Meet our Advisors and Staff
Academic Advising Center Leadership
Bio
Beth joined the Academic Advising Center in September, 2015. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Biology/Psychology from Skidmore College and a PhD in Cell and Developmental Biology from Rutgers University/University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. She taught a variety of courses in the Biology Department at Rutgers before moving to academic advising and advising administration. She believes that effective advising plays a pivotal role in student success.
Bio
John has been an academic advisor since 2001, when he was a graduate student in history at the University of Washington. In 2003, he started working in the Academic Advising Center. John received his BA in history from Brigham Young University and his MA in history from the University of Utah. He enjoys helping students discover their strengths and create plans for their future success.
Bio
Julia joined the AAC team in 2012. She is an alumna of the University of Utah with undergraduate studies in Mass Communication and Leadership Studies. She also earned her Master’s degree in Information Systems from the U. Julia is passionate about working with first year students, exploring students, and underrepresented students. She finds joy in the classroom and can often be found teaching UGS 1050: Major Exploration. In her free time, Julia enjoys gardening, renovating her home, spending time with her two black cats, and sewing.
Academic Advising Center Full Time Advisors
Bio
Jason joined the Academic Advising Center team in March 2015. He received his BA in Communication from Humboldt State University and his MA degree in Educational Leadership from Western Michigan University.
Stephanie Begaye
Academic Advising Coordinator
Assistant Director of
Major Exploration Program
Bio
Stephanie joined the Academic Advising Center in July 2015 as part of the Major Exploration Program team. She graduated from the U in 2010, double majoring in Psychology and Behavioral Science & Health.
Bio
Anna is originally from Alabama and completed both her B.S. in Human Resource Management and her M.A. in Communication Management from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. She is passionate about helping students achieve their goals and has been advising college students for 6 years prior to joining the AAC in June 2021. Anna loves spending time outside, curating new recipes, and spending time with her cat, DK.
Tricia Cook
Academic Advising Coordinator
Assistant Director of Advisor Education and Professional Development
Bio
Tricia is a Utah native and has spent her academic and professional careers learning and working in multiple Utah higher education institutions. She began advising in 2016 and was immediately hooked! She loves nurturing others by helping them to reach their highest potential through teaching, advising, and training. During her freetime, Tricia can be found running, woodworking, bargain hunting, or hugging strangers' dogs.
Bio
Heather enjoys advising students and helping them reach their academic goals. She graduated from the University of Utah with a B.S. degree in Human Development and a M. Ed degree in School Counseling.
Ashley Glenn
Assistant Director
Director of Orientation and Outreach
Bio
Ashley joined the AAC team in January 2020 after 5 years in International and Area Studies. As an undergraduate, she double majored in English and History before continuing on to earn a Master’s degree in History at the U. Having been a first-gen student, Ashley is passionate about working with students during orientation in finding their place at the U and in identifying the possibilities that come through learning.
Steve Hadley
Assistant Director
Director of Advisor Education and Professional Development & Assessment
Bio
Steve is originally from Hurricane, Utah and has worked in the AAC for over 15 years. He received his Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Sociology from Utah State University.
Bio
Alessandra was born and raised in Salt Lake City and is a U alum twice over. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Gender Studies in 2017 and her Master’s degree in Education, Culture, and Society in 2019 before joining Preprofessional Advising in May 2021. As a first generation Latina, she is passionate and committed to helping students navigate higher education. She is a new mom and loves spending time with her family. An avid cook and baker, she loves to decorate cakes and is a huge foodie.
Nichole Hutchins
Academic Advising Coordinator
Assistant Director of Major Exploration Program
Bio
Nichole completed her B.S. in Hospitality and Tourism Management in NC in 2012 and her M.A. in Education and Human Development in D.C. in 2020. Nichole is passionate about helping students discover their unique paths. Prior to advising, she spent a number of years working internationally in Thailand, Ecuador, Mexico, Germany, and Jordan. In her free time, Nichole enjoys rock climbing and art in all of its forms.
