Subir Sahu, Ph.D
Assistant Dean, Residential Living
ss663@drexel.edu
As the Assistant Dean of Students for the Residential Living Office, Dr. Subir Sahu utilizes assessment, student voice, and knowledge of Drexel campus culture to cultivate strong residential communities for all students living on campus. Dr. Sahu has served multiple roles in the Residential Living Office, joining the Drexel University Student Affairs team as the Assistant Director/Resident Director of Towers Hall in 2006. In 2008, Dr. Sahu became the Associate Director of Residential Living. In the Associate Director role, Dr. Sahu oversaw departmental initiatives and projects, such as the RA Selection process. In 2010, Dr. Sahu moved into the Director of Residential Living role. Dr. Sahu became the Assistant Dean of Students in 2012, where he concurrently assists with major division-wide initiatives and projects within the Division of Student Affairs.

Dr. Sahu holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biomedical Engineering from Johns Hopkins University. After spending several years working as an engineer, Dr. Sahu decided to follow his passion for working and counseling college students. He left the field of engineering and obtained a Master’s of Education degree in Student Affairs Practice in Higher Education from the University of Delaware. After receiving his M.Ed., Dr. Sahu joined the Residential Living Office at Drexel.

In 2012, Dr. Sahu obtained his Ph.D. in Urban Education from Temple University. His dissertation topic centered on the engagement and involvement of Asian students at American colleges and universities. Dr. Sahu’s research background gives him a unique understanding of how the urban environment uniquely impacts the affects the Drexel community and student body. Dr. Sahu is continuing his research on Asian students, as well as higher education in an urban setting. Beyond his research, Dr. Sahu also serves as an instructor in the Drexel College of Education.

Melissa DePretto Behan
Associate Director
med87@drexel.edu
Although originally from Chicago, Melissa is officially settled on the East Coast. She completed her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at Seton Hall University, and her Masters of Education in Adult and Organizational Development at Temple University. While completing her Masters she served as an Area Coordinator in the Office of Housing and Residence Life at Rutgers University-Camden.
Melissa started at Drexel as a Resident Director in Race and Van Rensselaer in 2010, and was then given Assistant Director responsibilities in 2011 working on integrating Academic initiatives into the residential experience.  During that time she also coordinated the Sophomore Year Experience, and began her work in revamping the hiring and training processes for over 300 Desk Assistants that help build community and keep our halls secure.
Melissa is currently the Associate Director of Residential Living and uses her background and passion for training to oversee the training and selection of all of our Resident Assistants.  She also continues to work with Desk Operations to ensure that our students feel at home in each residence hall.

Outside of work, Melissa likes to explore Philadelphia with her husband, Sean and dog, Louie.

Erin O'Boyle
Assistant Director of Budgets and Administration
elo27@drexel.edu
Erin O'Boyle began her career at Drexel in 2008 in the Residential Living Office as the Administrative Assistant. In 2010, she became Assistant Director of Budgets and Administration.   At Drexel, Erin is responsible for the overall administrative and budgetary management of the Residential Living Office. She is thrilled to be a member of the RLO team.Erin has a BA in Elementary Education with a specialization in mathematics from West Chester University.  She eagerly awaits going back to school for her master’s degree.

In her spare time, Erin enjoys listening to music, spending time with friends and family, and discovering the beautiful city of Philadelphia

Kim Wolcott
Administrative Assistant
kmw356@drexel.edu
Kim is new to the Residential Living team at Drexel as of May, 2012. She has been a resident of Philadelphia for over four years & is excited to become part of a community as important to Philadelphia as Drexel. Kim received her Bachelor of Arts degree in English and communications from the University of Scranton in 2008. She just started her graduate studies in Global & International Education here at Drexel University. Prior to starting at Drexel, Kim has over 5 years of experience in administrative & professional development roles from various organizations, including the Philadelphia Museum of Art. In her current role, she manages the front office administrative operations and assists with budget management processes for the department.

Kim loves exploring Philadelphia with friends! She has a Philadelphia “bucket list” that she enjoys trying to complete in her spare time.

Shardé Johnson
Resident Director,
Caneris Hall/ University Crossings/ The Axis
snj32@drexel.edu
From West Philadelphia born and raised, Shardé Johnson joined Drexel University in July 2009 as a Residential Desk Coordinator for Calhoun Hall. After almost 2 years in that role she accepted the position of Assignments Coordinator of University Housing in March 2011. She is now back with the RLO team as the Resident Director of Caneris Hall, University Crossings and The Axis.

Prior to Drexel, Shardé attended the University of Delaware where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in English with a film concentration and women’s studies minor. She discovered her love for education through her involvement in extra-curricular activities such as president of her sorority Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc Mu Pi chapter and president of the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) Delaware Chapter. After arriving at Drexel, Shardé decided to pursue a degree in higher education and enrolled in Drexel’s Master of Higher Education program.

When she’s not working Shardé enjoys learning Japanese, watching Bravo TV, anything and everything involving mustaches and conquering her fear of riding her bike through the city.

Ashley Jones
Resident Director,
Calhoun Hall
aaj47@drexel.edu
Ashley is a native of Virginia, and attended Longwood University. Ashley graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in 2008 with a concentration in Communication Studies. Ashley worked full time for 2 years in administrative roles but realized that her passion was higher education and was accepted into the College Student Personnel Administration graduate program in Harrisonburg, VA. After a summer intern opportunity at Drexel, Ashley fell in love with Philadelphia and the University. She is excited to be back and even more excited to be working in the Residential Living Office, and living in Calhoun Hall.

She is excited to see what the city has to offer after living in small towns for so long!  Ashley loves walking around the city and trying new restaurants, but most recently is trying to find the best places to watch her favorite Washington, DC sports teams.

