Our Admission Staff
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Amin Abdul-Malik Gonzalez '96
Vice President and Dean of Admission and Financial Aid
Read MorePRONOUNS: he/him
CONNECT VIA TEXT: +1 860.615.3924
HOMETOWN and HIGH SCHOOL: Spanish Harlem, New York City; The Loomis Chaffee School
WHAT SONG WOULD YOU SING AT KARAOKE NIGHT: Rebirth of Slick (Cool Like Dat) by Digable Planets because they rocked Spring Fling my senior year on Foss Hill.
FAVORITE BOOK: I’m an avid reader of non-fiction and autobiographies are my “jam”. The Autobiography of Malcolm X, The Other Wes Moore, and My Beloved World by Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor top my list.
FAVORITE MIDDLETOWN RESTAURANT: Puerto Vallarta is a long-time fave, but since Sultan’s Kebab Express opened up last spring it has quickly become a contender. For a city of Middletown’s size the range of terrific and authentic ethnic food is outstanding.
WHY WESLEYAN? Few colleges afford the opportunity to take advantage of the breadth and depth of our academic programs in such a dynamically diverse community that promotes collaboration over competition. I was drawn to Wes as a student because it is exceptionally balanced in terms of size, location, educational philosophy, co-curricular opportunities, and more. The students are intellectually curious, socially and politically active, and invested in making positive impacts on the world regardless of what occupations they ultimately pursue.
ONE PIECE OF ADVICE YOU'D GIVE TO ALL APPLICANTS: Remember that the college application process does not reward either the modest or the arrogant. Be your own best advocate and trust that it matters far less where you ultimately enroll than what you do while you are there. Your college outcomes are not accurate measures of either your self-worth or potential. Do your part and let the rest take care of itself.
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Chandra Joos DeKoven
Director of Admission - Enrollment Strategies and Operations
Read MorePRONOUNS: she/her
CONNECT VIA TEXT: +1 860.879.3286
HOMETOWN and HIGH SCHOOL: Milton, NH; St. Thomas Aquinas
WHAT SONG WOULD YOU SING AT KARAOKE NIGHT: Uptown Funk, Bruno Mars - I've been banned from Karaoke after an unfortunate debut at an undisclosed location in Upstate NY - As a act of Civil Disobedience I would quietly sing this as my "walk out" song : )
FAVORITE BOOK: The Warmth of Other Suns, Isabel Wilkerson
FAVORITE MIDDLETOWN RESTAURANT: Haveli's lunch buffet - everything is tasty and it will satiate you and friends' varying dietary needs.
WHY WESLEYAN? The Open Curriculum, advising system, and one-on-one engagement with the faculty will introduce you to new ideas and perspectives, push you outside of your academic comfort zone, and allow you to grow as an engaged scholar and socially conscious community member.
ONE PIECE OF ADVICE YOU'D GIVE TO ALL APPLICANTS: Applying to college is a process; your education leading up to this point should not. In fact, your years leading up should be punctuated by curiosity, creativity, and challenge; a comfort in taking academic risks and the important lessons learned from mistakes; stretching personally; valuing authenticity; and investing in your personal relationships and community. High school should not be seen as a stepping stone to college; rather, an as a highly formative opportunity to fully develop as a caring and contributing human being.
