SAHE Program Leadership
Carmen Rivera
ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENT FOR STUDENT AFFAIRS INTERIM SAHE PROGRAM CHAIR
Pronouns: she/her/hers
carmen.rivera@colostate.edu
Degree Background:
- B.A. Spanish & Hispanic Studies, University of Northern Colorado
- M.S. Student Affairs in Higher Education, Colorado State University
- Ph.D. Higher Education Leadership, Colorado State University
Role in SAHE: Instructor, Co-advisor, Curriculum Committee
Course Taught:
- EDHE 672 – Ethical and Practical Issues in Student Affairs – Residential
- EDHE 590J – Access & Opportunity Workshop – Residential
Research Interests: LatCrit, Interstectionality, Tesitimonios & Platicas, Chicana Feminist Epistemology, Leadership in Higher Education
Additional Information: Faculty Member, Social Justice Training Institute (SJTI), Co-Lead Facilitator, LeaderShape

DAVE MCKELFRESH
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, SCHOOL OF EDUCATION SAHE PROGRAM CO-CHAIR
Pronouns: he/him/his
david.mckelfresh@colostate.edu
Degree Background:
- B.A. Political Science, Colorado State University
- M.Ed. College Student Personnel Administration, Colorado State University
- Ph.D. College Student Personnel Administration, University of Northern Colorado
Courses Taught:
- Assessment in Student Affairs
- Student Development Theory
- Ethical and Practical Issues in Student Affairs
- Higher Education Administration
- Today’s College Student
- Capstone
Research Interests:
- Moral and ethical reasoning in college students
- Impact of living-learning programs
- Third-place environments

SAHE Program Faculty
JOSH ALVAREZ
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR, SUPPORT, SAFETY AND ASSESSMENT
Pronouns: he/him/his
Prior to working at Colorado State University, Josh Alvarez worked as a Residence Director at New Mexico State University. Josh’s work with CSU’s behavioral intervention team and with students struggling with mental health and substance use concerns has lead him to pursue research in college student mental health in his PhD program.
Degree Background:
- B.A. Anthropology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
- M.A. Educational Leadership and Policy Studies, University of Maryland, College Park
- In Progress – Ph.D. Higher Education Leadership, Colorado State University
Role in SAHE: Instructor
Course Taught:
- EDHE 675 – Campus Crisis Management Workshop – Online
Research Interests: Student retention and persistence, crisis management, and mental health
Media Links: “The positive impact of higher education”, NASPA Region IV-W, 2017

RYAN BARONE
ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENT FOR STUDENT SUCCESS, ACADEMIC AND STUDENT AFFAIRS
Pronouns: he/him/his
Degree Background:
- B.S. Human Communication, State University of New York, College at Fredonia
- M.S. Student Affairs in Higher Education, Colorado State University
- Graduate Certificate, Women’s Studies, Colorado State University
- Ph.D. Higher Education, University of Denver
Role in SAHE: Instructor, Advisor
Course Taught:
- EDHE 661 – Inclusive University – Online
Research Interests: Social Justice Leadership, Equity (emphasis on two-year colleges), Violence Prevention, Critical Qualitative Research Methods

KRISTINA BINARD
INTERIM DEAN OF ENROLLMENT SERVICES AND SPECIAL PROJECTS, ILLINOIS CENTRAL COLLEGE
Pronouns: she/her/hers
After more than 25 years in the Colorado Community College System, Kris retired from Front Range Community College after serving as the Associate Vice President of Enrollment and Student Success for seven years and Dean of Student Affairs for eight years. FRCC is a public, two-year college located in Westminster, Longmont, Fort Collins, and Brighton. While at FRCC, she also held positions as Director of Student Life/Longs Peak Student Center, interim Director of Auxiliary Services, and the Small Business Development Center of Northern Colorado. Kris currently serves as the Interim Dean of Enrollment Services and Special Projects at Illinois Central College and continues to bring the community college perspective to the SAHE program.
Degree Background:
- B.S. Merchandising and Design, Colorado State University
- M.S. Student Affairs in Higher Education, Colorado State University
- Ph.D. Educational Leadership and Innovation, University of Colorado at Denver
Role in SAHE: Instructor
Course Taught:
- EDHE 670 – College Student Personnel Administration
Research Interests: Women in Higher Education; Succession Planning; Community Colleges