Lisa Hutton
Assistant Director
Director of Major Exploration Program
Bio
Lisa joined the AAC team in Sept. 2019 after advising for 7 years in the College of Humanities. She graduated from the U in 2008 with a BA in International Studies & minor in German, & in 2015 earned an MEd in Adult Learning & Global Change from the University of British Columbia. She loves college football, gymnastics, & all dogs, & is excited to promote the value of major exploration to the university campus.
Allie McClaskey
Academic Advising Coordinator
Assistant Director of Transfer Program, Peer Program Coordinator
Bio
Allie is from Arizona and joined the Academic Advising Center in April 2017. She has a BSBA in Computer Information Systems from Northern Arizona University and an MA in Professional Writing, also from Northern Arizona University.
Jake McPartlin
Academic Advising Coordinator
Assistant Director of Academic Standards, Utah Global Advisor
Bio
Jake, a Michigan native, started his career in the Registrar's Office at the U in May of 2016. He moved to the AAC in October of 2017. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Central Michigan University and his M.Ed. in Instructional Design and Educational Technology from the U.
Shelley Nicholson
Assistant Director
Director of PreProfessional Advising
Bio
College is hard! Shelley's role as Director of PPA is to help students navigate the complexities of how to be a competitive applicant for professional health programs, and also simply just how to be a successful college student. She currently teaches two courses, UGS 1020: Intro to PreMed/PrePA and UGS 1021: Applying to Med School.
Bio
Terese has enjoyed working with students in academic advising and orientation at the University of Utah for over 15 years. Terese is an alumna of the U of U, receiving a BA in English and MA in Linguistics.
Madeline Rencher
Academic Advising Coordinator
Assistant Director of Orientation and Outreach, Utah Global Advisor
Bio
Madeline graduated from the U with an Honors B.S. degrees in Psychology & Health, Society & Policy, & a B.S. in International Studies with Minors in Leadership Studies & Health. She graduated in 2018 with her Master’s Degree in International Relations from Royal Holloway, University of London.
Bio
Amy joined her alma mater as an advisor in 1998, eleven years after earning her BS degree in Psychology from the University of Utah. Amy earned a Master of Counseling degree from Arizona State University.
Academic Advising Center Peer Advisors
Bio
Sage is a student at the University of Utah and a peer advisor at the Academic Advising Center. She grew up in the small town of Hanksville, Utah. Currently she is exploring a variety of majors that interest her the most, and is minoring in French.
Bio
Erica is from Seattle Washington, and is majoring in Biochemistry here at the University of Utah. When Erica is not working or at school, you can find her performing with the Marching Utes, watching old movies, or reading Shakespeare.
Bio
I’m an Idahoan at heart and travel enthusiast! I hope to touch every continent and see all 7 wonders of the world. I’m a junior Honors student majoring in Health, Society and Policy with a minor in Spanish. When I’m not working or in school, I’m usually hiking or skiing.
What is a peer advisor?
Bridge Advisors & College Liaisons
Bio
Originally from Kentucky, Jerry Brockman’s 23 years serving in the U.S. Air Force not only gave him a wealth of training and the opportunity to fly around the world; the GI Bill benefits also helped him earn a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Alaska Anchorage. He enjoys helping traditionally underrepresented students navigate the college experience and achieve their educational goals. An avid fan of year-round outdoor recreation, Jerry looks forward to snowboarding Utah’s many ski resorts, and exploring its national parks with his running shoes, mountain bike, and motorcycle.
Lauren Bustamante
Bridge Advisor
School of Medicine, Medical Laboratory Science
Bio
Lauren is a California native who joined University of Utah in February 2020. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from University of La Verne, & is currently completing her masters from Kansas State. As a first generation Latina she is passionate about helping students achieve college success. Her personal motto is “Si, Se Puede!”.
Angelica Dennis
Bridge Advisor
Advisor, College of Social and Behavioral Science
Bio
Angelica is originally from Toronto, Canada where she worked in the creative industry! There she merged her love for people and the art of makeup. As an advisor at the U, she is passionate about empowering students to take the lead in their own academic journey with enthusiasm and care. Angelica is also a student pursuing her business degree in Operations and Supply Cha in Management.
