Meet the Staff
Jim Marchant
Vice President for Student Affairs
Holden Hall
909.621.8241
jim_marchant@pitzer.edu
Open office hour: Friday 3-4
This is Jim's 17th year at Pitzer, having served more than ten years as the chief student affairs officer at the College. Jim has held a variety of positions at Pitzer including Executive Assistant to the President and Assistant Dean of Students.
Jim's interest in student affairs began as an undergraduate at the University of Redlands where he majored in history and minored in Spanish. He was involved in a number of activities and took leadership positions in athletics and the student newspaper during his time at Redlands. Following graduation, Jim moved to New York City and worked in information systems for a major media outlet. He also worked as an independent data management consultant, drawing on his experience working for several start-up companies in Silicon Valley while in college.
Harkening back to his college experience and wanting to work in a field where he could help others in more meaningful ways, Jim moved back to Southern California and earned a master's degree in higher education at Claremont Graduate University (CGU). While at CGU, he interned for the Student Deans Committee of The Claremont College and worked in the Dean of Students Office at Harvey Mudd College. Jim has also completed coursework in non-profit management and leadership at the Drucker School at CGU and participated in a higher education management program at the Harvard Graduate School of Education.
As the Vice President for Student Affairs, Jim is responsible for providing leadership for the comprehensive student life program at the College. He highly values his interactions with students which is why he stays closely connected with student government and other student organizations on campus. Jim was instrumental in the development of and is a constant advocate for Pitzer's Community Values, which are: Community, Diversity, Dialogue, Inquiry and Action.
Moya Carter
Dean of Students
Director of Campus Life
909.607.4176
Holden Hall
moya_carter@pitzer.edu
Emphasis areas:
• Residential life and housing
• New student orientation
• New student mentor program
• Pitzer Activities (PAct)
• 5C Residential Life Dean's Meeting
Moya had her first introduction to student affairs while an undergraduate at Azusa Pacific University. Heavily involved in both the music and student leadership programs, she found her passion for working with college students while involved with the orientation program and as a resident assistant. Moya continued to find ways to stay connected with students while she completed a masters of education in college student affairs and went on to be a residence director for freshman girls in San Diego, California. Moya is currently pursuing her Ph.D in higher education at Claremont Graduate University.
Moya had the opportunity to join the Office of Student Affairs staff at Pitzer College ten years ago and characterizes her job as a generalist. She is the first to admit that she has the best job in the world. She works primarily within the campus life umbrella: residential life and housing, student activities, orientation, and the new student mentor program. She is also one of the primary judicial officers, works with Judicial Council and is a certified sexual assault counselor. She represents the Office of Student Affairs on the Diversity Committee and serves on the Staff Council Representative (SCR) committee. Moya has the opportunity to work with her 5C colleagues through the 5C Residential Life Deans, Activities and Orientation committees and is the OSA liaison for counseling and health services.
Jill Hawthorne, EdD
Associate Dean of Students and Director of Academic Support Services
909.607.3553
Holden Hall J111
jill_hawthorne@pitzer.edu
Emphasis areas:
• Academic support
• Tutoring, academic coaching
• Accommodations for students with disabilities
• Teaching and Learning Committee
• Academic Standards Committee
Jill established her roots in the Pitzer community as a student years ago. She majored in International Relations, studying abroad in Madrid, Spain and Lausanne, Switzerland. At Pitzer, Jill was involved with various campus activities including the new student mentor program, planning Kohoutek, and playing for the Braineaters ultimate frisbee team. Following her time at Pitzer, Jill earned a master’s in Education at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, which helped launch her career in Student Affairs. Following positions in residential life at Santa Clara University and Pomona College, Jill returned to school to earn a doctorate in Education from the University of California, Irvine. Most recently Jill served as the Assistant Dean of Students with primary responsibility in Academic Support Services at Scripps College.
Jill’s personal interests include spending time with her family and friends camping, riding bikes and dancing. Jill also enjoys teaching art to kids, volunteering as an art teacher at her son and daughter’s elementary school.
Students should contact Jill when experiencing difficulties in their academic performance. Jill can provide information about tutoring, other academic resources and counseling. Students with disabilities should contact Jill to arrange academic accommodations and discuss resources available at Pitzer and The Claremont Colleges.