DWIGHT BURKE
DIRECTOR, SUPPORT AND SAFETY ASSESSMENT DIRECTOR, TITLE IX PROGRAMS
Pronouns: he/him/his
Degree Background:
- B.S. Natural Resources Management/ Watershed Sciences, Colorado State University
- M.S. Organizational Leadership, Chadron State College
- Graduate Certificate in Conflict Resolution and Mediation, Colorado State University
Role in SAHE: Instructor
Course Taught: EDHE 675 – Campus Crisis Management – Online and Residential

CRAIG CHESSON
ASSOCIATE DEAN OF STUDENTS
Pronouns: he/him/his
Degree Background:
- B.S. Hotel/ Resort Management, Rochester Institute of Technology
- M.S. Student Affairs in Highe Education, Colorado State University
- Ph.D. Educational Leadership, Colorado State University
Role in SAHE: Instructor, Advisor
Course Taught:
- EDHE 678: Capstone in Student Affairs – Residential
Research Interests: African American Male/ Student Success

LUCIA DELGADO
DIRECTOR, COLLEGE ACCESS
Degree Background:
- B.S. Journalism and Political Science, Northern Arizona University
- M.S. Student Affairs in Highe Education, Colorado State University
- In Progress: Ph.D. Organizational Learning, Performance, and Change, Colorado State University
Role in SAHE: Instructor
Course Taught:
- EDHE 670: Foundations and Trends in Higher Education – Residential
Research Interests: First-Generation, Access and Equity, Latinx

ALLISON DINEEN
DIRECTOR OF FINANCIAL PLANNING AND ANALYSIS, COLLEGE OF BUSINESS
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Degree Background:
- BA, San Jose State University
- MSBSA Business, Colorado State University
Role in SAHE: Instructor
Course Taught: EDHE 660 – Financial Management in Student Affairs – Online and Residential
Research Interests: Fiscal Environment of Higher Education, Internal Controls, Business Ethics

AMY DINISE-HALTER
OWNER, STUDENT AFFAIRS COACH
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Amy teaches the Student Affairs and Higher Education MOOC (Massive Open Online Course), Capstone in Student Affairs and Higher Education, and Program Evaluation. When Amy’s not on campus, you will find her hanging out with her partner and two boys.
Degree Background:
- B.A. Liberal Studies and Human Services, California State Fullerton
- M.S.Ed. Higher Education and Student Affairs, Indiana University
- Ph.D. Higher Education and Student Affairs Leadership, University of Northern Colorado
Role in SAHE: Advisor, Teach MOOC, Assistantship Coordinator
Research Interests: New Professionals in Student Affairs, Professional Identity Development, Graduate Student Transition, Student Success, High Impact Practices, Retention and Graduation Gaps, Advising Practices
Media Links: High Tech Touch, The Magazine, Fall 2017

JODY DONOVAN
ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENT, STUDENT AFFAIRS
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Degree Background:
- B.A. Psychology/ Criminal Justice, Nebraska Wesleyan University
- M.A. Counseling and Educational Psychology (emphasis: College Student Development), University of Nebraska-Lincoln
- Ph.D. Higher Education and Student Affairs Leadership, University of Northern Colorado
Role in SAHE: Assistant Professor, Advisor, Curriculum Committee
Courses Taught:
- EDHE 673 – College Student Development Theory – Online
- EDUC 696 – Global Perspectives in Higher Education and Student Services – Residential
Research Interests: Parents and Families of College Students, First Generation Students, Multiracial College Students, Internationalizing the Profession, Work/Life Rhythm
Additional Information:
- Dean of Student Life, Semester at Sea, Spring 2017 Voyage
- NASPA Pillar of the Profession Award Recipient
- NASPA IV-W Outstanding Faculty Award Recipient
- NASPA IV-W Distinguished Service Award Recipient

