Student Success Collaborative
Leadership Team
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Michelle Kyriakides, EdD
Executive Director
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Jean Peden Christodoulou
I joined the Hofstra community in May of 2014 and am thrilled to be a member of the Student Affairs team. I spent twenty years at Stony Brook university, beginning my career in residence life and then working for over a decade in academic affairs as the Assistant Dean and Director of the Undergraduate Colleges. I have spent my entire professional career helping students create connections among what they learn in all areas of their college experience. As the Associate Vice President for Student Affairs, I work closely with my colleagues in the Career Center, The Center for Academic Excellence, the Center for University Advising, International Student Affairs and Student Access Serves to create a support system that helps students achieve their goals.
I earned my bachelor's degree in Biology and a master's degree specializing in substance abuse education at Stony Brook University. However, soon after beginning work in student affairs, my passion for working in higher education became clear. I earned my doctorate here at Hofstra University. My family and I live nearby and you're likely to see us strolling around our beautiful campus. I'm an avid reader and news junkie, often spending spare time with my nose in a book. I'm not an artist but feel like I'm home in any museum. I also decorate a mean cupcake.
Nikki Hancock-Nicholson
My name is Nikki Hancock-Nicholson and I am very excited to be a member of the Student Affairs team. I come to Hofstra by way of CUNY, I’ve worked in Higher Education since 2004 and have held several positions in Academic Affairs. I am very fortunate to have spent my professional career helping students meet their personal and academic goals. As the Coordinator for Student Success and Student Affairs Operations I will continue to ensure that the students’ academic achievements are met by working closely with my Student Success Collaborative team. I earned a bachelor’s degree in Government and a master’s degree in Public Administration specializing in management and operations at John Jay College of Criminal Justice. My family and I live in Suffolk County. I’m a TV junkie and love all things Game of Thrones. “Winter is Coming”
Michelle Kyriakides
Michelle has over 15 years of experience in career counseling, experiential learning, and higher education administration. Prior to working in higher education, she worked in the communications industry, supporting college students from across the country as they interned at national media outlets in New York City and serving as the manager of public relations for a non-profit organization. Michelle's passions include helping students achieve their goals, and mentoring young professionals. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, and volunteering. She is excited to be serving as the Executive Director of the Center for Career Design and Development at Hofstra, and working with an extremely talented team of student affairs professionals.
Michelle has earned an Ed.D. in Instructional Leadership and an M.S.Ed. in Student Development Practices in Higher Education at St. John's University, an M.A. in Television/Film from Syracuse University's S.I. Newhouse School for Public Communications, and a B.A. in Communication and Philosophy from The University of Scranton.
Diane Herbert
I have been a member of the Hofstra community for the past 20 years. Prior to joining the Center for Academic Excellence in the Division of Student Affairs I held several different positions in the School for University Studies. 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 achieve their goals. This is why I am so excited about my current position in the Center for Academic Excellence.
I earned my bachelor's degree in Psychology at St. Joseph's College, and I earned my master's and Ph.D. in Applied Developmental Psychology at Fordham University. It was during my graduate studies that I fully learned to understand and appreciate personal development and growth as a multidimensional and life-long process. When I am not working you are likely to find me with my son on the baseball field, at the park, bike riding, or playing games. And, any chance I get I love to decompress through running.
Marc E. Oppenheim
Marc E. Oppenheim was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY and received his B.A. from Hofstra University in sociology and M.A. from Hofstra University in speech communication and rhetorical studies. He joined the Hofstra University administration in 2000 as a member of the Center for University Advising (CUA) where he held the positions of Assistant Dean and Senior Assistant Dean, serving as academic advisor to first-year students and coordinating components of the new student orientation program. From 2000-2007 he also served as advisor to the Hofstra University chapter of Phi Eta Sigma National Honor Society. In 2005, Dean Oppenheim joined the Lawrence Herbert School of Communication's leadership team where he ultimately served as Senior Associate Dean in charge of all matters pertaining to academic advising, retention, and the student experience. In 2017, he returned to the Center for University Advising to serve as Dean. Dean Oppenheim is also an Adjunct Instructor in the Department of Writing Studies and Rhetoric and was the Director of Hofstra's MA in Rhetorical Studies from 2010-2014. He has also taught courses in communications and digital media at Nassau Community College and Molloy College.
Mike Devlin
Mr. Devlin has over 20 years of Information Technology and Management experience. Starting with United Parcel Service in the 90's, Mr. Devlin made the leap from a purely Management position to a regional Information Services position. After earning certificates from Hofstra University's College for Continuing Education, Mr. Devlin transitioned to an Information Technology consulting position with A. James de Bruin & Sons where he honed his skills as a database applications developer. From those experiences, Mr. Devlin earned his current position as the Coordinator of Information Systems for the Division of Student Affairs at Hofstra University. M.S., Hofstra University, Information Technology; Certificate in Database Design, Hofstra University Continuing Education; Certificate in Computer Science, Hofstra University Continuing Education; B.B.A., Hofstra University, Management; A.S., Nassau Community College, Management Coordinator of Information Systems, Hofstra University; Microsoft Office Specialist (Microsoft Access 2003 Certified) Adjunct Professor of Information Technology, Zarb School of Business Hofstra University. Lecturer of Information Technology, Continuing Education, Hofstra University
Anne Mongillo
All my life, I have felt connected to college campuses and always knew in my heart that I would spend my career working with students in some capacity. I love watching students grow and learn!
Before coming to Hofstra, I served as an advisor and administrator at Columbia University for nearly a decade. My responsibilities included academic advising and building relationships and learning opportunities with Harlem community based organizations.
Throughout my career in higher education, I have dedicated myself to building strong connections between faculty, students and the wider community, serving student success through commitment to open, honest communication.
I hold a MA in Administration and Policy Studies in Education from McGill University, a Graduate Diploma in Communication Studies from Concordia University in Montreal and a BA in Anthropology from the University of Connecticut.
I've been fortunate enough to live and work in Canada, China and Germany. Pottery is a passion of mine as is my family – husband David and son Jacob.