Chris Brunelle
Assistant Dean of Students
909.607.2988
Gold Student Center 222
chris_brunelle@pitzer.edu
Emphasis areas:
• Student clubs and organizations
• Gold Student Center
• OSA Website
• Campus Life Committee
• Aesthetics Committee
Chris found his passion for helping others during his time at Bradford College. At Bradford Chris was an RA, played two sports, performed in numerous theatrical projects and was actively engaged in community outreach and volunteer work. he completed his degree in Creative Arts, concentration in Performing and Business Administration. He has worked at Mitchell College, in CT within student activities and intramural sports, at Drew University in NJ as a Complex Residence Director when he first came to Pitzer he was the Residence Director for Mead Hall. Chris later became the Director of Residence Life, is now the Assistant Dean of Students and he still has the same passion for help students make the most of their time at Pitzer. He is currently pursuing an Executive Master in Business Administration (EMBA) at the Peter F. Drucker and Masatoshi Ito Graduate School of Management.
Chris' primary responsibilities are with student clubs and organizations; to provide a variety of services, programs and resources which support the development, implementation and assessment of student organizations. He assists with the oversight of the GSC and supports the OA Program. He's working on various web-based ideas for OSA to make information more readily accessible for students. He is the Chair of the Aesthetics Committee and a voting member of the Campus Life Committee.
If you have any questions about student clubs and organizations, looking for more ways to become involved on campus or have ideas for the OSA website you should contact Chris.
M. Sue Grier
Assistant/Receptionist
Holden Hall
909.621.8241
sue_grier@pitzer.edu
Emphasis areas:
• Proctoring exams/scheduling
• Staff Recognition Team
• Commencement Committee
Sue comes to Pitzer from Harvey Mudd College where she served in the capacity of Development Assistant/Information Aide in the Office of College Advancement for 17 years. In 2000 she received her B.S. in Organizational Management and in 2006 her M.S. from the University of La Verne, in La Verne, California.
Sue's primary responsibility is greeting students and welcoming visitors, faculty and staff to the Office of Student Affairs. She also is on the Commencement Committee; seniors prepare for graduation during the spring semester and Sue provides them with support including measuring for caps and gowns and helping plan and coordinate Commencement activities. She also assists the Pitzer Activities Committee (PAct) with promoting fun events and trips for students.
Two things you may not know about Sue:
1. The initial "M" stands for Marcella.
2. She starting playing the clarinet when she was 10!
You will be warmly greeted by Sue the next time that you stop by the Office of Student Affairs.
Katie Tewell
Assistant to the Vice President of Student Affairs
Holden Hall J110
909.607.2821
katie_tewell@pitzer.edu
Tressi Chun
Housing Coordinator
Gold Student Center, 222B
909.607.3132
tressi_chun@pitzer.edu
Emphasis areas:
• Housing
• External Studies Committee
• Marquis Library
• 5C Residential Life Dean's Meeting
Tressi has been a part of the Pitzer community since 2001. Originally from Hawaii, Tressi attended the University of La Verne where she was active in the Greek life community and worked in the Office of Academic Support and Retention. It was during her undergraduate experience that she knew she wanted to pursue a career in higher education.
After completing her BA in social science at the University of La Verne in 2001, she began her career at Pitzer College and worked in the Office of the Registrar for five years. In 2006, Tressi transitioned over to the Office of Student Affairs as housing doordinator and feels that it was the best move she ever made. Building relationships with students and parents is one of the most rewarding aspects of her job. She feels fortunate to be able to work in an environment that allows her to branch out in other areas of Student Affairs.
In addition to her housing responsibilities, Tressi is a part of the residential life program, oversees the Marquis Library, and is also a member of the External Studies Committee and the 5C Residential Life Dean's Committee. She is currently pursuing a master's in education with an emphasis in higher education/student affairs at Claremont Graduate University.
You will likely interact with Tressi if you have any questions about housing, Marquis Library, or if you need any other questions answered and you are not quite sure where to go!
Drew Herbert
Student Involvement Coordinator
909.607.7492
Gold Student Center, 222A
drew_herbert@pitzer.edu
Emphasis areas:
• Student-sponsored campus events
• Orientation Adventure program
• Leadership programs
• Grove House Committee
• Sustainability Committee
Drew hails from the Pacific Northwest, but has traversed the West Coast for school, work and pleasure. In the verdant Willamette Valley he completed his undergraduate studies at Willamette University concentrating on sociology and ethnic studies. Willamette University afforded Drew with the opportunity to play D-III baseball, be actively involved with campus clubs and work in residence life. While pursuing his master's degree in education at the University of California, Berkeley, Drew thoroughly enjoyed the farmers markets, the diversity, the scenery and the general enthusiasm for life present in the Bay Area. Since 2007 he has collectively called Pitzer College, the Los Angeles Basin and Inland Empire his home.