MIKE ELLIS
ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENT, STUDENT AFFAIRS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, LORY STUDENT CENTER
Pronouns: he/him/his
Degree Background:
- B.A. Social Ecology, University of California – Irvine
- M.A. College Student Personnel, University of Maryland – College Park
- Ed.D. Educational Leadership & Policy, University of Utah
Role in SAHE: Assistant Professor, Advisor
Research Interests: College Unions & Auxiliary Services, Organizational Change in Higher Education
Additional Information: NACAS Vice President

OSCAR FELIX
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR
Pronouns: he/him/his
Previously, Dr. Felix worked in TRIO/College Access & Success programs for over 27 years, including EOC, Educational Talent Search, Upward Bound, Bridge Scholars Program, and institutionally-funded programs with a similar mission of creating pathways to college for first-generation, low-income students. For over 20 years, he has served on state policy initiative efforts to increase college access and success for all students across Colorado. Dr. has previously served as Director of NASPA’s International Symposium, and faculty for the NASPA International Student Services Institute. As Chair of the Council for Opportunity in Education, the national association representing college access and success professional and the Federal TRIO Programs, Dr. Felix provided leadership in the development of the first ever College Access and Success Graduate Certificate Program offered through Colorado State University, and serves as instructor for the Foundations in Access and Success course. Dr. Felix’s dissertation studied success factors of under-prepared students attending an institution with selective admissions standards. The research on first-generation, low-income students who came to Colorado State University through nontraditional pathways revealed the need for connectedness throughout the college experience. Successful students were fortunate to come across pockets of support, typically provided by a faculty member who took a particular interest in the student’s success. The study findings suggest that these accidental encounters of support may leave many students without such support, leading to a lack of college completion. The students in the study also exhibited a high degree of resiliency that can be nurtured through key institutional interventions and faculty engagement.
Degree Background:
- B.A. International Relations, United States International University
- M.S. Student Affairs in Higher Education, Colorado State University
- Ph.D. Education and Human Resource Studies, Colorado State University
Role in SAHE: Assistant Professor, Advisor
Courses Taught:
- EDHE 590J – Access and Opportunity Workshop
Additional Information:
- 2013 Chair-Elect for the Council for Opportunity in Education (COE)
- 2014-15 Board of Directors Chair for the COE
- Former Director of NASPA International Symposium
Media Links:
- SAHE MOOC: Global/International Perspectives
- NASPA International Student Services Institute, 2013
- NASPA International Student Services Institute, 2014

DORA FRIAS
DIRECTOR, EL CENTRO
Dora S. Frias (she/her/ella) is currently the Director of El Centro at Colorado State University (CSU). Previously, Dora served as the Director of the Pride Resource Center at CSU and the Program Director of Latinx Student Services at the University of Colorado Denver. Dora was born in Durango, Mexico and grew up El Paso, TX. She earned her B.S. from Texas A&M University and her M.S. at Colorado State University in Student Affairs in Higher Education. Dora has worked as a physical and health educator in the K-12 educational system and has spent the last 10 years working in Student Affairs and Higher Education, specializing in social justice education and advocating for underrepresented students on a variety of campuses across the country. She has served on leadership boards for several local and national organizations including Colorado Coalition for the Educational Advancement of Latinx (CoCEAL), and the ACPA Latinx Network. Dora has been a Co-Lead facilitator for the LeaderShape Institute, is a graduate of the Social Justice Training Institute and has been featured on a Higher Ed Live episode titled “LGBTQ + Latinx Issues in Student Affairs.” Through her work with students she hopes to create a community that fosters mutual respect, justice and equality for all. Outside of all that, she enjoys cooking, listening to podcasts, and spending time with her wife, their kiddo and family.
Degree Background:
- B.S. Kinesiology, Texas A&M
- M.S. Student Affairs in Higher Education, Colorado State University
Role in SAHE: Instructor
Courses Taught:
- EDHE 678 – Capstone in Student Affairs – Residential

