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  • Rachael Dean

    May 19, 2025 1:00 pm0 views

    Rachael joined LAS International Programs in May 2025 as an Academic Program Coordinator and had been previously working with Illinois International as the Coordinator for International Safety and Security from March 2019. She is passionate about student exploration and wellness! Rachael spent time living, traveling, and studying abroad in Europe, South America, and Asia and holds a special place in her heart for Japan where she lived for seven years. She is currently keeping busy with her never-ending house and garden projects and spending time with her girls (dog & cat) and family.

  • Steph Lepak

    May 12, 2025 11:00 am0 views

    Stephanie Lepak is an Academic Program Coordinator in the LAS International Programs Office at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. A proud first-generation college graduate, she earned her Bachelor of Science in Global Studies and Spanish from the university, with a concentration in Environment, Sustainability, and Social Responsibility. Her passion for international education was sparked by transformative study abroad experiences in Spain and Italy, where she worked on sustainable tourism initiatives and gained hands-on experience in biological agriculture at a cooperative farm.

  • Julien Berthelon

    Apr 21, 2025 1:15 pm22 views

    Julien Berthelon, Ph.D., is originally from Mâcon, in the Burgundy region of France. After graduating from the Université de Bourgogne in Dijon, he began teaching French at Clark University in 2012, and two years later served as a French Instructor and co-director of the French House at Macalester College. In 2015, he came to the University of Illinois to pursue an MA in French Studies, followed by a Ph.D., which he completed in August 2024. His doctoral research focused on representations of masculine insecurities in 19th- and 20th-century French literature as well as early French cinema.

    Over the course of nearly ten years at UIUC, Julien has taught a wide range of courses in the Department of French and Italian and has been actively involved in various cultural initiatives on campus. Among other projects, he co-directed the French Ciné-club and collaborated for several years on the Digital Edition of the Correspondence of Marcel Proust with the Rare Book & Manuscript Library.

    He is excited to continue supporting LAS’s mission of fostering intercultural engagement and meaningful connections.

  • Ellen Elghammer

    Mar 12, 2025 10:15 am13 views

    My name is Ellen and I have lived in Central Illinois my whole life, and I am a proud UIUC two time graduate! I studied Social Work for my undergrad and graduate degrees and worked in case management and counseling to start my career. I transitioned to working in higher education in 2021, starting at Parkland College as an Admissions Advisor. After 3.5 years, I decided to make the transition across town, and I now work as the Coordinator of Recruitment of Admissions at LAS. I love working with students and helping them through their academic journey, and I especially love working with underrepresented populations and nontraditional students.   When I’m not working, I am usually outside walking, feeding the local geese (food that’s healthy for them, not bread!), hanging out with my two cats, or reading. 

  • Ryan Howard

    Mar 10, 2025 2:45 pm5 views

    Ryan Howard is the Assistant Director, Recruitment & Admissions. He has a B.A. in Interpersonal Communication and an M.A. in Human Communication Processes – Pedagogy. Ryan has a background in teaching Communication Studies courses such as Public Speaking, Interpersonal, and Intercultural. He also has a background of working in admissions and recruitment. Outside of work, he loves being a dad to two awesome kiddos, Josie and Maverick. He also enjoys exercising, coaching sports, and playing hockey in his free time. Ryan is a very friendly and outgoing person, willing to assist anyone in need, and always happy to help!

  • Matthew Rooney

    Mar 7, 2025 12:00 pm4 views

    Matthew is a former student of LAS and graduated with a bachelors in Sociology. He has a background in training and development, and loves supporting the AAP team in his current role. Outside of work, Matthew enjoys video games, watching basketball, spending time with his fiancé, and being a mediator for the many petty disputes between their cat and dog.

  • Isabel Molina Guzman

    Mar 5, 2025 3:45 pm5 views

    Isabel Molina Guzman is Associate Dean of LAS Student Academic Affairs and Professor of Communication and Latina/Latino Studies.

  • Sara Henschen

    Feb 7, 2025 9:15 am21 views

    Sara Henschen is the newest member of the LAS Records Advising team and currently lives in White Heath, IL. She and her husband (Jacob) have one son (Ben) who is in third grade and one dog (Percy). Previously, Sara served as the Office Support Specialist at the Native American House on campus. She enjoys baking/cooking, being outdoors, and swimming. One fun fact about Sara is that she spent 12+ years working with the Anishinaabe of White Earth Reservation in northern Minnesota.

