CENTER FOR ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

I have been a member of the Hofstra community since 1995.  I have had the privilege of leading the Center for Academic Excellence team since its inception in 2015.  I am very fortunate to have had consistent opportunities to work collaboratively with colleagues throughout Hofstra University on initiatives that help students discover their interests, work with their strengths, and gain self-awareness and confidence while achieving their goals as undergraduate students.  This is why I love the work we do in the Center for Academic Excellence.

I earned my bachelor’s degree in Psychology at St. Joseph’s College and my master’s and Ph.D. in Applied Developmental Psychology at Fordham University.  It was during my graduate studies that I fully learned to appreciate human development and growth as a dynamic, multidimensional, life-long process.

When I am not working you are likely to find me on the sideline of my son’s baseball games or driving him around to music rehearsals. 

I have been with the Hofstra community for over a decade, starting my profession as an advising dean, guiding students through their academic journey from orientation to graduation. In my current role in the Center for Academic Excellence, I oversee our Academic Success Programs, which offer an array of resources to help students achieve success at Hofstra. These resources include our peer-to-peer tutoring program (The Undergraduate Tutorial Program) and skill-building workshops. My primary goal is to help all students discover that with the right tools and mindset, they can learn anything.

I have degrees in Human Development and Family Studies from the University of Rhode Island, and Rhetorical Studies from Hofstra University. Outside of Hofstra, I enjoy time with family and friends, long walks with my dog, and giving others advice on the best TV shows to watch.

Being on campus as both a student and staff member since 2005, I can proudly say that in my role as a Student Success Advisor in the Center for Academic Excellence, I am extremely motivated to assist the Hofstra student body in achieving greatness.

I began at Hofstra in January 2005 working in Axinn Library. That fall, I started to pursue my B.A. in Psychology. In 2006 I moved into a new position in the Office of the Bursar/Student Accounts. I completed my undergraduate degree in December of 2009 and began my graduate studies in School Counseling in 2010. While in my Master’s program, I embraced the role of student leader, becoming the Co-President of the Counseling Club and working regularly within the department to develop strong extracurricular activities for our graduate students. In May 2012 I graduated with my M.S. Ed in Counseling with Distinction.

Prior to my time at Hofstra I spent a few years as a professional musician, touring the country and meeting a variety of eclectic young people which developed my passion for working with students. Having the ability to hear so many voices from all over the United States showed me that students have ideas that need to be heard and goals that need to be achieved.

Outside of Hofstra I enjoy spending time with my family, attempting to get better at new instruments, cooking exotic cuisines, and traveling to new places (hopefully all over Europe soon!) If you ever have anything you want to talk about, please feel free to stop by my office, e-mail me or call me. I look forward to learning about your experiences both at Hofstra and elsewhere.

Sukanya has recently joined the CAE team from Durham University, UK and she is enjoying learning about the university and the local region of Long Island. “This is a new beginning for me and my family, and I am excited to contribute to the learning community at Hofstra. My academic background is in English Literature but in my last role I was primarily involved in supporting the development of university students in various ways. I enjoy working with and learning from students, so I am keen to meet with you to know more about your academic goals. During our meetings we will discuss your academic interests and support needs so that we can work together to make your time at Hofstra a success. Outside of work I like reading fiction, drawing, hiking, board games, and soccer!”

Starting my career as a Success Advisor at Hofstra University is one that I am so proud to do. As a Success Advisor, I am excited to be a valuable resource that students utilize to enhance their success and skills throughout their academic career. I look forward to building strong connections with students while supporting them through their academic journey.

I am a Baldwin native who graduated from Buffalo State University in 2019 with my Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education. During my time at Buffalo State University, I was a part of a women’s empowerment organization which allowed me to gain insight on how children in other communities outside of my own are in need of resources and mentors. I continued my studies at CUNY Hunter College and obtained my master’s degree in Literacy Education in the spring of 2024.

As a former educator, community leader and mentor I have been able to empower, uplift and educate the youth and families through scholarships and programs. Annually I provide custom prom suits and scholarships to students at my alma mater, Baldwin Senior High School for graduating seniors. Aside from this, I have been a mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters Long Island, a volunteer with Girls Inc Long Island and a former pageant queen.

Outside of Hofstra I enjoy traveling, fashion shows, trying new foods, going to the gym and competing in pageants. If there are any questions, please feel free to email me. I look forward to meeting you all!

I joined the Center for Academic Excellence team as a Success Advisor in September 2024. I am so excited to become a part of Hofstra University and I am eager to meet with new students. Prior to working at Hofstra, I worked at a private elementary school for 4 years. I was the lead teacher of my classroom and created an enriched curriculum for my class.

I earned my Master’s Degree in Education from Stony Brook University, and my Bachelor’s Degree from Binghamton University. I participated in many student organizations during my undergrad career, such as student government and glee club. I am passionate about motivating students to help them reach their full potential and see academic success. Outside of Hofstra, I enjoy traveling, going to see concerts and Broadway shows, spending time with my friends and family, and going on walks with my puppy, Sophie.