PAUL GIBERSON
ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF RESIDENCE LIFE FOR HOUSING OPERATIONS AND CONFERENCE SERVICES, WESTERN COLORADO UNIVERSITY
Pronouns: he/him/his
Paul was born and raised in Breckenridge, Colorado, and started my skiing career at age 2! Skiing is Paul’s passion and carried him to Western State Colorado University where Paul earned a degree in Kinesiology while competing on the cross country ski team. Currently, Paul works at Western State Colorado University as the Associate Director for Residence Life and Conference Services. Paul loves the outdoors and spends free time on the side of a mountain with two wonderful Miniature Australian shepherds, Zumi and Dayton.
Degree Background:
- B.A. Exercise and Sports Science, Western State Colorado University
- M.S. Student Affairs in Higher Education, Colorado State University
Role in SAHE: Instructor
Courses Taught:
- EDRM 698 – Reflective Practitioner I, II, and III – Online
- EDUC 686A – Practicum – Online
Research Interests: Higher Education Policy, Transfer Students, Social Media

LAURA GILES
ASSOCIATE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, HOUSING AND DINING
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Degree Background:
- B.A. Mathematics and Philosophy, Mount Holyoke College
- M.A. Higher Education Administration and Student Affairs, The Ohio State University
Role in SAHE: Instructor
Course Taught:
- EDHE 678 – Capstone in Student Affairs – Residential

PAMELA GRAGLIA
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, SCHOOL OF EDUCATION ASSISTANT PROGRAM COORDINATOR
Pronouns:she/her/hers
Before transitioning to full-time faculty, Dr. Graglia began her 20+ year professional administrative career in Housing and Residence Life, eventually transitioning into roles focused on leadership training and development. She has worked in a range of institutional settings from small private to Big Ten, and in not-for-profit organizations. Courses she has taught over the past decade include Leadership Theory, Qualitative Research, Autoethnography, Social Privilege in Higher Education, and Student Development Theory.
Degree Background:
- B.A. Mass Communication, University of Wisconsin – La Crosse
- M.S. College Student Development, Western Illinois University
- Ph.D. Higher Education and Student Affairs Leadership, University of Northern Colorado
Role in SAHE: Assistant Professor, Advisor, Curriculum Committee Co-Chair
Course Taught:
- EDRM 698 – Reflective Practitioner I – Residential
- EDRM 698 – Reflective Practitioner II – Residential
Research Interests: Leadership theory and development; Transformational change; Transformative learning; Whiteness and social privilege; Qualitative research methods; Postmodern representations

LEA HANSON
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, INTERIM CO-CHAIR SPRING 2020, INDEPENDENT CONSULTANT
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Dr. Hanson has been teaching and advising in the SAHE program since 2015. She began her student affairs career in student leadership advising at the University of Montana. After a few years, she returned to Fort Collins and served the CSU Office of Admissions in an Associate Director role for eight years leading the efforts of the office’s Welcome Center including admissions counseling, visit events, and more. Dr. Hanson then worked in association management leading the communication efforts of an association management company who managed several higher education and student affairs professional associations. Currently, she spends her professional time teaching and advising for SAHE, teaching in CSU’s College of Business MBA program, and consulting with private clients on issues on qualitative research and organizational development.
Degree Background:
- B.A. Psychology, University of North Dakota
- M.S. Student Affairs in Higher Education, Colorado State University
- Ph.D. Organizational Performance and Change, Colorado State University
Role in SAHE: Assistant Professor, Advisor, Interim Co-Chair Spring 2020
Courses Taught:
- EDUC 502 Human Relations in Higher Education – Residential and Online
- EDRM 665 Qualitative Methods in Student Affairs – Residential
Research Interests: Organizational Development, Generations in the Workplace, Leadership, Organizational Values, Organizational Branding

BLANCHE HUGHES
VICE PRESIDENT FOR STUDENT AFFAIRS
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Degree Background:
- B.A. Physical Education, Earlham College
- M.Ed. College Student Personnel Administration, Colorado State University
- Ph.D. Sociology, Colorado State University
Role in SAHE: Assistant Professor, Advisor
Course Taught: EDHE 671 – Higher Education Administration – Residential
Research Interests: Higher Education, Diversity and Inclusion, Athletics