As the Student Involvement Coordinator Drew's major responsibilities include overseeing the Orientation Adventure [insert hyperlink] program, leadership development programming and major student-sponsored campus events. He also works closely with student clubs and sits on the Steering Committee for the Pitzer's Community Engagement Center and serves as the Office of Student Affairs' representative on Pitzer's Sustainability Committee.
You will likely interact with Drew if you are interested in hosting a campus event, looking for more ways to become involved on campus or hope to lead an Orientation Adventure trip.
Alayna Goins
Residence Director, West and East Halls
909.607.4119
West Hall, P217
alayna_goins@pitzer.edu
Emphasis areas:
• Residence Life
• Hall Council
• Pitzer Activities (PAct)
• 5C Activities Directors Meeting
• Jewish Cultural Life Committee
• Faculty in Residence Collaboration
Alayna Goins is beginning her second year at Pitzer; this year opening up the brand new West and East Halls residence halls in it's inaugural year. Alayna will also continue her work with the Pitzer Activities programming board and serving as a Pitzer liaison to the 5-College Activities Directors meetings. She is excited to continue to expand her breadth of student affairs experience and get to work with a broader population of students and staff this year.
Alayna grew up in the San Francisco bay area and came south to southern California for college. Alayna initially fell in love with residence life during her undergraduate experience at Azusa Pacific University, where she served as a Resident Assistant and Community Assistant to first-year students. After being encouraged by a few mentors to turn her passion for helping college students into a career, she decided to pursue her master's in college student affairs at APU. While in graduate school Alayna worked in Student Activities and Chapel Programs, and got experience in Career Services, Learning Support Services, and Community Relations. After finishing her master's program, Alayna moved to Portland, Oregon, where she worked for three years as a Residence Director and Program Coordinator in a first year residence hall at Pacific University Oregon.
Besides spending her time with Pitzer students, Alayna keeps herself busy going to concerts, checking out fun coffee shops, bookstore's and farmer's markets, going to the beach and the mountains, and spending time with her family, friends and Mia, her six-year-old Cocker Spaniel.
Kirk Bernal
Residence Director, Pitzer, Atherton and Sanborn Halls
909.607.4118
Pitzer D319
kirk_bernal@pitzer.edu
Emphasis areas:
• Residence Life
• New Student Mentor Program
• RA Selection
• CollegiateLink
Kirk grew up in the Claremont area and attended Cal Poly Pomona to pursue a degree in Social Sciences. While at Cal Poly Pomona, he was highly involved with Orientation Services, the Visitors & Information Center, and Greek Life. After graduating, Kirk worked for Enterprise Rent-A-Car and focused his attention with the College Recruitment Program to help college students prepare for a job search. After many years of working with college seniors, Kirk decided to pursue a graduate degree from Azusa Pacific University in College Counseling and Student Development. He focused his research on the First Year Experience while he worked in the Office of Retention and Student Engagement at APU. Desiring to work directly with students, Kirk worked for the Smith Campus Center & Student Programs at Pomona College. He helped advise the Pomona Events Committee to program on and off-campus events for the Pomona Community.
Kirk is excited to continue being part of the Sagehen family at Pitzer College. His responsibilities include supporting the Resident Assistants and First Year Mentors to provide a safe, welcoming, and fun environment. Feel free to contact Kirk if you are looking to get involved at Pitzer or with a 5C club/organization.
Cheryl Cobbina
Residence Director, Mead Hall
909.607.4110
Mead 109
cheryl_cobbina@pitzer.edu
Emphasis areas:
• Sophomore year experience
• MLK Jr. Commemoration Committee
• RA In-Services
• SRAP Conference
Cheryl comes to Pitzer College originally from Toronto, Canada and most recently from studying and working at Syracuse University. As a native eastcoaster she is excited to be in Southern California and join the Pitzer staff. Cheryl has always enjoyed working with students. As an undergraduate student Cheryl played for the Syracuse University varsity volleyball team for all four years meanwhile pursuing her B.S in English Education. She found her passion in tutoring, mentoring and helping student prepare, transition and persist in higher education. Cheryl completed her master’s degree in Higher Education Administration at Syracuse University where she found her passion is working with students from underrepresented groups, 1st generation college students and student athletes. In addition she worked in the Office Of Student Activities as a consultant to campus student organizations and interned in the Office of Multicultural affairs as well as the Athletic Department at Syracuse University. Cheryl is currently the Residence Director in Mead Hall and is looking forward to working with Pitzer students.
