Name: Aurélio Manuel Valente
Hometown: Fatima, Portugal
Previous Institution: Suffolk University (MA)
Assistantship:  Hardee Center

I received my Bachelor and Master’s degrees in Business Administration from UMass Dartmouth and a Master in Education, Administration of Higher Education from Suffolk University.  Since 1993, I have been working in student affairs in various capacities at four different institutions in locations ranging from New England to Florida.  My most recent position before coming to Florida State was as the Director of Student Activities and Service Learning at Suffolk University.  I believe in the value of well-delivered comprehensive student centered programs. Having been born and raised in Portugal, I have a deeply held commitment and appreciation for diversity and the impact that access to higher education has in uplifting lives in all communities.

Name: Sarah Tweedie
Hometown: Tallahassee, FL
Previous Institution: University of Florida
Employed full-time for a general contractor

I was raised in Tallahassee and received a BS in Advertising from the University of Florida. I work full-time for a General contractor who primarily builds educational facilities all over the state of Florida. I have a twin sister and an older brother. In my free time I enjoy college sports (Go Gators!), going to the beach, scrapbooking and hanging out with my family.

Name: Alexandra Yanovski
Hometown: Dumont, NJ
Previous Institution: Rutgers University
Assistantship: Advising First

I was born in a small town, in the suburbs of Ukraine and came to the US in 1997 with my parents. I attended high school in New York City, eventually moving to New Jersey to attend Rutgers University.  At Rutgers I worked for many student affairs offices, mainly Residence Life (3 years). In May 2006, I graduated from Rutgers as a member of the Phi Beta Kappa.

Name: Ryan O’Connell
Hometown: Roanoke, IN
Previous Institution: Indiana University
Assistantship: Union Productions (campus programming)

I am enjoying my experiences here at FSU in the Higher Ed. Program.  I have had the opportunity to participate in many campus-wide programs as well as the opportunity to advise some really great students in the Student Activities Center.  Upon completing my degree I am looking forward to moving back to the Midwest to be near my family.

Name: Alise Svihla
Hometown: Poquoson, VA
Previous Institution: Virginia Techy
Assistantship: Advising First (academic advising- exploratory majors)

I'm a small town girl who loves to smile! :) There's nothing I love more than sports, sweet tea, the beach, family, and friends! I am passionate about helping college students succeed and absolutely love the field of higher education!

Name: Keith Echols Jr.
Hometown: Warner Robins, GA
Previous Institution: Georgia Southern University
Assistantship: Assistant Coordinator, University Housing

I have been blessed to have a wealth of experiences in my life and I am willing to share them with anyone that asks. I truly enjoy being here at Florida State! The opportunities for learning and growth are tremendous.

Name: Yarbrah T. Peeples
Hometown: St. Petersburg, FL
Previous Institution: Florida A&M University
Assistantship: Center for Academic Retention and Enhancement

I am a 2nd year Master of Higher Education student with a general administration concentration. Currently, I am an advisor for the Students Supporting Students Mentoring Organization, a First Year Experience instructor, the Council of Graduate Students (COGS) representative for the Higher Ed Student Advisory Council (SAC), and the recipient of the Leslie N. Wilson Assistantship. I have interned with the Director of Development in the Office of the VP of Student Affairs and with First Year Experience. I am also working to complete the College Teaching Certificate. My passion is working with students from diverse populations and first generation college students. I plan to pursue my PhD and one day become the president of a Historically Black College or University.

Name: Mandy Hambleton
Hometown: Cross Roads, TX / Fenton, MI
Previous Institution: Winthrop University - Rock Hill, SC
Assistantship: Career Placement Services in the Career Center

Aside from my love for student affairs and the college experience, I am very passionate about animals. I have worked as a veterinary technician for the past five years. I also enjoy reading, scrapbooking, and spending time at the lake with my family. My undergraduate student affairs experiences include working for Orientation and New Student Programs, Leadership Winthrop, academic planning committees, and working for the Office of Admissions.

Name: Josh Nichter
Hometown: Omaha, NE
Previous Institution: FSU
Employed full-time for the University of Nebraska at Omaha

I am currently ABD on my Ed.D and work as an assistant professor in the Health, Physical Education, and Recreation dept. at The University of Nebraska at Omaha. I am a Certified and Licensed Athletic Trainer and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist. I also work as the Program Director for both the undergraduate and graduate Athletic Training Education Programs at UNO.

Name: Beth Wrinkle
Hometown: Marionville, Missouri (MO)
Previous Institution: Central Missouri State University
Assistantship: Student Service Advisor for the Center for Civic Education and Service

I have a passion for all things education; whether it is concerning elementary, secondary, or higher education. I am keenly interested in the intricacies of learning and motivation. I also enjoy traveling, fashion, and organization.