  • Sharnelle Kimbrough

    Jan 3, 2025 2:00 pm8 views

    Sharnelle was born and raised in Champaign County, she has lived in southern states such as Georgia and Virginia but kept finding her way back to Illinois. Sharnelle has an Associate of Arts in Business and is currently pursuing her Bachelors of Science in Business Administration. She enjoys traveling, exploring, the theatre, art of all kinds, being out in nature, festivals, and spending time with her children.

  • Jose De La O

    Jun 10, 2024 8:45 am73 views

    Jose De La O is an Academic Advisor for the Access & Achievement Program. Before this, he was working in Undergraduate Admissions to recruit prospective college students to Illinois, but now he is enjoying working with college students to best ensure they meet their academic goals during their college career. Jose likes the outdoors and enjoys swimming and biking, especially during the summertime.

  • MJ Licht

    Sep 13, 2023 8:15 am30 views

    MJ Licht has worked for the last 10 years with the LAS First Year Experience program as an Instructional Technology Specialist and also helps other units in Student Academic Affairs Office with their Canvas needs. She has an M.A. in Germanic Languages & Literatures and completed coursework & exams in Second Language Education & Teacher Education at UIUC. She and her husband have two Illini sons and a dog named Spot. She enjoys theater, biking & napping.

  • Danette Griffith

    Sep 11, 2023 2:45 pm25 views

    Danette Griffith was born and raised on the South Side of Chicago (Go, Cubs, Go! Bear down!!), She is a mom of four boys and absolutely loves all things sports. She attended SIU Carbondale where she earned her undergraduate degree in Criminal Justice and two Masters in Rehabilitation Administration (MS) and Education (MS Ed). When she is not helping students shape and achieve their academic goals, she is attending sporting events, spending time with family, traveling and listening to music.

  • Kirstin Wilcox

    Sep 11, 2023 1:45 pm46 views

    Kirstin Wilcox is the Director of LAS Career Services.  She first got interested in helping students figure out their future in her previous role as a lecturer in the Department of English. In her free time, Kirstin likes exploring the nearby hiking trails and reading fiction (especially things written by students/faculty from the U of I).

  • Julia Makela

    Sep 11, 2023 9:30 am12 views

    Julia Makela, PhD is the Senior Director of LAS Career Services, where she leads initiatives to advance students’ career development competencies throughout their college experience. She has a deep passion for inspiring and empowering students in their education and career pursuits. Mentoring, individual coaching, and teaching career courses are often the highlights of her day. Julia is a Certified Career Counselor, National Career Development Association (NCDA) Fellow, and member of the NCDA Board of Directors (2020 – present). Beyond the office, Julia is enthusiastic about hiking and adventure racing, and also enjoys quiet times tea gardening, crocheting, and hanging out with family.

  • Ana Garner

    Sep 11, 2023 9:15 am67 views

    Ana Esther Garner, Ph.D., is an academic professional specializing in the international educational field. As a specialist in education abroad and advocate for diversifying education abroad programming, Dr. Garner is the lead Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion advisor and co-chair of the UIUC DEI and Access Committee as well as the member of the Diversity Abroad Community of Practice focused on Asia and the Pacific Islands.

  • Darrell Hunter

    Sep 11, 2023 9:15 am74 views

    Darrell Hunter II is the Director of First-Year Experience for the Student Academic Affairs Office. The LAS FYE Program helps to ensure that first-year and transfer students have a successful transition both academically and socially to the University of Illinois. As a football player at Bowling Green State University, Darrell earned a BS in Human Development and Family Studies, and an MEd in Workforce Education and Development. He is currently a doctoral candidate in the Educational Psychology Program at the University of Toledo.

  • David Mizell

    Sep 7, 2023 3:30 pm89 views

    David Mizell is the Assistant Director of LAS Honors. He is an Illinois alum and has a Master’s Degree in Political Science. His favorite part of Honors is getting to work with all of you in advising, as an instructor, and through excellent community-building programs such as the James Scholar Student Advisory Board and our Honors Peer Mentor Program. He spends his free time getting together with family and friends, traveling, and cheering on Illinois sports. Go Illini!

  • Julie Higgs

    Sep 7, 2023 2:00 pm31 views

    Julie Higgs grew up in the rolling hills of southwest Wisconsin in a small college town. Her degrees include microbiology, chemistry, zoology, and education.  Instead of heading into teaching after her master’s degree, she spent time working in biology labs which oddly led to various positions in campus administration.  Along the way, she has dabbled in professional costuming, crop scouting, teaching crafting techniques, and retail management. She has a passion to help students.  When not around campus, you can find Julie in her yard growing flowers, watching BBC mysteries, telling bad puns, or creating things with various media.

