Student Success Advisors
In addition to their assigned Peer Advisor, students meet their assigned Student Success Advisor from the Center for Academic Success program at New Student Orientation.
- The Student Success Advisor is a professional advisor who serves as a professor in the University Life course, as a resource for many questions about the curriculum, and as a counselor to help freshmen plan their course of study.
- The Student Success Advisor helps students clarify personal, academic and career goals.
- Together, the Student Success Advisor and the student examine these goals and use them to shape an academic plan and semester coursework.
- As a student's academic and perhaps personal issues arise, Student Success Advisors are available to counsel the students.
- Student Success Advisors make students aware and encourage students to take advantage of the many Seton Hall University resources available on campus, such as the Academic Resource Center, the Career Center, Health Services and Counseling Services, and the Campus Ministry, to make the first year of college a great success.
Our program's goal is to assist students in fulfilling their potential while making realistic choices when choosing their major. The students' choices should always reflect both their interests and abilities.
Meet our Student Success Advisors
Vaughn Calhoun
Vaughn Calhoun, Ph.D., is the Associate Vice President and Dean of the Center for
Academic Success (CAS). He serves on the divisional senior leadership team and supervises
CAS, Academic Resource Center, Academic Support for Student-athletes, Career Center,
and ROTC.
Previous to Seton Hall, Calhoun served as the Associate Vice President of Academic Innovation at Rowan University. He helped coordinate, develop, and implement high-quality academic programs and policies. He has extensive educational success experience and has developed relationships with industry and community partners for student career development. At Becker College, he was the Chair of the Business Department at the School of Design & Technology, where he also chaired the inaugural racial diversity committee. He led the Becker business program redesign, a multi-year project in collaboration with faculty and other campus partners, and oversaw the creation of four additional bachelor degree programs (ESport Management, Emerging Media and Content Creation, Sport Management, and Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship). He is currently an adjunct faculty member at the University of Maryland (Global Campus) and Providence College.
One of his goals is to continue raising the bar of academic achievement, which will aid in student persistence, retention, and graduation. His leadership style focuses on understanding organizational dynamics, managing growth, being a strategic thinker, constant learner, and problem-solver.
He earned his B.S. in Administration of Justice from Rutgers University, where he was full scholarship football player. He earned his M.P.A in Public Policy & Administration from California State University, Long Beach, and Ed.D. in Higher Education Administration from Northeastern University.
Zoe Blackwell Zoe Blackwell is thrilled to be part of the Center for Academic Success as a Part-Time Student Success Advisor. She graduated from Montclair State University with her BA in Psychology and continued her studies at Kean University, where she received her MA in Forensic Psychology. During her time at Kean University, Zoe became a Graduate Teaching Assistant. Here, she fell in love with both teaching and advising students. After graduation, Zoe became an Adjunct Professor at Kean University, where she currently teaches undergraduate and graduate psychology courses.
As an instructor to graduate students, Zoe has guided her students in the next steps of their careers and is eager to translate these skills over to students in the Center for Academic Success. Zoe looks forward to advising students and helping them create and fulfill their personal and academic goals.
In her free time, Zoe likes to spend time with her friends and family and take her dogs, Ace and Malcolm, on long walks. Zoe’s hobbies include reading the latest psychological thrillers, baking, and shopping. Zoe’s door is always open and she is excited to meet the students, faculty, and staff at Seton Hall University!
Joan Brennan
An employee since 1991, Joan Brennan joined the Center for Academic Success Program
in 1999. She earned a Master of Public Administration degree as well as a Bachelor
of Arts degree in Social & Behavioral Sciences from Seton Hall University. Joan is
the designated advisor for students who have been accepted into the Joint Bachelor's/M.D.
Program and a secondary advisor for students who have an interest in pre-medical professions.
She helps students with understanding the curriculum and assists in course selection.