Name:  LaToya E. Eaves
Hometown:  Shelby, North Carolina
Previous Institution:  North Carolina State University
Assistantship:  University Housing

I am a second year Masters student in the Higher Ed Program.  In addition to residence life, I am interested in spirituality, multicultural/diversity affairs, Greek life, service learning, and women's programs.  Outside of my life at FSU, I am an artist at heart.  I have a BA in Theatre, but I enjoy (and participate in when I can) all areas of the performing and visual arts.  I also love to volunteer and regularly participate with the Tallahassee Chapter of the American Heart Association.  Other than that, GO NOLES!

Name: Holly Radford
Hometown: Athens, AL
Previous Institution: The University of Alabama
Assistantship: Career Center

My name is Holly Radford and I am a 2008 Masters student.  I recently graduated from the University of Alabama in May with a BA in Interdisciplinary Studies and a concentration in Higher Education Administration.  I had a wonderful experience at the University of Alabama, but I am looking forward to my new transition and a wonderful graduate experience at Florida State University.  

Name: Derek Guffin
Hometown: Indianapolis, IN
Previous Institution: University of Florida
Assistantship: Florida Board of Governors

Professionally my areas of interest include academic advising and assisting students develop a spiritual orientation while in school.  After I graduate, I plan to pursue a position in either academic advising or housing, or dialoging with students about the bible full-time.  In my spare time I enjoy playing sports (basketball, running, and sand volleyball), cooking, and reading the bible.

Name: Steven A. Crudup
Hometown: Nashville, TN & Tampa, FL
Previous Institution: FSU (bachelor’s and master’s level)
Employed full-time as Community Director for University Housing

I am currently a part-time Ed.D student. My dissertation interest is the relationship of student affairs and campus law enforcement programs, particularly how they can better understand each other's presence and roles within the campus community and work more effectively together. Outside of studies and work, I enjoy volleyball, tennis and just about any sport, singing, movies and traveling. I am also involved in ACPA and am a past Directorate member of the SCLGBTA. I co-Advise the Pride Student Union and am active with campus multicultural initiatives such as National Coalition Building Institute and Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration.

Name: Kimberly Newsome
Hometown: Boca Raton, Florida
Previous Institution: Emory University
Assistantship: Florida State University Counseling Center

I received my master’s degree in Higher Education Administration from FSU in 1995.  After graduation I worked for Emory University as the Director of Greek Life from 1995-2002.  I returned to FSU in Fall 2002 to obtain my doctorate degree in Higher Education Administration.  Being back at FSU has been an awesome experience due to the support I've received from faculty, staff and administrators.  I look forward to completing my degree in 2007 and obtaining a position in which I can share the knowledge and experiences I've gained as a result of being a student in one of the top doctoral programs in the country.      

Name: Rachel Navarre
Hometown: Jacksonville, Florida
Previous Institution: University of Central Florida
Assistantship: Office of Orientation

I love sweet tea, Apple computers, bad reality TV shows, and anything on the Food Network. I am proud to be a part of such a highly renowned and respected program. I look forward to the next two years at FSU.

Maria R. Allen
Winston, Georgia
Emory University
Assistantship: Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities

I am a second year Master’s student focusing on Student Affairs with a minor in Wellness. I am also a member of the Association for Student Judicial Affairs (ASJA). Before graduate school, I traveled as a national consultant for Sigma Delta Tau National Sorority. My areas of interest include, but are not limited to Judicial Affairs, Greek Life, and Advising. In my spare time, she enjoys yoga, traveling, and reading.

Name: Michael M. Black
Hometown: Valdosta, Georgia
Previous Institution: Valdosta State University (B.B.A., M.Ed)
Assistantship: Florida Department of Education, Office of Student Financial Assistance

I attended Valdosta State University for undergraduate and graduate degrees and also worked there as an accountant in the business office. I have academic interests in the following areas: higher education finance, multiculturalism, auxiliary services, instructional technology, accreditation as it relates to business affairs, and higher education history. I have recently concluded my first book A Mosaic of People and Events in the History of Valdosta State University’s Business Operations, 1906 to 2006. This 278 page reference work is a brief account of the business operations of Valdosta State University, emphasizing past and present employees in the Division of Finance and Administration; its publication coincides with the beginning of VSU’s Centennial celebration. My career goal is to continue working and learning in the field of higher education finance. I have traveled throughout the United States, United Kingdom, and Belize, and my principal hobby is genealogy.

Name: Cam Armstrong
Hometown: Dyersburg, TN
Previous Institution: Union University (Jackson, TN)
Assistantship: Grants Research Assistant, Tallahassee Community College

I have a B.A. in Biblical Studies and Teaching English as a Second Language. I am working towards my Master's degree with an emphasis in General Administration and a minor in English composition. My internship experiences include Greek Life, student volunteerism, and Residence Life. I am particularly interested in pursuing a career in Christian higher education.

