Parent & Family Programs

About Us

Mission Statement

Hofstra's Office of Parent and Family Programs (PFP) supports the mission of the Division of Student Affairs by informing and engaging parents and family members as they mentor their students to assume increasing responsibility for their learning and personal growth.

Mission Statement

Parent and Family Programs is committed to:

Providing Hofstra families with timely information about Hofstra's services, programs, and opportunities that further student academic success and well-being;
Courteously serving as the central inquiry center for Hofstra parents and families;
Engaging parents and families in campus life by using their knowledge, talents, energy, and expertise; and
Educating parents about college student development and how parents can best guide their students.

Meet the Staff

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Branka Kristic
Director of Parent and Family Programs
200B Phillips Hall
Email | Bio

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Laurie Dalton
Program Coordinator for Parent & Family Programs
200A Phillips Hall
Email | Bio

Branka Kristic

I am honored to have been serving Hofstra students and their families for eight years. Before coming to Hofstra's Division of Student Affairs, I was the assistant director of academic affairs and special programs at Columbia University. I am convinced that families are our essential partners as we guide students in their academic and personal growth.

I welcome calls and emails from family members of Hofstra students. No question is too small or unimportant. We also welcome Hofstra students' input and involvement in the programming for the family events, such as sibling's day, parent orientation and family weekend. Just email me at parents[at]hofstra.edu or call 516-463-7055.

For my Master of Arts degree in instructional technology and media from Teachers College, Columbia University, I researched how technology may help (or not help) learning. I received a Bachelor of Arts degree, Summa Cum Laude, from Queens College. At Hofstra, I continue to be engaged in the Phi Beta Kappa Society and feel blessed to be learning daily from our exceptional student and faculty scholars.

The international and first-generation students hold a special place in my heart, since I was one, too. I invite any student or family member to come by my office for a cup of tea or coffee or just to chat. We will probably talk about Jones Beach, my favorite place in the world, and I will show you my shell collection. Another reason to come: on my walls, you will see some magnificent archival prints from Hofstra's history.

Laurie Dalton

Laurie Dalton joined the Hofstra family in 2019 with many years of experience spanning the field's of insurance, law, and municipal government. Laurie received her Bachelor's Degree in Business Management from St. John's University and prides herself on her ability to juggle priorities, optimize workflows, and develop efficiency improvements in any field she's in. She brings her vast experience of event planning and project management to the Parent and Family Program's department at Hofstra.

Prior to Hofstra, Laurie spent 16 years as the Operations Manager for Administrators for the Professions, Inc. (AFP), a large insurance carrier specializing in malpractice liability.

Outside of work, Laurie enjoys traveling, baking, and spending time with her husband, two daughters and Tibetan Terrier.