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Loreen Carta
Department Assistant/Front Office Manager
PRONOUNS: she/herRead MoreHOMETOWN and HIGH SCHOOL: Berlin, CT; Berlin High SchoolWHAT SONG WOULD YOU SING AT KARAOKE NIGHT: Sweet Caroline by Neil Diamond or anything from the Momma Mia soundtrackFAVORITE BOOK: The Notebook by Nicolas SparksFAVORITE TV SHOW/MOVIE: Survivor, Designated Survivor/Momma MiaFAVORITE MIDDLETOWN RESTAURANT: Fiores – favorite meal on the menu is chicken Fiore – chicken with spinach, fresh tomatoes, sundried tomatoes, and mozzarella cheese in a pink vodka sauce = super yummmmmy!!!WHY WESLEYAN? To me, it’s all about the students! Over my soon to be 18 years here in the Admission Office, I have met the most amazing students and I am beyond happy to have had them be been part of my experience here at Wesleyan!!! 😊ONE PIECE OF ADVICE YOU'D GIVE TO ALL APPLICANTS: Make the most of your time here with everything Wesleyan has to offer!!! Go make some memories!!! -
Eileen DeVille
Executive Assistant to the VP and Dean of Admission and Financial Aid
PRONOUNS: she/herRead MoreHOMETOWN AND HIGH SCHOOL: Rockville, CT; Rockville High School
WHAT SONG WOULD YOU SING AT KARAOKE NIGHT: Heartbreaker by Pat Benatar
FAVORITE MIDDLETOWN RESTAURANT: Sicily Coal Fired Pizza
WHY WESLEYAN? College campus energy
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Julia Fondiller
Senior Assistant Dean of Admission
Read MorePRONOUNS: she/her
CONNECT VIA TEXT: +1 860.467.1388
HOMETOWN and HIGH SCHOOL: Scarsdale, NY; Edgemont Jr. Sr. High School
WHAT SONG WOULD YOU SING AT KARAOKE NIGHT: Best Day Of My Life by Tom Odell
FAVORITE BOOK: The Immortal life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot
FAVORITE MIDDLETOWN RESTAURANT: I absolutely love Mondo's! Their mozzarella triangles are a must-try, and adding truffle honey to their plain pie is delicious!
WHY WESLEYAN? Wesleyan immediately struck me as an environment that values students' creativity, knowledge, and uniqueness. Additionally, each student I've talked to has raved about special housing options that are available and the seemingly endless opportunities to get involved with the Middletown community.
ONE PIECE OF ADVICE YOU'D GIVE TO ALL APPLICANTS: Reach out to current students and be open to hearing about their experiences- both the good and the bad. This is an incredibly helpful way to learn about a specific school because those students might end up being your classmates, teammates, and friends!
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Dorothy Gaby
Assistant Dean of Admission
Read MorePRONOUNS: she/her
CONNECT VIA TEXT: +1 860.854.7486
HOMETOWN/HIGH SCHOOL: Springfield, MA/SABIS International Charter School (Now Springfield International Charter School)
WHAT SONG WOULD YOU SING AT KARAOKE NIGHT? “I’m a Survivor” by Reba McEntire or “Somos de Calle” by Daddy Yankee
FAVORITE MOVIE/TV SHOW: Legally Blonde/Gilmore Girls
FAVORITE MIDDLETOWN RESTAURANT: Steamed- They have great dumplings!
WHY WES? Wesleyan offers a distinctly different atmosphere compared to other small liberal arts colleges in that it is a place overflowing with creativity and passionate thinkers. I would encourage anyone who really has that independence of thought to consider Wes.
ONE PIECE OF ADVICE YOU'D GIVE TO ALL APPLICANTS: Don’t be humble! Do your best to detail all of your accomplishments so we can see who YOU are in your application beyond your grades.
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Jordyn Hackett-Slimm
Admission Counselor
Read MorePRONOUNS: she/her
CONNECT VIA TEXT: +1 860.854.4459
HOMETOWN/HIGH SCHOOL: Woodstown, NJ: Salem County Career and Technical High School
WHAT SONG WOULD YOU SING AT KARAOKE NIGHT? Wannabe by the Spice Girls
FAVORITE MOVIE/TV SHOW: The Office and any Harry Potter Movie
FAVORITE MIDDLETOWN RESTAURANT: Mondo - I love the turkey avocado panini, and their caesar salad!
WHY WES? Wesleyan offers one of the most unique college experiences I have ever seen. There is a place for everyone in the community and people value diverse experiences. Students push each other to be successful and to always strive for greatness.