Name:  Justin Low
Hometown: Kingston, Jamaica
Previous Institution: Florida International University (B.B.A, MBA)
Assistantship: Florida Board of Governors

Born and raised in Kingston, Jamaica, I came to the United States in 1998 to pursue a finance and international business degree at Florida International University.  Upon graduation, I stayed in Miami and completed my MBA, eventually arriving at Florida State University to pursue a Ph.D. in Higher Education.  The majority of my higher education experience is in student affairs -primarily residential life - but I have been blessed with the opportunity to obtain some more "administrative" experience during my time here at FSU.  I have enjoyed being classy in Tallahassee, and am excited about the opportunities that await me post-dissertation!!

Name: Taniesha Wright
Hometown: Miami, FL
Previous Institution: Florida State University
Employed full-time as an Academic Advisor

My first introduction to Higher Education was when I was an RA my sophomore and junior year of college.  At that time I was still focused on getting a degree in Business because I believed that was my career path of choice. I started working for Seminole Dining the summer before my senior year as a marketing intern and was in close contact with the Office of Orientation.  I enjoyed the interaction with students and parents. I graduated in Spring 2004 and used my degree for six months!! (Sorry Mom and Dad!!!!) But, the Dean of Students Department welcomed me with open arms as Program Assistant in the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities.  It was then I made the decision to pursue Higher Education because it never left me alone and I am excited about it. I am now an Academic Advisor, where my goal is to make each advising session informative and encouraging. So what you can expect from me always is a smile, fun, and an honest opinion.

Name: Yanli Ma
Hometown: China
Previous Institution: The University of Georgia – Athens (M.A.)
Assistantship: Academic Affairs, Tallahassee Community College

I value my experience as a Ph.D. student in our Higher Education program. My current areas of interest include academic affairs and student learning, program evaluation and assessment, as well as institutional research. My professional goal is to become a professor and researcher in the field of higher education.

Name: Chrystal George
Hometown: Orlando, FL
Previous Institution: Rollins College
Assistantship: Student Rights & Responsibilities

Though originally from New Jersey, I have lived in the Central Florida area for most of my life. I earned my undergraduate degree from Rollins College in 2004 with a major in International Business and a minor in Spanish. After graduation, I spent two years as an admission counselor and Director of Multicultural Recruitment for Rollins. Outside of work and school I enjoy traveling, reading, and finding new things to experience.

Name:  Doris Gilliam
Hometown:  Irmo, SC
Previous Institution: University of Florida
Assistantship: Center for Teaching Excellence

I have served as an educator of undergraduate Spanish and Speech students in colleges and universities throughout the South for more than twenty years. The variety of educational settings that I have worked in range from large, public universities such as Auburn University to small community colleges and private colleges such as Macon State College (Macon, Georgia) and Saint Paul's College. In addition to teaching Spanish language, my interests include Afro-Hispanic literature and culture. My interest in pursuing a doctorate in the field of Higher Education stems from my work with multicultural and first-generation college students. In addition to working in Higher Education, I have served as a Corporate Trainer and Academic Support Counselor. I am excited to join the Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies as a first -year Doctoral student.

Name: Jennifer Duke
Hometown: Jackson, MS
Previous Institution: University of Southern Mississippi
Assistantship: Program Coordinator, Institute on College Student Values

I am a second year Higher Education master’s student within the Student Affairs track. After graduating with a degree in Speech Communication from the University of Southern Mississippi, I traveled as a national consultant for Chi Omega National Fraternity and it was there that my love and passion for working with college students developed. My interests include leadership development, institutional advancement and organizational communication. In addition to my studies in higher education, I am pursuing a minor in Human Resources Management and am looking to gain some experience in corporate training and institutional staff development. In my spare time I enjoy relaxing in the Florida sunshine, meeting friends on the golf course, traveling, working out, and exploring the many unique shops and restaurants the capital city has to offer!

Name: Stephanie Bent
Hometown: Atlanta, GA/Kingston, Jamaica
Previous Institution: Georgia Tech
Assistantship: Women in Math, Science and Engineering Living Learning Community.

My interest areas are Judicial Affairs, First Year Programs, Leadership Development, and any collaboration between student affairs and academic affairs. My minor is Program Evaluation and I hope to gain a certificate in that area. I am always up for a conversation about higher education or to explore the great questions in life.

Name: Barbre Skwira
Hometown: Dunwoody, Georgia
Previous Institution: North Georgia College and State University
Assistantship: First Year Experience (FYE)

After four years of majoring in Student Affairs and minoring in Marketing and Management as many people would say, I decided that my heart was with students and decided to pursue a Master’s in Higher Education and Student Affairs.  I am extremely excited about starting back in the educational setting, after spending the last two years working in Housing professionally at a small two year college in South Georgia.