Staff
Our highly experienced leadership team provides strategic insight and guidance for all of Student Life, while departmental directors focus on specific areas of service.
Leadership Team
![Brian Hamluk, PhD, vice president of Student Life.]()
![Christina Hernandez.]()
Vice President for Student Life
Providing oversight and leadership to the units within Student Life to ensure students have the support and resources they need to thrive at the university and beyond.
University at Buffalo
520 Capen Hall
Buffalo, NY 14260Phone: (716) 645-6404
Education Experience Affiliations Recognition UB Experience:
- 2021–Present: Vice President for Student Life
Previous Experience:
- 2016-2021: Associate Dean of Student and Director of Administration, University of Pittsburgh
- 2010–2015: Associate Athletic Director for Administration, COO, George Washington University
![Christina Hernandez headshot.]()
![Christina Hernandez.]()
Senior Associate Vice President, Student Life
Providing leadership for divisional finance, human resources, and space planning/management for Student Life.
University at Buffalo
407 Capen Hall
Buffalo, NY 14260Phone: (716) 645-3170
Education Experience Affiliations Recognition UB Experience:
- 2021– Present: Senior Associate Vice President for Student Life
- 2019 –2021: Interim Vice President for Student Life
- 2017 –2019: Associate Vice President, Administration and Planning, Student Life
- 2010 – 2017: Sr. Associate Vice Provost, Academic Affairs
- 2001– 2010: Associate Athletic Director, Senior Women’s Administrator (2007-2008), UB Division of Athletics
Previous Experience:
- 2000-2001: Adjunct Instructor, Trocaire College
- 1999-2001: Director of Student Services, Trocaire College
- 1998-1999: Health Career Opportunities Grant Program Administrator, Erie Community College
- 1997-1998 Recruiter, TAD Resources International, Inc.
![Tomas Aguirre headshot.]()
Dean of Students
Responsible for the day-to-day management of many Student Life units, helping to shape the campus experience for countless students, faculty and staff.
University at Buffalo
315 Student Union
Buffalo, NY 14260Phone: (716) 645-2982
Education Experience Affiliations Recognition UB Experience:
2023 – Present: Dean of Students
Previous Experience:
2017–2023: Vice President of Student Life & Enrollment Services and Chief Diversity Officer, SUNY Delhi
2016–2017: Associate Vice President of Student Affairs & Dean of Students, Texas A&M University, Commerce
2013–2016: Dean of Students, University of New Mexico
2012–2013: Associate Dean of Students, Humboldt State University
2010–2012: Associate Director, California State University Dominguez Hills
![John Lambert headshot.]()
![John Lambert.]()
Senior Director; Marketing, Communications & External Engagement
Providing leadership and institutional-level guidance to the internal and external marketing initiatives within Student Life.
University at Buffalo
252 Capen Hall
Buffalo, NY 14260Phone: (716) 645-3602
Education Experience Affiliations Recognition UB Experience:
- Oct. 2022-present: Senior Director, Marketing, Communications and External Engagement
- 2017-2022: Director, Student Life Marketing & Communications
- 2013- 2017: Director, Student Life Marketing & Development
- 2012-2013: Senior Associate Athletic Director for External Affairs
- 2007-2012: Senior Associate Athletic Director for Development
- 2002-2007: Associate Athletic Director for External Relations
- 1999-2002: Senior Assistant Athletic Director for External Relations
- 1996-1999: Assistant Athletic Director for Sales and Promotions
Previous Experience:
- 1992-1996: Account Executive, Buffalo Bisons - AAA Affiliate of the Cleveland Indians
- Oct. 2022-present: Senior Director, Marketing, Communications and External Engagement
![Headshot of Sharon Mitchell.]()
![Sharon Mitchell.]()
Senior Director, Student Wellness; Director, Counseling Services
Helping UB students manage college — and life — by promoting student wellbeing and academic success with an emphasis on health promotion, emotional and mental support, and the delivery of high quality medical services.