ONE PIECE OF ADVICE YOU'D GIVE TO ALL APPLICANTS: Be yourself and trust your gut. Challenge by choice and place yourself in a community that feels right for you. The right school for you is out there and it might just be Wes!
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Mariane Ibrahim
Senior Assistant Dean of Admission
Read MorePRONOUNS: she/her
CONNECT VIA TEXT: +1 860.788.4529
HOMETOWN and HIGH SCHOOL: Jersey City, New Jersey; University Academy Charter High School
WHAT SONG WOULD YOU SING AT KARAOKE NIGHT: I can’t sing but I would act like I can sing by choosing All I want for Christmas is You by Mariah Carey
FAVORITE BOOKS: Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse
FAVORITE MIDDLETOWN RESTAURANT: Red Fox
WHY WESLEYAN? Wesleyan really allows students to express themselves, advocate for change and gives them the tools needed to be change agents. The open curriculum gives students the opportunity to explore new interests from a wide variety of classes. It’s a place where faculty and peers have dynamic perspectives, share ideas, and champion diversity.
ONE PIECE OF ADVICE YOU'D GIVE TO ALL APPLICANTS: Learn to talk about yourself, a lot. Everyone wants to hear about the authentic YOU so really take the time to get to know yourself in all aspects and show off.
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Jessica Jaskot
Assistant Dean of Admission
Read MorePRONOUNS: she/her
CONNECT VIA TEXT: +1 860.467.0921
HOMETOWN and HIGH SCHOOL: Greenwich, CT; Greenwich High School & Ombrosa International School (Lyon, France).
WHAT SONG WOULD YOU SING AT KARAOKE NIGHT: A song for laughs and cheesy dance moves- “Keep your Hands to Yourself” by the Georgia Satellites. If we’re taking karaoke more seriously, “If I Could Turn Back Time” by Cher.
FAVORITE BOOKS: The Circle by Dave Eggers- It’s a dystopian commentary on the values and cultures that have emerged as a result of the prevalence of the internet and technology.
FAVORITE TV SHOW/MOVIE: The Good Place; The Princess Bride
FAVORITE MIDDLETOWN RESTAURANT: Perk on Main- It’s the perfect cozy cafe to settle in with a good coffee and yummy croissant and do some reading/work.
WHY WESLEYAN? The size. Wesleyan is a “big, small school.” Since Wes is larger than a typical liberal arts school, there are a greater number of resources to explore new things and a greater number of resources for students to pursue their academic and personal passions. It allows for an environment with greater diversity where students interact with people from many different world views and life experiences. The classroom conversations are enhanced and there’s a strong sense of collaboration. Wes is large enough that there are a myriad of ideas from students wanting to make a difference but also small enough that it is a close-knit community.
ONE PIECE OF ADVICE YOU'D GIVE TO ALL APPLICANTS: Take time to reflect on yourself- what are your passions inside and outside of the classroom? What new areas do you want to explore in college? The college application process is a wonderful opportunity for self-discovery. You will find things out about yourself such as what motives you and what excites you. This is a passage to an exciting new chapter in your life. You should focus more on picturing what you want the next four years of your life to look like rather than applying to every school possible. You are more likely to be successful wherever you end up the more you are in tune with yourself, your passions, and your goals. We want to get to know you and help you in this process. If you see it this way, it can help you relax more and enjoy the process more.
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B. Noble Jones, Ph.D.
Associate Dean of Admission
Read MorePRONOUNS: he/him
CONNECT VIA TEXT: +1 860.467.1861
HOMETOWN AND HIGH SCHOOL: Brookfield HS; Brookfield, Ohio
WHAT SONG WOULD YOU SING AT KARAOKE NIGHT / WHAT'S YOUR WALK-UP SONG: Cannot imagine a worse singing voice than mine, so I’ll exercise the right to not sing. Walk-up song: Blinding Lights by The Weeknd
FAVORITE TV SHOW/BOOK/MOVIE: At the moment, I’m obsessed by Peaky Blinders and Ozark and have re-streamed them both a number of times. I like to reread books and regularly revisit Catch-22 and A Confederacy of Dunces. Showing my age, but I’ll always stop to watch Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, Shawshank Redemption, and Napoleon Dynamite.
