Office of the Dean of Students
Location: Union 270 | Phone: (801) 581-7066
Jason Ramirez
Associate Vice President
Dean of Students
Jason is a member of the Student Affairs Leadership Team and provides supervisory oversight to the departments of Student Support & Accountability, Student Athlete Advocate, Student Leadership & Involvement, Fraternity & Sorority Life, Bennion Service Center, and the Office for Inclusive Excellence. He also serves on various University committees and serves as a Deputy Title IX Coordinator.
Ken Stonebrook
Deputy Dean of STudents
The Associate Dean is responsible for managing all aspects of student accountability in accordance with Policy 6-400: Rights & Responsibilities and providing leadership, training, support and guidance to members of the campus community in addressing student misconduct and/or assisting students affected by another’s behavior. The associate dean serves both as a Conduct Hearing Officer and as an OEO/Title IX Liaison.
Melanie Lee
associate dean of students
The Associate Dean is responsible for managing day-to-day aspects of Student Support and Student Accountability in accordance with the Student Code of Rights & Responsibilities. Melanie provides leadership, training, support, and guidance to members of the campus community in addressing concerning behaviors connected to students. Melanie supervises and directs the Student Accountability and Student Support teams, as well as the Herriman Student Affairs team.
April Pavelka
Director, Student accountability
April administers and implements the Student Code of Conduct by ensuring due process and fairness for all parties, monitoring the completion of educational and judicial sanctions, and serving as a Conduct Hearing Officer for various level cases. She also counsel students (both responding students and complainants) regarding their rights and responsibilities for the safety of the campus community.
Jake Lemon
director, student support
Jake supervises and directs the student support team, which are responsible for outreach and support to students who have been observed exhibiting concerning behaviors or navigating extenuating circumstances. He also provides leadership, training, and coordination to the University’s Behavioral Intervention Team (BIT), which provides comprehensive support to students navigating complex situations including misconduct, behavioral concerns, extenuating circumstances, OEO/ Title IX-related issues, and academic adjustments. Additionally, Jake oversees the Basic Needs Collective, which coordinates referrals and education for students to connect with campus and community resources that assist them in meeting their basic needs— such as food, housing, and financial security.
Staff
Mahea Aki
Resident Outreach Coordinator
Mahea serves as one of the Residential Outreach Coordinators. She works closely with residents to help them set purposeful goals, navigate University processes and policies, and connect with campus and community resources. Committed to assisting students facing challenging circumstances, Mahea works to ensure they feel well-supported and empowered in their academic and personal journeys.
Leila S. Ames
Associate Director, STUDENT DEVELOPMENT & EDUCATION, STUDENT-ATHLETE ADVOCATE
Leila’s primary role as Student-Athlete Advocate is to support the wellbeing and safety of student-athletes by providing neutral, private and informal assistance to student-athletes at the University of Utah. The SAA is a resource for information and referrals and assists in the resolution of concerns by connecting student-athletes with appropriate existing adjudication processes. She assists the Athletics Department with the development, delivery, and needs assessment of the Student-Athlete Health, Safety and Wellbeing Program.
Tomoya Averett
Student-Athlete Advocate
Leila’s primary role as Student-Athlete Advocate is to support the wellbeing and safety of student-athletes by providing neutral, private and informal assistance to student-athletes at the University of Utah. The SAA is a resource for information and referrals and assists in the resolution of concerns by connecting student-athletes with appropriate existing adjudication processes. She assists the Athletics Department with the development, delivery, and needs assessment of the Student-Athlete Health, Safety and Wellbeing Program.
Kim Clarken
Executive Assistant
Kim assists direct callers and visitors with resources within our department and across campus, and assists with making appointments. Additionally, she completes dean's certification forms (background checks) for students applying to graduate and professional programs.
Jose Diaz
Student Affairs Campus & Site Services Manager
Jose provides logistical oversight for on-campus student affairs help desk functions and operations at our new SLCC/U of U Herriman Campus. He provides a wide range of student support services, liaising different offices within the Division of Student Affairs to assist in the following areas: student support and accountability, campus and public safety, University Counseling, accommodations and assistive technology services (through the Center for Disability & Access), and providing students to access to basic needs/resources. Jose collaborates with the Engage U Manager, Herriman Director, the SLCC/U of U Herriman Partnership Coordinator, and a few other campus partners and stakeholders to create a sense of belonging and a culture of exceptional care.