University at Buffalo
120 Richmond Quad
Buffalo, NY 14261Phone: (716) 645-2720 or 829-5800
Education Experience Affiliations Recognition UB Experience:
- 2018-present - Senior Director for Wellness
- 2003-2018 - Director of Counseling Services
Previous Experience:
- 2000-2003 - Assistant Director, Center for Counseling and Student Development, University of Delaware
- 1994-2000 - Psychologist, Center for Counseling and Student Development, University of Delaware
- 1989-1994 - Psychologist, Counseling Center, Boston University
![Trung Nguyen headshot.]()
Trung Nguyen, Ed.D
Assistant Vice President for Student Engagement and Success
Developing and implementing a student experience that builds community, satisfaction, affinity and a sense of belonging.
University at Buffalo
150 Student Union
Buffalo, NY 14260Phone: (716) 645-6026
Education Experience Affiliations Recognition UB Experience:
- 2022–Present: Assistant Vice President for Student Engagement and Success, Student Life
Previous Experience:
- 2021-2022: Assistant Vice Chancellor for Student Identity and Success, Texas Christian University
- 2020-2021: Interim Assistant Vice Chancellor for Multicultural and International Student Services, Texas Christian University
- 2018-2020: Assistant Dean of Student Development Services, Texas Christian University
- 2015-2018: Director of First-Year Experience, Texas Christian University
- 2012-2015: Assistant Director of First-Year Experience, Texas Christian University
- 2009-2012: Assistant Director of Orientation and First Year Experience, Monroe Community College
- 2007-2009: Assistant Director of Special Events, Conferences, and Orientation
- 2006-2007: Residence Director, Utica College
- 2005-2006: Residential Coordinator, St. Lawrence University
- 2022–Present: Assistant Vice President for Student Engagement and Success, Student Life
![Erin O'Brien headshot.]()
![Christina Hernandez.]()
Erin O'Brien, PhD
Chief Student Retention Innovation Officer
Charged with developing and executing a comprehensive, university-wide Student Experience (SX) strategy, creating an effective student First Year Experience (FYE), and improving university student retention rates.
University at Buffalo
524A Capen Hall
Buffalo, NY 14260Phone: (716) 645-3396
Education Experience Affiliations Recognition UB Experience:
- 2023-Present: Assistant Dean, University Student Retention Innovation Officer, University at Buffalo Academic Affairs, Student Life
- 2019-2023: Assistant Dean, Chief Enrollment and Marketing Officer, University at Buffalo School of Management
- 2013-2019: Assistant Dean, Director of Graduate Programs, University at Buffalo School of Management
Previous Experience:
- 2012-2013: Director, IT Business Relationship Management, HealthNow New York, Inc.
- 1999-2012: Client Solutions Executive, IBM
![Lisa Bolt headshot.]()
Lisa T. Bolt
Administrative Assistant to the Vice President
Office of the Vice President for Student Life
University at Buffalo
520 Capen Hall
Buffalo, NY 14260Phone: (716) 645-6404
![Carmella Marinaccio headshot.]()
Carmella Marinaccio
Administrative Assistant to the Dean of Students
Office of the Vice President for Student Life
University at Buffalo
315 Student Union
Buffalo, NY 14260Phone: (716) 645-2982
Directors
![Kevin Ahuna headshot.]()
![Kevin Ahuna.]()
Director, Intercultural and Diversity Center
Supporting all students on campus and creating a strong sense of belonging by celebrating differences as proudly as we celebrate commonalities.
University at Buffalo
240 Student Union
Buffalo, NY 14260Phone: (716) 645-2434
Education Experience Affiliations UB Experience:
- 2018 – Present: Director, Intercultural and Diversity Center
- 2011 – 2018: Administrative Director, Student Affairs Administration Program
- 1998 – 2011: Senior Associate Director, University Residence Halls and Apartments
- 1993 – 1998: Area Director, University Residence Halls and Apartments
![Matthew Ardila-Weigand headshot.]()
Director, Orientation, Transition and Parent Programs
Making the transition to UB easier by connecting new students with the people and resources they need to succeed.
University at Buffalo
112 Student Union
Buffalo, NY 14260Phone: (716) 645-6125
Education Experience Affiliations Recognition UB Experience:
2013 – Present: Director, Orientation, Transition and Parent Programs
2007 – Present: Adjunct Assistant Professor in Department of Educational Leadership and Policy
2003 – 2013: Director, New Student Programs
1999 – 2003: Coordinator and Staff Assistant
![Eric Blackledge headshot.]()
Executive Director, Campus Dining and Shops
Meeting the varied needs of the UB community through innovative restaurants, convenient shopping options, and the multipurpose UB Card.