Gabby Mora
Assistant Director/ Resident Director,
Kelly Hall
mgm92@drexel.edu
I am originally from Venezuela. I moved to the US to attend college on a tennis scholarship at Tusculum College in Greeneville, TN, where I completed my B.A. in Mass Media and Business Administration. I then went on to work as an Assistant Hall Director at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville while working on my M.S. in Advertising and later as a Graduate Assistant at the Office of the Dean of Students at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign where I completed a Masters of Education in Higher Education. In between graduate schools, I also worked as a Resident Director at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and Loyola University Chicago.

In my free time, I love going to musicals! I also listen to show tunes all day long so if you visit me in my office, you will be able to enjoy them as well.

Jen Tifone
Assistant Director/Resident Director,
Millennium Hall
jat338@drexel.edu
Jen is in her third year as the AD/RD of Millennium Hall which houses the Honors Program Living Learning Community. In Jen’s AD position she is working to expand the academic engagement of our students in the residence halls. Prior to moving to Philadelphia, Jen lived in South Dakota where she worked as a Complex Director at Black Hills State University. Jen graduated with her undergraduate degree in 2006 from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania with a BA in Political Science.  After realizing that she didn’t want to go to law school Jen moved out west to South Dakota for the position at Black Hills State University and in 2008 Jen began her master’s degree at South Dakota State University in the Student Personal Service  Program which she completed in 2010.

When not working Jen enjoys exploring the wonderful city of Philadelphia as well as trying to get her dog Sammie (who she adopted while out in South Dakota) to find the courage to explore his new surroundings.  Jen also enjoys playing soccer, movies and finding opportunities for volunteer in the city.   

Alyssa Garnich
Assistant Director/Resident Director,
Myers
amg398@drexel.edu
Alyssa has served as the Resident Director (RD) of Myers Hall since July 2011, and hails from Bucks County, PA. She holds a Master of Education degree in Counseling Psychology, with a focus in College Student Personnel, from James Madison University. Alyssa’s role is to supervise the Residential Desk Coordinators (RDCs) and the Resident Assistants (RAs) of Myers, as well as create opportunities for learning and development for all residents and staff. In addition, Alyssa serves as the Assistant Director of Residential Living for Organizational Management. She has worked in higher education as a professional and/or graduate student for over 5 years, with additional experience in Career Counseling and Development.

She enjoys getting to know the unique and diverse residents of Myers and can often be seen in the lobby imitating Kristen Wiig SNL characters, discussing music, the recent performance of Philadelphia sports teams, or the latest movie/TV show. Alyssa is very dedicated to her role as a resource and student advocate, so be sure to get to know her!

MacKenzie Lovell
Resident Director,
North Hall
mml94@drexel.edu
This is MacKenzie’s first year at Drexel, but she has been living, working, and going to school in Philadelphia since 2005. She received her undergraduate degree from Saint Joseph’s University, and recently completed a Master’s degree at the University of Pennsylvania.

She is a die-hard Phillies fan, and loves to go for runs around the art museum. Mackenzie and her dog, Fred, are really enjoying their time together in University City.

Andrew Fuller
Resident Director,
Race St. Residences & Van Rensselaer Hall
aaf57@drexel.edu
Andrew joined the RLO team in July of 2012 as the Resident Director for Race Street Residences and Van Rensselaer Hall. Prior to working at Drexel, Andrew spent 3 years as a Resident Director at Binghamton University in upstate New York. Andrew grew up in a small town in Missouri and went to undergraduate and graduate school at Missouri State University in Springfield, Missouri. His master’s degree is in Student Affairs. In grad school, Andrew worked in new student orientation and student conduct administration. His undergrad degree is in vocal music education, and

Andrew still loves to sing in his free time through a local Philadelphia choir. Andrew loves exploring the restaurants, museums, parks, and sites that Philadelphia has to offer.

Durda Rajsic Catto
Assistant Director / Resident Director,
Stiles Hall & The Courts
dr376@drexel.edu
Durda joined the Office of Residential Living in August 2007 as a Residential Desk Coordinator.  During this time, she completed her MS in Library and Information Science. In 2009 she became Assistant Director in the Office of Residential Living, offering budgetary and administrative support. In 2010, Durda transitioned into the AD/RD position. She is currently developing and implementing the Graduate Student Experience which is housed in Stiles Hall on the Center City Campus and in part of Van Rensselaer Hall on the University City Campus. Durda just took on supervising The Courts as well. This is a new apartment style housing option for returning students and transfer students.

Durda is a Philadelphia native and feels a strong connection to Drexel, having family members that are alumni and being an alumnus herself. Prior to coming to Drexel, Durda earned her B.S. in Elementary and Early Childhood Education at Bloomsburg University and was a teacher for the School District of Philadelphia.

Durda also enjoys exploring the city with her coworkers which brings new enthusiasm for the city in which she was raised. 

Joe Peltzer
Assistant Director/ Resident Director,
Towers Hall
jmp366@drexel.edu
Joe, originally from New Hope, PA, joined the RLO team in July of 2010 and currently serves as the Resident Director of Towers Hall.  He earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Human Resource Management from Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania, as well as his Master of Education degree in College Student Personnel Administration from James Madison University.  Prior to working at Drexel, Joe held positions in Fraternity & Sorority Life at JMU for two years, as well as an internship position in FSL at Drexel.  Joe enjoys sampling the many restaurants Philadelphia has to offer, spending time with family and friends in the area, and being an avid fan of the Philadelphia Flyers!

In addition to his role as Resident Director, Joe serves as a member of the RA Training Committee, works on the planning committee for the Student Affairs Awards, and will be supervising the Drexel Orientation Leaders this summer.