Martha Hernandez
Basic Needs Program manager
Martha Hernandez is a University of Utah alumna. She graduated from Salt Lake Community College with an Associate of Arts in Education, and a Bachelor of Arts in History Teaching from the University of Utah. Martha is thrilled to be part of the BNC team and hopes to continue supporting student success and wellbeing through her program manager role which includes managing the program “Adulting 101”, supporting student staff, continuing and expanding partnerships with campus and community partners, and more. Martha believes in the importance of supporting students in meeting their basic needs to foster academic success, retention, and graduation. She is a teacher at heart and life-long learner who enjoys reading, visiting new places, and learning new languages.
Whitney Hills
ASSOCIATE Director, Student Support
The Associate Director for Student Support is responsible for the assessment of students who have been observed exhibiting concerning behaviors. They also support students who are seeking assistance with navigating University processes and policies and or academic adjustments due to extenuating personal circumstances and/or Title IX-related issues.
Yennhi Hoang
Resident outreach coordinator
Yennhi works closely with students who live on campus to navigate academic, basic needs/finances, housing, relationship/roommate, and mental health concerns. Committed to assisting students facing challenging situations, Yennhi provides non-judgmental compassion and connection to campus resources to ensure they feel well-supported in their academic and personal journeys.
VACANT
Associate Director, Student Accountability
Richelle D. Warr
Business systems analyst, sr.
Richelle supports the accountability, support, and advocacy work of the office through ensuring case comply with relevant policies and legislation. She maintains technology resources that buttress the student-focused work conducted by the Office of the Dean of Students. Richelle also provides support for efforts to continually evaluate and improve the services we provide to the campus community.
Maddee Whitehead
Case manager, Student accountability
Allie assists in the administration and implementation the Student Code of Conduct by ensuring due process and fairness for all parties, monitoring the completion of educational and judicial sanctions, and serving as a Conduct Hearing Officer. She also counsels students (both responding students and complainants) regarding their rights and responsibilities for the safety of the campus community.
Chandler Whitlock
CASE MANAGER, STUDENT SUPPORT
Chandler works with individuals to provide emotional support, advocacy, and to identify immediate needs, making appropriate referrals to campus and community resources. He seeks to proactively help students navigate various roadblocks they may encounter on their path to graduation. He works to support the safety and wellbeing of the campus community by gathering information and reaching out to students, staff, and faculty. He provides assistance to students who may be in distress or managing extenuating circumstances by developing goals that include collaborative efforts with our campus partners and community resources as well as providing guidance on various University processes and policies.
Zane Wride
CASE MANAGER, STUDENT SUPPORT
A case managersworks with individuals to provide emotional support, advocacy, and to identify immediate needs, making appropriate referrals to campus and community resources. They seeksto proactively help students navigate various roadblocks they may encounter on their path to graduation. They work to support the safety and wellbeing of the campus community by gathering information and reaching out to students, staff, and faculty. They provide assistance to students who may be in distress or managing extenuating circumstances by developing goals that include collaborative efforts with our campus partners and community resources as well as providing guidance on various University processes and policies.
Student Staff
Jay Chaudhari
BASIC NEEDS U SERVICE CORPS MEMBER
I'm Jay Chaudhari, an upcoming sophomore and first-generation student pursuing a bachelor's degree in Accounting with a minor in Psychology. I'm really excited to be joining the Basic Needs Collective as a U Service Corps member. I'm here because I want to make a positive impact on the community and love connecting with others. I'm looking forward to an amazing year ahead! In my free time, I enjoy playing tennis, hanging out with friends and traveling.
Emma Do
OFFICE ASSISTANT
Emma Do is a sophomore studying Graphic Design. She offers front line office support by answering incoming calls and assisting customers entering the suite, and assesses who would be the person most likely to help the caller/visitor.
Alastair Dunn
BASIC NEEDS PROGRAMMING INTERN
Alastair Dunn is a first-generation student studying Economics and Physics at the University of Utah. He has chosen to work with the Basic Needs Collective because it is a great opportunity to make a positive impact on campus and create meaningful relationships with other individuals. He sees the Basic Needs Collective as a very powerful tool to improve the campus atmosphere and improve the lives of fellow students. Eventually, Alastair would like to get a master's degree in economics and wishes to study how good public transportation can be used to alleviate poverty and meet the universal basic need for means of transport as well as bridge the gap between rural and urban environments. Down the line, Alastair wishes to work in the field of public transportation in order to continue making a positive impact on the lives of everyday people as well as the environment. In his spare time, Alastair enjoys reading about political economy, philosophy, and sci-fi, watching movies, and learning other languages.