FLEURETTE (FLO) KING
EQUITY EDUCATOR, THE INSTITUTE ON LEARNING & TEACHING (TILT) & UNDERGRADUATE AFFAIRS
Pronouns: Any she/they/per
Degree Background:
- B.A. Sociology with Minor in Ethnic Studies, Bowling Green State University
- M.A. Sociology with focus on Human Relations
Role in SAHE: Instructor
Courses Taught:
- EDHE 678 – Capstone in Student Affairs – Residential
Research Interests: Diversity, equity, inclusion and justice (DEIJ) & sports; DEIJ in higher education

JEN JOHNSON
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR, OFFICE FOR STUDENT LEADERSHIP, INVOLVEMENT, AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
SAHE PROGRAM CO-CHAIR
Pronouns: she/her/hers
jennifer.jo.johnson@colostate.edu
Dr. Jennifer Johnson is a Co-Chair in the Student Affairs in Higher Education (SAHE) Program at Colorado State University (CSU), mainly focusing her efforts on the Online Master’s and Certificate Programs. She teaches Student Development Theory in the Online SAHE program and the Leadership and Service workshop in the Residential SAHE program. Dr. Johnson also serves as the Assistant Director in the Office for Student Leadership, Involvement, and Community Engagement (SLICE) at CSU where she organizes community engagement opportunities for students. Her research interests include service-learning and campus food insecurity. In her free time, Dr. Johnson enjoys skiing and riding her bike with her partner and three children.
Degree Background:
- B.S. Genetics and Cell Biology, University of Minnesota
- M.S. Student Affairs in Higher Education, Colorado State University
- Ph.D. Education and Human Resource Studies, Colorado State University
Role in SAHE: Instructor, Advisor, Curriculum Committee
Courses Taught:
- EDHE 673 – Student Development Theory – Online
- EDHE 590K – Leadership and Service Workshop – Residential
Research Interests: Service-Learning, Co-Curricular Community Engagement, Racial Attitudes

BOBBY KUNSTMAN
SENIOR ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR FOR THE CAROLINA UNION, UNC CHAPEL HILL
Pronouns: he/him/his
Degree Background:
- B.S. Social Sciences, Florida State University
- M.S. Leadership Development, North Central College
- Ph.D. Higher Education & Student Affairs Leadership, University of Northern Colorado
Role in SAHE: Instructor
Course Taught:
- Student Affairs in Higher Education MOOC
Research Interests: Racial identity development, sexual identity development, leadership development, and sense of belonging

ZACH MERCURIO
INSTRUCTOR/AFFILIATE FACULTY, SCHOOL OF EDUCATION/DEPARTMENT OF PSYCHOLOGY
Pronouns: he/him/his
Degree Background:
- B.A. Print Journalism/ Cultural Communication, James Madison University
- M.S. Student Affairs in Higher Education, Colorado State University
- Ph.D. Organizational Learning, Performance, and Change, Colorado State University
Role in SAHE: Instructor
Courses Taught:
- EDHE 676 – Organizational Behavior in Student Affairs (online and residential)
Research Interests: Meaningful work, purpose in work, work motivation, fulfillment in work, positive organizational psychology, organizational behavior, organizational development

KELLY NOLIN
SENIOR ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR, OFFICE OF ADMISSIONS
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Degree Background:
- B.A. English and Philosophy, University of Redlands
- M.A. English, Old Dominion University
- Ph.D. Higher Education Administration, University of Denver
Role in SAHE: Advisor
Research Interests: Student character development, recruitment and enrollment management

KYLE OLDHAM
DIRECTOR OF WORKPLACE INCLUSION AND TALENT MANAGEMENT, HOUSING AND DINING SERVICES
Pronouns: he/him/his
Kyle has worked in residence life, with specific intersections of diversity education and programming, student leadership and engagement, and training and facilitation. His professional interests include housing, diversity education and training, assessment and critical reflection, analysis and meaning making as a method of self-development.
Degree Background:
- B.A. Speech Communications, Baldwin Wallace University
- M.S. Student Affairs in Higher Education, Colorado State University
- Ed.D. Social Justice Education, University of Massachusetts Amherst
Role in SAHE: Assistant Professor & Advisor
Courses Taught:
- EDRM 663 – Reflective Practitioner I – Residential
- EDRM 664 – Reflective Practitioner II – Residential