Bio
A graduate of Utah State University with a degree in Physical Sciences Ed., Cyri also has minors in physics & chemistry teaching. She is working on a Masters of Public Administration degree at the U. She loves camping, sports, Wonder Woman, & her dog, Roka.
Bio
Angie joined the Academic Advising Center as the Mathematics Bridge Advisor in 2012. She graduated from the University of Utah in 1997 with a BA in Mathematics and a minor in French.
Bio
Andrew is a bridge advisor in the College of Fine Arts. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree, and Doctorate in English. The first one was from Gustavus Adolphus College in Minnesota. The other two were from the University of Oregon.
Bio
Sara is an advisor in the College of Education, and she enjoys working with students to help them be successful in reaching their academic goals. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in English Literature from Utah Valley University. She enjoys reading books and eating chocolate.
Bio
Emily hails from the Grand Canyon state. She is a photographer, artist, and freelance writer for KSL.com and Deseret News. She loves cats, and traveling – but not traveling with cats. Emily enjoys connecting students to opportunities.
Bio
Ali is a Utah native and received her B.A. in Psychology from Weber State and her M.Ed. in Educational Leadership from the University of Utah. She is currently a Business advisor and enjoys working with students to help them excel at their personal and academic goals. Outside of work Ali enjoys spending time with her wife, watching Netflix, and training her dogs, Juno and Willow.
Bio
Tascha is the bridge advisor for the College of Science in Chemistry. She graduated in 2014 with an Honors BS in Chemistry and a BS in Physics.
Bio
Savannah has been an advisor in the College of Nursing since 2016. She has an Honors BA in Linguistics and a BA in International Studies from the University of Utah and is currently completing her master’s degree in Educational Leadership and Policy.
Bio
Jenn is a bridge advisor in the College of Fine Arts. She earned her Bachelor's degree in Anthropology in 2012 and her Master’s Degree in Higher Education and Student Affairs Administration in 2014, both from the State University of New York, Buffalo State.
Bio
Justin has been advising in the College of Humanities since November of 2016 & has loved every minute of it. Originally from Audubon, Minnesota, Justin relocated to Utah at the end of 2015 to chase his love of mountains and all of the adventures they provide.
Bio
Maddi has been advising in the College of Social and Behavioral Science since August 2018. She majored in Psychology & Human Development & Family Studies at the University of Utah. When Maddi isn’t working or doing homework for her graduate program, she enjoys spending time with her husband & twin boys, listening to true crime podcasts, chilling with her cats, or painting her nails.
Bio
Bio
Brenda moved from Minnesota to Utah in 2014. She is the academic advisor for the Department of Metallurgical Engineering & the Department of Materials Science & Engineering. She enjoys working with students that are pursuing degrees & careers in the STEM fields. Brenda treasures her faith, family, friends & the beautiful mountains of Utah.
Academic Advising Center Admin Team
Bio
Joseph has a BS from Clemson University in Materials Science in 2008, and is currently studying Computer Science at Weber State University. He loves cooking, the outdoors, and his family.
Bio
David has been with the Academic Advising Center since March 1996. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in French (plus a Secretarial Certificate) from the University of Utah and attended the University of Washington for one year.
Bio
Tammy joined the Academic Advising Center in January of 2012. Tammy is a Hoosier, hailing from Indiana originally but has lived in Utah for the last 31 years. She earned her Bachelor of Science degrees in both Psychology and Communication and a Master of Science degree in Gerontology.
Bio
Ruby joined the AAC in 2019 after graduating from the U with a BA in International Studies and a BFA in Modern Dance. Moving from Orange County, California, Ruby fell in love with Salt Lake City and decided to stay at the U, with the goal of one day becoming an academic advisor. She is currently pursuing a Masters of Education in Global Education and hopes to continue helping students in their journey here at the University of Utah.
Bio
Will joined the Academic Advising Center in 2021 after graduating from Ensign College where he double majored in Network Engineering & Server Administration. He plans to further his education in IT. He loves to hike and be outdoors.