Kim Ponce Gonzalez
MSW PRACTICUM STUDENT
Kimberly Ponce Gonzalez is a first-generation college student pursuing her Masters in Social Work. She has earned an Associate of Science at Salt Lake Community College and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Ethnic Studies at the University of Utah. She is involved with research on college student poverty with Sarah Elizabeth, and the university community, such as Caring Connections at the University of Utah Health to help individuals experiencing grief and loss. She believes in de-stigmatizing mental health and giving access to underrepresented communities. Her role is to support students to their health and wellbeing by giving compassionate care coordination. Kim is excited to be a part of the Basic Needs Collective and make differences among the campus community. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with family, reading, and baking.
Sophia Mann
MSW PRACTICUM STUDENT
Sophia is a University of Utah graduate with a bachelor's degree in psychology. She's currently pursuing a Master of Social Work, also at the University of Utah. Sophia's passion lies in supporting students. She believes that meeting basic needs is essential for academic success, which is why she's chosen to work with the Basic Needs Collective. This organization empowers and supports students on their educational journey. In her free time, she enjoys Rock climbing, hiking, and cooking.
Ekhu Moo
Office Assistant
Ehku is a sophomore studying Psychology and business. She offers front line office support by answering incoming calls and assisting customers entering the suite, and assesses who would be the person most likely to help the caller/visitor.
Jennifer Rodela
BASIC NEEDS PROGRAMMING LEAD
Jennifer Rodela is attending The University of Utah as a sophomore student aiming to pursue her bachelor's degree as a first-generation student. She loves the social work profession and wishes to dedicate her career to it. She has been a part of the BNC team since the Fall of 2022 and hopes to be a part of it for a long time! As an underrepresented student, she understands the challenges and difficulties one can face, especially in a higher education environment where everything is different. She believes supporting students with their basic needs is important because it increases their overall well-being and their likelihood of graduating with a college degree. Her role is to support and provide resources to students from the university while at the same time coordinating events, activities, and collaborations with campus/community partners, and colleagues around campus.
Student Engagement
Erica Andersen
SENIOR ASSOCIATE DEAN OF STUDENT ENGAGEMENT & LEADERSHIP
Erica serves as the Senior Associate Dean of Student Engagement. She supervises the Bennion Center, Fraternity & Sorority Life, Student Governance and Leadership and Student Leadership & Involvement. She also serves to advance various initiatives and programs focused on increasing student engagement efforts on campus, including leading out on the Engagement and Belonging Task Force.
STUDENT GOVERNANCE & LEADERSHIP
Location: Union 248 | Phone: (801) 581-2788
Sierra Canela
DIRECTOR
Sierra serves as the Director of Student Governance and Leadership. She oversees the seven professional staff members in the SLI office, advises student leaders, facilitates leadership development opportunities for students, and supports engagement with student organizations and the campus community. Sierra received her MPA from SUU and is currently pursuing a PhD in Educational Leadership and Policy here on campus. Sierra is passionate about supporting historically marginalized identities on campus and promoting inclusive excellence in the ASUU Office and within Student Affairs. Sierra is fluent in American Sign Language and in her free time enjoys running, painting, and traveling to new places.
STUDENT LEADERSHIP & INVOLVEMENT
Location: Union 235| Phone: (801) 581-7526
Cassie Zamora-Cathcart
DIRECTOR
Cassie Zamora-Cathcart (she, her, hers, ella) serves as Director of the Student Leadership and Involvement (SLI) at the University of Utah. Cassie works with her amazing SLI team to ensure that all students at the U can find their passion, people, and purpose during their academic journeys here, and in all their post-graduation endeavors. Cassie is a proud 5th generation Tejana who is honored to serve as a orgullosa y podersoa (proud and powerful) Latina leader on campus. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Conservation Biology from Cal Poly Humboldt, and her Master of Science in College Student Affairs with an emphasis on Conflict Analysis & Resolution from Nova Southeastern University. Cassie has been an active and engaged member of Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Incorporated since Spring 2012, and on campus serves as the Chair for the Utah Women in Higher Education Network (UWHEN) – University of Utah Chapter.
Bennion Service Center
Location: Union 101 | Phone: (801) 581-4811
BobbiJo Kanter
Director
BobbiJo Kanter joined the Bennion Center in 2016 following a 13-year career with Special Olympics programs. She is excited about connecting students with community experiences to create inclusive, engaging, and meaningful opportunities. While not working, BobbiJo can usually be found in the great outdoors with her wife and giant dogs.
Fraternity & Sorority Life
Location: Union 228 | Phone: (801) 581-8061
Matthew Phister
DIRECTOR
Matthew provides supervision and support to the fraternity and sorority community including the areas of program development, recruitment, risk management, and student leadership.