at NYU, and I am also responsible for social justice programming and advocacy for the department. I work specifically with big programs like The Next Step and Tunnel of Oppression, and also with sustainability practices. This is my fifth year working in Residential Education; I came to the department in 2003 and worked as the CDE in Second Street, Broome, and Lafayette before becoming an Assistant Director in 2006. Prior to coming to NYU, I received my M.Ed. in Higher Education and Student Affairs Administration from The University of Vermont. I am excited to continue working with NYU students- I really enjoy hearing about all the great things that students are involved with! Please don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions about our community!

Stewart Robinette

Assistant Director of Residential Education

Telephone: 212-998-4625

Email: sr112@nyu.edu

Hello! My name is Stewart Robinette, and I am excited to be serving Residential Education for my fifth year at NYU. Besides supervising a diverse mixture of halls containing freshmen year residents to halls that house graduate students, I focus on Junior and Senior year programming for our department. Before my service as an Assistant Director, I served at different times as the Community Development Educator for the Water Street, Greenwich Hotel and Second Street Residence Halls. My professional interests include student conduct and assessment. I received my Bachelor of Business Administration from The College of William and Mary in 2002 double majoring in Marketing and Government, and my Master of Arts in Higher Education for Student Affairs from The Ohio State University in 2004. I am currently in the Juris Doctor Program at Rutgers School of Law – Newark. I hail from a small farm, which is nestled in the beautiful Appalachian Mountains of Virginia. I look forward to another great year for our residents in the most amazing city in the world!

Totka Tzonkova

Budget Coordinator
Telephone: 212-998-4883

Email: tlt1@nyu.edu

I was born and raised in Bulgaria. I have been a part of the NYU family since 2000, when my American adventure began and New York City became my new home. I hold an MA in English Philology from the University of Veliko Tarnovo (Bulgaria) and an MA in Higher Education Administration from NYU Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development. I manage the budget for general department operations, residence halls, and special events. I also administer Human Resources functions such as recruitment, selection, and hiring.

 

Cleveland Campbell

Network Administrator
Telephone: 212-998-4599

Email: ckc1@nyu.edu

Graduate Assistant Photo

Jack Breffle

Graduate Assistant-Academic Development
Telephone: 212-998-4871

Email: jmb710@nyu.edu

Hello! My name is Jack. I'm the Graduate Assistant for Academic Development here in the Res Ed office. My primary responsibility is to work closely with the faculty and staff members who are responsible for planning events for our Explorations and Residential College programs as well as our various other academic initiatives. While thats my primary activity I try to get involved with as much as possible since I am here to learn! I am in the Higher Education Administration graduate program here at NYU, and I did my undergrad work at Furman University in Greenville, SC. I am originally from Athens, GA. In my spare time I am a sports fanatic, particularly football (Go Panthers!) and soccer. I also enjoy painting, playing video games, and doing puzzles. I also think LOST is one of the most brilliant shows on television, so if you have a few hours to kill just ask me about it and I will go on forever!

Deborah Birch-Gaytan

Social Worker and Counselor for Residents
Telephone: 212-998-4754

Email: dlb218@nyu.edu

I am a social worker at NYU¹s Counseling and Behavioral Health Services (CBH). I work very closely with Residential Education staff and with students living in the residence halls. For Residential Education staff I provide support, advice, and training regarding mental health and wellness issues. For NYU students I offer counseling and referrals. I have been working at NYU since 2004. It¹s hard to believe that so many years ago I was an RA while I was completing my undergraduate degree in Sociology at Wells College. After college I worked and traveled until I returned to school to earn my MSW at the University of Chicago. I enjoy my work here at NYU, particularly my interactions with students and Res. Ed. staff. If you have any questions about the work I do here, give me a call at 212-998-4754.