FAVORITE MIDDLETOWN RESTAURANT AND DISH: Celtic Cavern and their crispy Brussels sprouts
WHY WESLEYAN? Our students wear their hearts on their sleeves and pursue a healthy definition of success that includes the well-being of others, not just themselves.
ONE PIECE OF ADVICE YOU'D GIVE TO ALL APPLICANTS: Abandon the notion of a “perfect fit” or a “dream school.” Keep an open mind and realize there are so many colleges and universities out there, and they can all serve you well. Your college experience, wherever it may be, will largely be determined by how you personally engage your faculty, staff, and classmates, and leverage the resources that exist on that campus to make the most of your time there.
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Jordan Kessel
Assistant Director of Admission Events
Read MorePRONOUNS: she/her
HOMETOWN AND HIGH SCHOOL: Southington, CT; St. Paul Catholic High, Bristol, CT
WHAT SONG WOULD YOU SING AT KARAOKE NIGHT: If I'm singing alone, definitely something Broadway! Me and the Sky from Come From Away or Heart of Stone from SIX. If I'm doing a duet (my husband and I sing together a lot) it would probably be Need You Now by Lady A.
FAVORITE TV SHOW/BOOK/MOVIE: Schitts Creek/What We Talk About When We Talk About Love by Raymond Carver/The Birdcage
FAVORITE MIDDLETOWN RESTAURANT AND DISH: El Pulpo & Tapas Bar. The Paella Valenciana is outstanding!
WHY WESLEYAN? The students here at Wesleyan are a wonderful mixture of brilliant, friendly, accepting, quirky and passionate. You won't find a community quite like this anywhere else!
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Bryan Kobick
Senior Assistant Dean of Admission
Read MorePRONOUNS: he/him
CONNECT VIA TEXT: +1 860.854.1730
HOMETOWN AND HIGH SCHOOL: Vienna, Virginia; James Madison High School
WHAT SONG WOULD YOU SING AT KARAOKE NIGHT: We Didn’t Start the Fire by Billy Joel
FAVORITE MOVIE: Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon
FAVORITE BOOK: What is the What by Dave Eggers
FAVORITE MIDDLETOWN RESTAURANT: Esca Restaurant and Wine Bar
WHY WESLEYAN: Wesleyan has an incredibly unique approach to learning through its open and flexible curriculum. While I did not attend Wesleyan as an undergraduate, I did attend a small national university with a strong focus on the Liberal Arts. A Liberal Arts education at Wesleyan teaches students how to ask questions, question one’s own ideas and perspectives, take risks, and to engage in the world around them.
ONE PIECE OF ADVICE YOU'D GIVE TO ALL APPLICANTS: Ignore the rankings. Search for ideal college fits, schools where you can grow and thrive academically, socially, and professionally over the next four years. -
Tara Lindros
Associate Dean of Admission
Read MorePRONOUNS: she/her
CONNECT VIA TEXT: +1 860.365.6841
HOMETOWN AND HIGH SCHOOL: Middletown, NY; Middletown High School
WHAT SONG WOULD YOU SING AT KARAOKE NIGHT: So What by Pink
FAVORITE BOOK: My current favorite books (I try to read 50+ per year) are Disappearing Earth by Julia Phillips and Circe by Madeline Miller.
FAVORITE MIDDLETOWN RESTAURANT AND DISH: Nardelli’s, Italian Combo Sub with Everything (yes, including the hot sauce!)
WHY WESLEYAN? I am a graduate of a small liberal arts college and when I entered the admission profession after graduate school, I wanted to represent an institution that embodied the values that were so central to my own college experience and life beyond. Wesleyan’s commitment to access, equity, and inclusion work, as well as deep pedagogical commitment to the liberal arts educational experience, made it a great fit for me and my personal values. As to why I stay at Wesleyan? I am consistently impressed by the commitment to making change among our students, and way Wesleyan as an institution uses its resources to support that work.