  • Adam Reedy

    Aug 31, 2023 10:15 am72 views

    Adam Reedy is an Academic Advisor and lifelong Illinoisan with a B.A. and M.A. in Sociology from Northern Illinois University. Adam has worked in a variety of campus areas including student success programs, first-gen student support, multicultural and LGBTQ+ programming, and college advising. Off campus, Adam enjoys reading, gaming, travelling, gardening with his cousins, and chilling with his cats Judas and Jasper. 

  • Roman Friedman

    Sep 27, 2022 9:45 am267 views

    Dr. Roman Friedman works as a Global Learning Specialist, helping facilitate the internationalization of the curriculum in the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences. Prior to his work in international education, Roman received a BA in Economics and worked as a public school History teacher while pursuing his MA in Social Studies Education from Rutgers University. He completed his Ph.D. in Education Policy studies with a focus on Philosophy of Education at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

  • Allison Holden

    Aug 17, 2021 1:30 pm422 views

    Allison Holden is the Associate Director of the LAS Honors program. Originally from Wisconsin, she has moved around the Midwest before making the University of Illinois and Champaign home. Now she rallies the LAS Honors Program from enrollment to graduation. When she’s not working with the amazing students in LAS, she’s selling real estate, drinking coffee, listening to podcasts, watching Disney+ with her kids or mapping out her next travel destination. 

  • Cathy Edgar

    Aug 17, 2021 1:30 pm9 views

    Cathy Edgar lives in Arcola where she was born and raised. She then raised her two sons there as well.  She enjoys spending time with her friends and family, particularly her two granddaughters. Reading is a favorite pastime. Living just 35 miles away, she's always been an Illini fan! She is happy to be a part of the University and is here to assist our LAS students.

  • Gabby Elkins

    Aug 13, 2021 3:45 pm21 views

    Gabby Elkins graduated from the University of Southern Indiana with a bachelor’s degree in Anthropology.  She has over a decade of experience as a veterinary assistant/tech.  In her free time she enjoys traveling wherever her car will take her, live bluegrass/folk music, lounging with her fiancé and 5 cats, and trying new food and drink. 

  • Raymona Wicks

    Aug 13, 2021 3:45 pm159 views

    Raymona Wicks has worked at the University of Illinois for more than 10 years positioned in various units across campus. I have my BA in Liberal Studies from UI, Springfield, and completed my Masters here at UIUC in EPOL.  I am now enjoying my journey in LAS and working with students to help them navigate the University system is very rewarding for me. When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with my family, watching movies (love a good action movie) and if I can find a good DJ you might see me out dancing or doing a little karaoke.

  • Sean Beal

    Aug 12, 2021 9:45 am79 views

    Sean Beal started his current role as an AAP Academic Advisor in 2023. Prior to UIUC, he played and coached baseball at Millikin University where he also earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Sports Management. After that, he worked in admissions at the University of Chicago Booth MBA program and Parkland College before joining LAS in 2020 as a Records Officer. He earned his EdM in Education Policy, Organization & Leadership with a concentration in Higher Education in 2023. In his free time, Sean enjoys watching Yankees baseball and Bears football, following UIUC athletics, and exploring local restaurants with his wife.

  • Anna Chovanec

    Aug 12, 2021 9:00 am270 views

    Anna Chovanec is a Pittsburgh, PA native and made Central Illinois her home in June 2016. She received her bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Penn State University and her EdM in Education Policy & Organizational Leadership from UIUC. She joined the LAS SAAO team in April of 2017 as an Admissions and Records Officer and in October 2019, started a new role as an Academic Advisor. Anna loves all things sports and tries to attend as many events as she can. She resides in Tuscola, IL with her husband, Eric, her son, Grady, her daughter, Lumi, and her dog, Hilde.

  • Steven Cox

    Mar 12, 2019 8:00 am1197 views

    Steven Cox joined the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences in September 2017 as an academic advisor, specifically working with the secondary education minor. Before moving to LAS, he worked in college athletics as academic counselor at Illinois, previously at the University of Wyoming and University of Mississippi. Originally from rural Kentucky and/or Mississippi, he earned his BA in History and MA in Higher Education from the University of Mississippi (Harvard of the South), and is currently pursuing his doctorate in higher education on our campus. Hobbies include being a parent, a student, and any physical or social activity. He resides in Urbana with his wife, two sons, and two dogs.

  • Ashley Poppy

    Mar 12, 2019 8:00 am913 views

    Ashley Poppy is a transfer advisor in the College of LAS. She completed her Bachelor’s and Master’s degree from Western Illinois University. Ashley has worked in an academic advising setting for the past 12 years. She commutes from Bloomington/Normal where she lives with her husband and three kids. 