As a Residence Director, Cheryl works with the Resident Assistants (RAs) to provide a safe, welcoming, and educational living-learning community for Pitzer students. She helps support programming within the residence halls and serves as a resource for students on campus. She also assists with the on-call rotation for the campus.
You will see Cheryl around campus if you are living in Mead Hall, interested in putting on a campus-wide program, or if you're just looking for more ways to get involved at Pitzer.
Rob Fossum
Director, Special Programs & Campus Operations
909.607.3896
Gold Student Center 105
rob_fossum@pitzer.edu
Matt Donato
Director of Career Services, Associate Dean of Students
909.621.8519
Holden Hall
K125
matt_donato@pitzer.edu
Teresa Flores Roberts
Assistant Director, Career Services
Holden Hall K125
909.621.8519
teresa_flores-roberts@pitzer.edu
Emphasis areas:
• Career Advising/Coaching
• Claremont Colleges On-Campus Recruiting Program
• Career Workshops
• Career Events
• Claremont Colleges Career Center Programs
Originally from the Northern California town of Fremont, Teresa has many roles as the Assistant Director of a four-person office. Teresa is an ardent multitasker. She plans, organizes, and facilitates career-related programming including panels with alumni, the On-Campus Job Fair, Nonprofit & Public Service Career Fair, and the Senior Etiquette & Networking dinner. Additionally, she manages the Claremont College's On-Campus Recruiting program and job and internship databases using PitzerLink & NIC (NaceLink/Symplicity platforms). She markets and advertises a variety of Career Services programs using social media websites such as Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn. She counsels students and alumni on writing resumes, finding internships, improving interview skills, and job search strategies. She creates and distributes the center's weekly online newsletters, Pitzer Planet Online – Jobs and Internship Editions.
Students should particularly contact her if they are interested in the Claremont Colleges On-Campus Recruiting Program and/or want to plan joint events.
Tammy Muir
Administrative Assistant, Career Services
Holden Hall K125
909.621.8519
Tamara_Muir@pitzer.edu
Tammy graduated with a degree in economics and English from Albion College in Michigan. She pursued graduate work in English and obtained a masters degree at the University of Michigan. Tammy taught at the community college level for 23 years before pursuing a job in Career Services at Pitzer and still teaches writing in the evenings part-time at Chaffey Community College.
You will interact with Tammy at the front desk of Career Services. You will hear from her as well in various emails advertising the latest events and workshops being offered at Career Services. She will be the one to contact for any information on what Career Service's has to offer and will get you to the right person in Career Services who can best meet your particular needs.
Zenia Guitiérrez
Grove House & Shakedown Café Kitchen Manager
Gold Student Center, 222C
909.607.3654
zenia_gutierrez@pitzer.edu
Emphasis Areas:
• Grove House Kitchen
• Grove House Committee
• SRC Committee
• Aesthetics Committee
• Sustainability Committee
Zenia realized at a young age that food was a way to express oneself as well as manifest what had been passed down from generation to generation. Being raised in a diverse family atmosphere, the restraints on what was tradition and experimental began. Having a family garden, knowing where the food was coming from and putting the work into it helped mold the need to get down and dirty, when need be. At 16, Zenia was enrolled in culinary school as well as high school, and at 18 had completed both. She worked a full time and volunteered at Shiners' Children's hospital. Working at the hospital was a remarkable experience that gave her the opportunity to meet beautiful children who don't let life get them down; it motivated Zenia to continue to work with children and students.
Zenia believes that sharing with others without restraint and embracing diversity is what helps create unique and delicious food. This is what now needs to be passed down. Food has become a universal language among everyone. At the Grove House, students are now in the process of creating an ever-growing cookbook with recipes used in the Grove House kitchen. This has also encouraged students to ask for more technical teachings in food, as well as sanitization, and the history of many regional foods. Pitzer's student kitchens are a great example of teaching outside the classroom.
Zenia is currently enrolled at the University of Phoenix where she is completing her associate in business management, utilizing the on-the-job knowledge to further her educational knowledge.
Brendan Thyne, MA
Substance Abuse Counselor
Mead Hall 107
909.607.7152
brendan_thyne@pitzer.edu