Heather Brito
Heather Brito is excited to be working in the Center for Academic Success (CAS). She
graduated from Kean University in 2016 with a B.A in Psychology and Communication
Studies. During her time as an undergraduate student, she worked in the Psychology
Department at Kean University and wanted to pursue a career in social work. After
she graduated and began working in her field of study, she realized that she missed
working in the university and decided to pursue a career in Higher Education. Following
her new career path, she graduated from William Paterson University with her M.A in
Higher Education Administration and Leadership and is now a part of the Center for
Academic Success team at Seton Hall University.
Aside from working as the Director of Operations, Heather enjoys cooking and spending time with her friends and family. She can be reached at [email protected] and is located in Mooney Hall, Room 11.
Joshua Dornbos
Josh serves as the Associate Dean of the Center for Academic Success. He joined Seton
Hall’s team in January 2022 with nearly 20 years of experience in student services
across higher education and the nonprofit sector. Prior to his time at Seton Hall,
Josh served as the Associate Director of the Advisement Center at New Jersey City
University. During his tenure at NJCU the 4 year graduation rate rose 7% and he took
a leadership role in strengthening services to students on academic probation. During
his early career, Josh developed college preparatory programming for New City Kids,
an organization in Jersey City NJ, that serves Pell eligible, first-generation college
students. Josh resonates with Seton Hall's holistic view of education, the University's
commitment to socioeconomic mobility and emphasis on service.
Josh earned his B.S. in Family and Community Services from Michigan State University and then went on to earn his MSW from the University of Michigan with a concentration in Interpersonal Practice with Children and Youth. In his free time Josh enjoys running, teaching, spending time with his wife & daughters, mentoring, sitting outside by his fire pit and watching football & basketball.
Christopher Driscoll
Christopher Driscoll earned his bachelor's degree in Sociology with a minor in Education
from the University at Albany, where he was a scholarship lacrosse player. He worked
as an academic advisor for student-athletes before completing his master’s degree
in Counselor Education from McDaniel College. He is working on his Ed.D in Educational
Leadership. Christopher worked as a School Counselor at high schools in the Bronx
and Manhattan. He looks forward to working with Seton Hall students and assisting
them with transitioning into college, registration, as well as getting to know the
faculty and staff on campus.
Jacqueline Galler
Jacqueline Galler, Ph.D., serves as a Senior Student Success Advisor and Program Director
- Curriculum in the Center for Academic Success. She earned her Ph.D. in Higher Education,
Leadership, Management and Policy from Seton Hall University in May 2023 and has been
an advisor in CAS since 2013. Her research is primary focused on retention of undecided
major students in higher education. As a Senior Student Success Advisor, Galler teaches
CORE 1001 University Life and academically advises first-year students. She strives
to help her students develop academically and adjust to college. More specifically,
she enjoys helping students find their passion(s) and set goals to help them grow
during their tenure at Seton Hall.
Additionally, Galler serves as the Program Director – Curriculum and assists with the creation of the University Life and Study Skill course curriculum as well as developing and implementing assessments in CAS. Outside of Seton Hall, she enjoys spending time with her three daughters and husband, reading at least one book a month, and traveling. Galler can be reached at [email protected] and is located in Mooney Hall, Room 14.
Lisa Hawryluk
Lisa Hawryluk earned her Bachelor's degree in Secondary Education from Oklahoma State
University. She specialized in the areas of English and Social Studies and taught
high school English before joining the Center for Academic Success team. Lisa went
on to earn her Master's degree in Strategic Communication from Seton Hall University.
Working and interacting with students has always been a passion of hers, and she really enjoys mentoring and advising Seton Hall's freshmen students. Lisa also serves as a Senior Student Success Advisor and Program Director - Transfer Student Center and her door is always open. Her main goal is to help all students transition successfully and become part of the SHU Pirate family. Lisa's favorite quote to live by is: "Don't waste life in doubts and fears; spend yourself on the work before you, well assured that the right performance of this hour's duties will be the best preparation for the hours and ages that will follow it."