  • Tenaya Reifsteck

    Dec 20, 2016 8:00 am194 views

    Tenaya Reifsteck is the academic advisor for dual degrees and Individual Plans of Study for the College of LAS. She completed her bachelor's degree (human development and family studies) and two master’s degrees (elementary education and higher education) here at Illinois. She has a passion for education and enjoys working with people of all ages. She grew up in a small town not too far from campus, and is proud to be an Illini! She currently lives in the same small town where she grew up, along with her husband, daughter, and dog. She loves spending time with her family, attending her daughter's sporting events, reading, watching movies, and shopping.

  • Kristy Valentin

    Feb 8, 2016 8:00 am184 views

    Kristy Valentin is the Director of the Access and Achievement Program in LAS. She finds joy and passion for working with students in higher education. She is from the East side neighborhood in Chicago but has family in the Lake County area near Six Flags. She enjoys sunrises, scary movies, and smoothies! Kristy lives in Champaign with her partner, twins, and two dogs.

  • Allison Perry

    Feb 8, 2016 8:00 am250 views

    Allison Perry, a Champaign native, earned her associates degree from Parkland College and her BS from the College of Applied Health Sciences at Illinois. She joined LAS in 2010 and is committed to supporting undergraduate students and making their time here a great and memorable experience. She enjoys spending time with her family, including her husband, kids and pets. When not working or taking her kids to their extracurricular activities, she enjoys traveling and attending Illini athletic events. Go Illini! 

  • Jonathan Elugbadebo

    Feb 8, 2016 8:00 am643 views

    Jonathan Elugbadebo is Associate Director of Recruitment and Admissions where he oversees the recruitment, admissions, yield, and registration of new first-year and transfer students for the College. He joined LAS after working for 7 years in the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. Jonathan was born and raised in Southern Illinois, but relocated to Central Illinois. He is an alumnus of the University of Illinois, completing a BA in Communication with a minor in Business, as well as an EdM in Education Policy, Organization and Leadership.

  • Jeanine Meyer

    Feb 8, 2016 8:00 am175 views

    Jeanine Meyer joined LAS as an Admissions/Records Officer in January of 2015.  Before joining the college, she worked as an Office Support Associate at the Bruce D. Nesbitt African American Cultural Center and as the Assistant Scene Shop Supervisor at the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts.  She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre from The Ohio State University and enjoys singing in the University of Illinois Black Chorus.  Jeanine has great passion for this work and hopes her quirky spark drives others to be more open to each other and the world.  Ask her about being a bonus mom, mindfulness, anime, gaming, Dungeons & Dragons, sci-fi fantasy, farm life, crafting or her evil but adorable cat, Lily.

  • Bob Steltman

    May 5, 2014 8:00 am166 views

    Bob Steltman, an alum of DePaul University and Illinois, has worked in the Student Academic Affairs Office since FA11, overseeing college-level advising and assisting students who are close to graduation. When he’s not in the office, and he’s here a lot, he spends time with his three sisters and tending his garden. A lifelong music buff, Bob owns over 12,000 CDs and LPs of all types, although most are of the rock and roll variety, one of the great American cultural adventures of the 20th Century.

  • Allison Branson

    May 5, 2014 8:00 am135 views

    Allison Branson has supported the LAS student academic affairs office and its students for nearly 15 years. She began as front desk receptionist but has spent most of her time working with LAS Honors as well as LAS Recruitment & Admissions. When not busy at work, you can find Allison with a camera in her hand photographing everything she sees.

     

  • Gretchen Pein

    May 5, 2014 8:00 am99 views

    Gretchen Pein is Senior Assistant Dean for student services. She earned her bachelor’s in rhetoric and a master’s in education, both from Illinois. She and her husband stay busy with their five kids, four dogs, and various home remodeling projects. Gretchen serves as president of her sorority’s local alumnae chapter and is on the Make-a-Wish Foundation regional council.  

  • Mary Davis

    Mar 12, 2014 8:00 am7 views

    Working with students in historical Lincoln Hall since 2003 is a plus for antique loving Mary Davis. A product of The Land of Lincoln, Mary enjoys her admissions/records officer duties and frontline LAS student interactions. When not on campus she lives the rural life with her husband, training and showing their numerous retrievers or judging at dog performance events around the country. Mary works hard so her dogs (and cats) can enjoy a better life!

  • Joe Murphy

    Mar 12, 2014 8:00 am109 views

    Joe Murphy has been an Admissions and Records officer in LAS for 15 years. He earned his BA at Western Illinois University in elementary education. He spends his time away from work traveling the country watching his son play hockey and watching his daughter dance.  He and his wife, Kim--also an Illinois employee--live in Champaign. They also have an awesome Alaskan Malamute named Mika