Academic Affairs Updates: University Advisement Center (March 2024)
Dear NJCU Community,
As promised in our February 16 campus communication, we are happy to be able to provide an update regarding the leadership of the University Advisement Center (UAC)!
Dr. Jonelle Knox has been working diligently with university constituents to ensure continued service offerings at the UAC. After meeting with students, faculty, staff, and members of the administration, the decision was made to divide leadership responsibilities among three talented members of the UAC team who will play key roles in expanding the offerings of this essential student service.
We are pleased to announce that Vivianne Jimenez and Francis Laing have agreed to co-lead the daily operations of the UAC until further notice. Additionally, Sandy Checo will act as project lead on IT, Institutional Effectiveness, and Civitas related matters.
We are confident that this temporary restructuring will enable the UAC to continue providing top-notch service to our students, and we look forward to the continued success of the center.
For your reference, the current advising assignments for the UAC staff is as follows:
| Academic Advisor | Extension | |
|---|---|---|
| Kathleen Banks, M.A. English | History | Philosophy, Spanish Women & Gender Studies | Political Science | 3569 | |
| Sandy Checo, M.A. Music and Media Arts | Joffrey Ballet | 2279 | |
| Lakeesha Conyers, M.A. Criminal Justice | National Security Health | Cybersecurity (0 – 75 credits, & w/o AS.) | 2023 | |
| Tracy Kurtaik, M.A. School of Business | Economics (Last Name: A–F) | 3720 | |
| Crystal Villavert, M.A. School of Business | Economics (Last Name: G–O) 3+1 Program w/OCC Honors Students | 3382 | |
| Rob Romeo Last Name: P-Z School of Business | Economics | 2021 | |
| Daysi Romero, M.A. Last Name: A–K Psychology | Sociology & Social Work | 2184 | |
| Manica Jacques, M.S. Last Name: L–Z Psychology | Sociology & Social Work | 2104 | |
| Vivianne Jimenez, M.S. STEM (Last Name: A–Je) | 2373 | |
| Francis Laing, M.S. STEM (Last Name: Ji–Z) | 3721 |
| Academic Advisor | Extension | |
|---|---|---|
| Barbara Drew | 3300/2209 |
| Academic Advisor | Extension | |
|---|---|---|
| Courtney Chambers Art Majors | Location: Fine Arts Building | 3214 | |
| Mohamed Kaifa Criminal Justice – students with Associate’s Degree/75+ credits Professional Studies Bldg. Rm. 220 | 2416 | mkaifa@njcu.edu |
| Syed Haider National & Professional Security Studies – Main Campus Students w/Associate’s Degree/75+ credits Professional Studies Bldg. Rm. 453 | 2386 | shaider1@njcu.edu |
| Joeline Sanders College of Education Professional Studies Blgd. 303 | 2101 | jsanders1@njcu.edu |
| Anna Scanniello Fire Science Professional Studies Bldg. Rm. 451 | 3370 | ascanniell@njcu.edu |
| Hannah Gavin Athletic Academic Program Coordinator John J Moore Athletics and Fitness Center | 2045 | hgavin@njcu.edu |
A search for a permanent Director of the University Advisement Center will commence later this spring. As mentioned in the February 16 communication, the search for four (4) additional advisors is underway. The committee has begun to interview candidates.
Again, please join us in thanking Vivianne, Francis, and Sandy for agreeing to take on additional responsibilities while we search for a new director and review the operations of the unit.
In our commitment to timely and open communications with our campus community, the Division of Academic Affairs will continue to update any changes that occur within the Division. If there are any questions regarding this communication, please feel free to contact Dr. Knox at jknox1@njcu.edu or the Office of the Provost at provost@njcu.edu.
Sincerely,
Donna Adair Breault, Ph.D.
Interim Provost and Executive Vice President of Academic Affairs
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Dr. Jonelle Knox
Assistant Provost of Student Success and Retention
Academic Affairs
Dr. Jason Martinek
Assistant Provost of Faculty and Staff Development
Academic Affairs
Dr. Scott O’Connor
Assistant Provost of Academic Programming
Academic Affairs