University at Buffalo
146 Fargo Quad
Buffalo, NY 14261Phone: (716) 645-2521
Education Experience Affiliations UB Experience:
- 2020-present – Executive Director, Campus Dining and Shops
- 2018-2020 – Assistant General Manager, Campus Dining and Shops
- 2013-2018 – General Manager, Campus Dining and Shops
Previous Experience:
- 1991-2013 – Delaware North Companies
![Hadar Borden headshot.]()
![Hadar Borden.]()
Program Director, Startup and Innovation Collaboratory; and WNY Prosperity Fellowship Program
Introducing entrepreneurship as a viable career path through coaching, venture creation support and fellowship opportunities.
University at Buffalo
340 Student Union
Buffalo, New York 14260Phone: (716) 645-8111
Education Experience Affiliations Recognition UB Experience:
- 2016 – Present: Director, Blackstone LaunchPad and WNY Prosperity Fellowship Program
- 2008 – 2016: Administrative Director, Undergraduate Academies
- 2004 – 2008: Assistant Administrative Director, University Honors College
- 2002 – 2004: Assistant Director/Admissions Advisor, Office of Admissions
- 1997 – 2000: Financial Aid Assistant, Office of Financial Aid
Previous Experience:
- 2000 – 2002: International/Senior Marketing Coordinator, Atto Technology Inc.
![Colleen Connolly headshot.]()
![Elizabeth Lidano.]()
Director, Student Support and Resources
Coordinating institutional response and support for student concerns and guidance to partners in student success.
University at Buffalo
315 Student Union
Buffalo, NY 14260Phone: (716) 645-2982
Education Experience Affiliations Recognition UB Experience:
- 2022 - Present: Director, Student Support & Resources, Dean of Students Office
- 2015-2022: Associate Director, Student Conduct & Advocacy
- 2010-2015: Assistant Director, Judicial Affairs & Student Advocacy
- 2007-2010: Student Support Coordinator, Judicial Affairs & Student Advocacy
Previous Experience:
- 2003-2007: Assistant Director, Residence Life, Gannon University
- 2000-2003: Graduate Assistant, Center for Social Concerns, Gannon University
- 1994-2000: House Manager, Ronald McDonald House of Buffalo
![Phyllis Floro headshot.]()
![Phyllis Floro.]()
Director, Student Engagement
Giving students the opportunity to make positive change by developing an understanding of themselves, others and their community through active citizenship.
University at Buffalo
150 Student Union
Buffalo, NY 14260Phone: (716) 645-6469
Education Experience Affiliations Recognition UB Experience:
- 2015 – Present: Director, Student Engagement
- 2013 – Present: Adjunct Faculty, Graduate School of Education, Educational Leadership & Policy Department
- 2009 – 2015: Associate Director, Intercultural & Diversity Center and Center for Student Leadership & Community Engagement
- 2006 – 2009: Assistant Director, New Student Programs
- 1999 – 2006: Coordinator, Student Unions/Activities
![Kesha Foster headshot.]()
![Christina Hernandez.]()
University at Buffalo
407 Capen Hall
Buffalo, NY 14260Phone: (716) 645-2376
Education Experience Affiliations Recognition UB Experience:
- 2022 - Present: Director of Human Resources; Unit Diversity Officer
- 2014 – 2022: Associate Director, Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
- 2011 – 2014: Assistant Director, Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
- 2006 – 2011: EEO Specialist, Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
- 2010 - 2016: Lecturer, Cora P. Maloney College
Previous Experience:
- 1995 - 2006: Human Resources Representative, Wegmans Food Markets
![Headshot for Brian Haggarty.]()
Director of Residential Life, Campus Living
Creating dynamic residential communities — including residence halls and apartments — that support academic and personal success.