ONE PIECE OF ADVICE YOU'D GIVE TO ALL APPLICANTS: Your time in college should be a transformative experience, not simply a credentialing one. Find a school that makes you at least a little uncomfortable, but where you can see evidence that it facilitates growth and change in its students, and sets them up to find meaningful work in the world after they graduate.
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Leykia (Kia) Nulan
Associate Dean of Admission and Director of Access Initiatives and Partnerships
Read MorePRONOUNS: she/her
CONNECT VIA TEXT: +1 860.854.9459
HOMETOWN and HIGH SCHOOL: Brooklyn, NY and Brooklyn Technical High School
WHAT SONG WOULD YOU SING AT KARAOKE NIGHT: Ready for Love by India Aire
FAVORITE BOOK: Just one? Hmm, a toss-up between the Alchemist and ANYTHING by Tomi Adeyemi. Children of Anguish and Anarchy awaits me!
FAVORITE MIDDLETOWN RESTAURANT: MONDO. I can smell the pizza from here…
WHY WESLEYAN? A spirit of excellence and social justice has always drawn me to this place!
ONE PIECE OF ADVICE YOU'D GIVE TO ALL APPLICANTS: Don’t take yourself too seriously in the process. Have a little fun with it!
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Karen O'Leary
Department Assistant
PRONOUNS: she/herRead MoreHOMETOWN AND HIGH SCHOOL: Portland, Connecticut/Portland High School
WHAT SONG WOULD YOU SING AT KARAOKE NIGHT/WHAT'S YOUR WALK-UP SONG: Knee Deep by Zac Brown Band
FAVORITE TV SHOW/BOOK/MOVIE: Everyone Loves Raymond/Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood/27 Dresses
FAVORITE MIDDLETOWN RESTAURANT AND DISH: Typhoon Restaurant/Pad Thai
WHY WESLEYAN? I am immensely grateful to work in the Wesleyan Community while also living in Middletown. Having work and life intersect in this way has provided a great deal of life balance and benefits.
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Sebastian L. St Ivory
Assistant Dean of Admission
Read MorePRONOUNS: he/him
CONNECT VIA TEXT: +1 860.854.1765
HOMETOWN AND HIGH SCHOOL: Boone, North Carolina; Watauga High
WHAT SONG WOULD YOU SING AT KARAOKE NIGHT: Darius Rucker’s Wagon Wheel
FAVORITE TV SHOW/BOOK/MOVIE: Breaking Bad/1984 (Orwell)/Boyhood
FAVORITE MIDDLETOWN RESTAURANT AND DISH: Haveli, Chicken Vindaloo (extra spice) with Garlic Naan and a Mango Lassi.
WHY WESLEYAN? The open curriculum at Wes is the epitome of the liberal arts experience. Wesleyan students come to campus with a mind open to risk and exploration across the curriculum leading to extraordinary cross-curricular collaboration.
ONE PIECE OF ADVICE YOU'D GIVE TO ALL APPLICANTS: Ignore the rankings: look for a university where you’ll be challenged and grow.
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Zac Thomas
Admission Counselor
Read MorePRONOUNS: he/they
CONNECT VIA TEXT: +1 860.854.3277
HOMETOWN AND HIGH SCHOOL: Southington, CT; Southington High School
WHAT SONG WOULD YOU SING AT KARAOKE NIGHT: See You Again by Miley Cyrus
FAVORITE TV SHOW/BOOK/MOVIE: Scandal/The Song of Achilles/Titanic
FAVORITE MIDDLETOWN RESTAURANT AND DISH: Mondo - I love their pizza and salads!
WHY WESLEYAN? The mission and values of Wes – striving for more diverse and accessible educational opportunities for students to make their impact on the world around them!