MOISES PADILLA
DIRECTOR, NEBRASKA COLLEGE PREPARATORY ACADEMY, UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA-LINCOLN
Pronouns: he/him/his
Degree Background:
- B.S. Business Administration, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
- M.S. Student Affairs in Higher Education, Colorado State University
- In progress – Ph.D. Educational Leadership & Higher Education
Role in SAHE: Instructor
Courses Taught:
- EDRM 670: College Student Personnel Administration – Online
- EDHE 660: Financial Management in Student Affairs – Online
Research Interests:
- Access, adjustment and success of underrepresented students
- Higher education administration

SHIRL PORTILLOS
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR, UNIVERSITY HOUSING
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Degree Background:
- B.S. Spanish and Latin American Studies, Colorado State University
- M.S. Educational Psychology and Counseling, Northern Arizona University
Role in SAHE: Co-advisor, Practicum Coordinator
Courses Taught: EDUC 686A Practicum – Residential

ANDREA REEVE
EDUCATIONAL CONSULTANT
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Degree Background:
- B.A. History, University of California, Berkeley
- M.A. Education, Western Kentucky University
- ABD Adult Learning & Postsecondary Education, University of Wyoming
Role in SAHE: Instructor
Course Taught: EDHE672 – Ethical and Practical Issues in Student Affairs
Research Interests: Educational Access in Higher Education, Student Persistence and Retention, CAS Standards, Professional Global Competencies, Learning Strategies, Freshman Seminars

BARB RICHARDSON
SENIOR ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF ASSESSMENT AND STRATEGIC INITIATIVES, CAREER CENTERc
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Barb has fifteen years of higher education experience focused in the career services functional area. Her previous roles include Assistant Director/Career Liaison to the Warner College of Natural Resources at CSU, Alumni Career Programs Coordinator at University of Vermont, and Career Counselor at University of Vermont. Her professional interests include assessment, student success outcomes, and demonstrating the value of higher education.
Degree Background:
- B.A. History, Colorado College
- M.S. College Student Personnel, Miami University
Role in SAHE: Instructor, Curriculum Committee
Courses Taught:
- EDHE 662 – Trends, Issues, and Assessment in Higher Education – Residential
- EDHE 590E – Career Services Workshop Residential
Media Links:
- “Getting hired post-graduation”, The Rocky Mountain Collegian, 2014
- “Student:internships generally useful, not necessary”, The Rocky Mountain Collegian, 2014
- “Fort Collins-Loveland labor shortage unlikely to boost high-skilled job market”, The Rocky Mountain Collegian, 2017
- “How Colorado State University uses alumni career communities to serve over 30,000 students”, Switchboard Newsletter

KATHY SISNEROS
ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENT, STUDENT AFFAIRS
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Degree Background:
- B.S. Communications, Eastern New Mexico University
- M.S. Counseling – Student Personnel, Northern Arizona University
- Ed.D. Education Policy and Leadership, University of Massachusetts – Amherst
Role in SAHE: Assistant Professor, Advisor, Curriculum Committee Co-Chair
Course Taught: EDHE 661 – Inclusive University – Online and Residential
Research Interests: Students of Color at Predominately White Institutions (PWIs); Inequities in Policies and Practices within Higher Education; Critical Race Theory within Higher Education

KERRY WENZLER
DIRECTOR, ORIENTATION AND TRANSITION PROGRAMS, COLLABORATIVE FOR STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Degree Background:
- B.S. Psychology, Colorado State University
- M.A. Student Personnel Services, University of South Carolina
- In progress – Ph.D. in Higher Education Leadership, Colorado State University
Role in SAHE: Instructor
Course Taught: EDHE 670: Foundations and Trends in Higher Education and Student Affairs – Residential