University at Buffalo
106 Red Jacket Quad
Buffalo, NY 14261Phone: (716) 645-2171
Education Experience Affiliations Recognition UB Experience:
- 2024: Director of Residential Life
- 2022 – 2023: Interim Director of Housing Operations
- 2022: Director of Residential Life
- 2011 – 2022: Sr. Associate Director for Residential Life
- 2007 – 2011: Associate Director for Residential Operations
- 2003 – 2005: Assistant Director for Residential Life
- 2001 – 2003: Complex Coordinator
- 2000 – 2001: Residence Hall Director
Previous Experience:
- 2005 – 2007: Associate Director for Residential Life, Buffalo State College
![Kristin Harte headshot.]()
Director, Accessibility Resources
Providing a variety of accommodations for students with disabilities, including interpreters, assistive technology and accessible course materials.
University at Buffalo
60 Capen Hall
Buffalo, NY 14260Phone: (716) 645-2608
Education Experience Affiliations UB Experience:
- 2021 – Present: Interim Director, Accessibility Resources
- 2019 – 2021: Associate Director, Accessibility Resources
- 2012 – 2019: Assistant Director, Accessibility Resources
- 2008 – 2012: Testing Coordinator, Accessibility Resources
Past Experience:
- K-12 Education
- Town of Amherst Youth Board
![Dan Kaczmarek headshot.]()
Director, Assessment and Research
Supports the values and goals of Student Life by providing timely and reliable information regarding operations and performance.
University at Buffalo
323 Student Union
Buffalo, NY 14260Phone: (716) 645-3133
Education Experience Affiliations UB Experience:
- 2016 – Present: Director of Assessment & Research, Student Life
Previous Experience:
- 2012 – 2016: Consultant for Campus Success, Campus Labs
- 2009 – 2014: Assistant Professor (English), Erie Community College
- 2007 – 2012: Senior Adjunct Lecturer (English/Creative Writing), Niagara University
![Larissa Kowalczyk headshot.]()
![Beth Rogan.]()
Unit Business Officer
Provides strategic financial leadership to enhance financial planning, operations, efficiency, and effectiveness.
University at Buffalo
221E Red Jacket
Buffalo, NY 14261Phone: (716) 645-7380
Education Experience Affiliations Recognition UB Experience:
- 2022 – Present: Senior Director, Finance, Student Life
- 2018 – 2022: Senior Associate Director, Resource Management, Campus Living
- 2013 – 2017: Director, Resource Management, Academic Affairs
- 2003 – 2013: Assistant Athletic Director, Business Operations, Division of Athletics
Previous Experience:
- 2002-2003: Accountant/Financial Analyst, M&T Bank
- 2022 – Present: Senior Director, Finance, Student Life
![temp placeholder.]()
Director, Student Unions
Providing welcoming space, services and facilities to support events, activities, and the needs of our students, faculty, staff and visitors.
University at Buffalo
235 Student Union
Buffalo, New York 14260Phone: (716) 645-2055
Education Experience Affiliations UB Experience:
- 7/2/2015-6/2023: Athletics - Associate Athletic Director – Equipment, Event & Facility Operations
- 1/1/2010-7/1/2015: Athletics - Assistant Athletic Director – Event & Facility Operations
- 6/29/2008-12/31/2010: Athletics – Staff Associate – Director of Facility Operations
- 9/11/2003-6/28/2008: Athletics - Senior Staff Assistant – Assistant Director, Facility Operations
- 8/1/1998-9/10/2003: Athletics – Facilities Assistant
- 8/1/1997-7/31/1998: Recreation & Intramural Services – Assistant Facilities Coordinator
- 8/1/1995-7/31/1997: Recreation & Intramural Services – Facilities Management Assistant
- 8/24/1987-7/31/1995: Recreation & Intramural Services – Secretary
![Elizabeth Lidano headshot.]()
![Elizabeth Lidano.]()
Director, Student Conduct
Supporting a safe, positive and just campus environment through regulations, and managing conduct.
University at Buffalo
9 Norton Hall
Buffalo, NY 14260Phone: (716) 645-6154
Education Experience Affiliations Recognition UB Experience:
2022 - Present: Interim Dean of Students
2003 - 2022: Director, Student Conduct & Advocacy
Interim Director, Campus Living, 20171998 – 2003: Associate Director for University Apartments, Campus Living
1995 – 1998: Assistant Director, Campus Living
1994 – 1995: Complex Director, Campus Living
1992 – 1995: Residence Hall Director, Campus Living
![Marla McBride headshot.]()
![Marla McBride.]()
Director, Health Promotion
Promoting long-term wellness by providing a wealth of services related to healthy lifestyles, rape and sexual assault prevention, and stress reduction.