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Sonia Vega
Manager of Enrollment Operations
PRONOUNS: she/herRead MoreHOMETOWN AND HIGH SCHOOL: Bronx NY – Wilbur Cross
WHAT SONG WOULD YOU SING AT KARAOKE NIGHT /or/ WHAT'S YOUR WALK-UP SONG: I will survive (Gloria Gaynor)
FAVORITE MOVIE: The Notebook
FAVORITE MIDDLETOWN RESTAURANT: Typhoon
WHY WESLEYAN? Wesleyan is my home away from home. I enjoy the work that we do for the students, the mark we are helping to make for our future. But I am also here because of the wonderful people I work with, in addition to others I have collaborated outside of our office.
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Sheila von Schoeler
Department Assistant III
Pronouns: she/herRead MoreHOMETOWN/SCHOOL: East Hampton & East Hampton High School
WHAT SONG WOULD YOU SING AT KARAOKE NIGHT: I Hope You Dance by Lee Ann Womack
FAVORITE TV SHOWS: House, Grey's Anatomy, NCIS, Outlander, Downton Abbey, Good Girls
FAVORITE MIDDLETOWN RESTAURANT AND DISH: Thai Gardens - Pad Thai
WHY WESLEYAN? Wesleyan has always made me feel at home and is a positive, compassionate place to work. I've had the pleasure over the past 38 years to work in departments such as University Relations, Residential Life and now the Admission Office and it's the wonderful people I have worked with and Wesleyan's mission that have kept me here this long. -
Janay Wynter
Assistant Dean of Admission
PRONOUNS: she/herRead MoreHOMETOWN AND HIGH SCHOOL: Glastonbury, CT ; Glastonbury High School
WHAT SONG WOULD YOU SING AT KARAOKE NIGHT & WHAT'S YOUR WALK-UP SONG: Literally any songs from Ne-Yo’s Year of the Gentlemen & Beyoncé’s B’Day or Renaissance
FAVORITE TV SHOW/BOOK/MOVIE:
Books: Sula by Toni Morrison, Barracoon the Story of the Last "Black Cargo" by Zora Neale Hurston
Shows: Bob’s Burgers, Scandal, How to Get Away with Murder
Movies: Isle of Dogs, Spirited Away, Dreamgirls
FAVORITE MIDDLETOWN RESTAURANT AND DISH: Mondo - They have the best lunch specials!
WHY WESLEYAN? There are many many things that make Wesleyan the great University that it is, but if I had to choose one, I would say the people. The students and staff are all so welcoming and brilliant. Regardless of where you come from, you can absolutely find community and support here at Wes. -
Miranda Zuo
Associate Dean of Admission
Read MorePRONOUNS: she/her
CONNECT VIA TEXT: +1 860.852.4729
HOMETOWN and HIGH SCHOOL: Janesville, Wisconsin; Milton High School
WHAT SONG WOULD YOU SING AT KARAOKE NIGHT: I can’t carry a tune, but if I could, I’d sing Sara Evans’ Born to Fly.
FAVORITE BOOKS: Honeymoon in Tehran by Azadeh Moaveni; Postville: A Clash of Cultures in Heartland America by Stephen G. Bloom; Factory Girls by Leslie T. Chang, and anything by Peter Hessler
FAVORITE MIDDLETOWN RESTAURANT: I still need to do more research—too many good choices!
WHY WESLEYAN? With its open curriculum and high levels of campus and community engagement, Wes offers students the flexibility and resources to pursue their passions and explore new interests. It’s a place where faculty and peers will introduce you to new perspectives, engage with you in dialogue, and collaborate to better the community and the world.
ONE PIECE OF ADVICE YOU'D GIVE TO ALL APPLICANTS: Highlight what you are passionate about in your application! We want to get the best possible understanding of who you are, and what matters to you and why. Put time and thought into your application, but once your apps are submitted, trust that life will work out as it should, regardless of which campus you end up on.