Carissa Leoni Carissa Leoni joined the Seton Hall family in 2018 and is excited to work with the Center for Academic Success team as a Center for Academic Success First-Year Advisor. She serves as the Associate Director of Academic Support Services for Student-Athletes. Professor Leoni earned both her B.A. in Communication and Information and her Master's in College Student Affairs at Rutgers University. She spent a brief time here at Seton Hall University as a Graduate Assistant in 2015 for the Office of Academic Support Services for Student-Athletes and has loved being back on campus full-time working with Seton Hall students and student-athletes.
Nereida Montijo
Ms. Montijo earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science while minoring
in Women Studies from Rider University. She also earned a Masters of Education degree
from Drexel University in Higher Education specializing in student development. Ms.
Montijo has years of experience in higher education, non-profit management, college
preparation, student development, adjunct teaching and counseling/advising.
Ms. Montijo also counsels DV survivors and leads local community efforts for individuals in need. Ms. Montijo established a business called E.R.O.D Engaged in Real Open Dialogue where she conducts workshops and participates in speaking engagements for interested groups, schools, or non-profit organizations.
Caroline Rogers
Caroline Rogers serves as an Academic Success First-Year Advisor. She is an alum of
Kean University where she earned both her Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Criminal
Justice with a focus in Public Administration.
Prior to her appointment at Seton Hall University, she served as an Adjunct Professor of Criminal Justice at Kean University and Middlesex County College. She has spent years serving as a mentor with the Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) Program at Kean University. Professor Rogers has also taught First Year Seminar classes, helping freshmen transition into college during their first year at Union County College.
She has continuously followed her passion for teaching and working with college students to provide academic and social guidance. She strives to motivate students in recognizing their inner strengths and skills by allowing them to embark on the journey of self-discovery towards what truly inspires them.
Professor Rogers can be reached via e-mail at [email protected] or located in Mooney Hall – Room 12.
Brittany Gogates
Brittany Gogates (White) graduated from Seton Hall University with her B.A. in English
and Creative Writing and a minor in Legal Studies in Business. After making the decision
to not attend law school, Brittany realized how much she loved and missed working
with college students as a Peer Advisor and decided to follow a new career path. She
returned to Seton Hall and earned her M.A.E. in Higher Education and Student Affairs,
and is finishing her Ph.D. in Higher Education Leadership, Management, and Policy.
She currently serves as a Senior Student Success Advisor and the Program Director
of the Pirate Pathway Program in the Center for Academic Success.
Outside of school, Brittany enjoys spending time with friends and family, being outdoors, reading, and making unforgettable memories. Her favorite quote and one she believes all students should keep in mind is, "Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you've imagined." – Henry David Thoreau. Brittany encourages all students to take advantage of every opportunity and resource Seton Hall has to offer. She also believes students should remember that it's OK if the original plan falls apart; pick up each piece one by one and create a new path. Your possibilities are endless.
Christopher Ferrante
Christopher Ferrante holds a bachelor's degree in Psychology with a concentration
in Society, Ethics, and Law from The College of New Jersey. During his time there,
he served as a Community Advisor and Operational Manager within the Residential Education
Department, spearheading various social equity and diversity projects. Notably, he
established the College’s first Social Justice House community and earned a place
in the college’s Blue and Gold Hall of Fame.
Afterwards, he pursued a Master’s in English Creative Writing at Seton Hall University,
concurrently serving as a Teaching Assistant in the First Year Writing Department.
Prof. Ferrante actively contributed to the Seton Hall community by revitalizing the
First Year Writing Program’s essay contest as part of the FYW Development Curriculum.
Post-graduation, he continued with Seton Hall as an adjunct faculty member in the English Department. Simultaneously, he engaged in diverse experiences, working for Major League Baseball and publishing educational essays reflecting on his unique and adverse journey through Higher Education.
Prof. Ferrante eagerly anticipates supporting Seton Hall students in their transition to college life. In his free time, he enjoys competing as an amateur strength athlete, and designing and playing board games with his friends.