University at Buffalo
114 Student Union
Buffalo, NY 14260Phone: (716) 645-2837
Education Experience Affiliations UB Experience:
- 2019 – Present: Director, Health Promotion
- 2014 – 2019: Associate Director, Health Promotion
- 2004 – 2014: Alcohol and Other Drug Specialist and Program Coordinator, Health Promotion
Previous Experience:
- 2003: Senior Addictions Caseworker, BryLin Outpatient/Hospital
- 2000 – 2003: Senior Addictions Counselor, Horizon Outpatient
![Beth Rogan headshot.]()
![Beth Rogan.]()
Director of Resource Management
Responsible for administrative support in the areas of resource planning, implementation and stewardship for Student Life.
University at Buffalo
407 Capen Hall
Buffalo, NY 14260Phone: (716) 645-6045
Education Experience Affiliations Recognition UB Experience:
- 2017 – Present: Director, Resource Management
- 2000 – 2017: Director Resource Planning, Processing and Development, Resource and Support Services
- 1998 – 2000: Business Manager, Resource and Support Services
- 1997 – 1998: Assistant Business Manager, Resource and Technology Support Services
![Dan Ryan headshot.]()
![Dan Ryan.]()
Director, Veteran Services
Providing assistance with veterans’ benefits, academic policies and access to campus resources.
University at Buffalo
321 Student Union
Buffalo, NY 14260Phone: (716) 829-5586
Education Experience Affiliations UB Experience:
- 2013 – Present: Director, Veteran Services
- 2008 – 2017: Director, Off-Campus Student Services
- 1997 – 2008: Director, Career Services
Previous Experience:
- 1995 – 1997: Assistant Dean of Student Services, Canisius Collge
- 1992 – 1997: Director, Disability Support Services, Canisius College
- 1990 – 1995 Assistant Director, Career Services, Canisius College
![Headshot of Steve Simpson.]()
Director, Career Design Center
Providing students with career experiences to prepare for life after college.
University at Buffalo
259 Capen Hall
Buffalo, NY 14260Phone: (716) 645-2231
Education Experience Affiliations Recognition UB Experience
- 2024 - Present: Director, Career Design Center
Previous Experience
- 2022 - 2024 : Executive Director - Career Management Center & Corporate Engagement, University of Rochester Simon Business School
- 2016 to 2022: Director & Career Consultant, MBA Programs (Marketing), University of Rochester Simon Business School
- 1999 - 2016: Various Marketing leadership positions with most recently held being Group Vice President Marketing & Client Strategy, Gannett | USA Today Network
- 1997 - 1999: Graduate Assistant for Graduate Programs Office, Syracuse University
- 1994 - 1997: General Manager, BurrellesLuce
![Susan Snyder headshot.]()
![Susan Snyder.]()
Director, Student Health Services
Offering both urgent and non-urgent medical care for students — including health screenings, clinics and immunizations — regardless of health insurance.
University at Buffalo
4350 Maple Rd.
Buffalo, NY 14226Phone: (716) 829-3316
Education Experience Affiliations Recognition UB Experience:
- 2007 – Present: Director, Student Health Services
- 2002 – 2007: Administrative Director, Student Wellness Team
- 2000 – 2002: Associate Director, Student Health System
- 1999 – 2000: Staff Assistant, Student Health Services
![Headshot of Gary Thompson.]()
Director of Housing Operations, Campus Living
Creating dynamic residential communities — including residence halls and apartments — that support academic and personal success.
University at Buffalo
106 Red Jacket Quad
Buffalo, NY 14261Phone: (716) 645-2171
Education Experience Affiliations UB Experience:
- 2024 - Present: Director of Housing Operations
Experience:
- 2020-2023: Director of Housing Facilities, University of Tennessee - Chattanooga
- 2016-2020: Director of Housing Facilities, University of Georgia
