Meet the Admissions Officers
Adam BrimansonAdmissions Officer Hometown: Sunrise, FL Degrees: B.A. in English and B.A. in Political Science, Georgia State University Favorite restaurant in Athens: Heirloom Café Something interesting about me: I taught high school English and Advanced Placement Literature for ten years. Favorite musical spot in Athens: Rooftop at the Georgia Theatre Favorite spot on campus: The Georgia Museum of Art and looking at Leonard Delonga Favorite college class: Any and every English course that included James Baldwin in the curriculum. Why you came to UGA/Why you enjoy it here: Athens is one of the most culturally inspiring and accessible towns I’ve experienced and wish for my kids to equally enjoy. Good people are everywhere. What is your notable first at UGA: When I first realized I was standing on campus while at the State Botanical Gardens…UGA came into clearer view. Back to Search E-mail Adam Brimanson at ambrimanson@uga.edu |
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Alton StandiferDirector of New Student Orientation, Senior Assistant Director of Admissions Degrees: B.S. in Middle Grades Education and M.Ed in Higher Education Administration, Georgia Southern University Favorite restaurant in Athens: Last Resort Grill Something interesting about me: I love photography. I enjoy taking pictures for various events and activities. I also know that the best photographers shoot with a Canon! Favorite UGA tradition: Ringing the Chapel Bell in honor of athletic victories or other special events. Favorite spot on campus: Tate Student Center Favorite college class: It's a tie between The Presidency and Higher Education Law. Public Speaking gets an honorable mention. Back to Search E-mail Alton Standifer at alton@uga.edu |
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Amanda R. SaleSenior Associate Director of Admissions for Marketing and Recruitment Hometown: Midland, TX Degrees: B.A. in Public Relations and M.Ed. in Higher Education, Texas Tech University; Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies, Arizona State University Favorite restaurant in Athens: The Place--they have an excellent BLT with fried green tomatoes and avocado--you should try it! Favorite UGA tradition: Ringing the Chapel Bell with good news. I think every victory is worth a celebration, BIG or small, and I love that we come together as a community to celebrate. Favorite spot on campus: Founders Memorial Garden Favorite college class: Beginning SCUBA Why you came to UGA/Why you enjoy it here: The University of Georgia felt "just right" from the first time I visited campus. Everyone is welcoming and kind, Athens is funky and fun, and it's a great place to call home. Back to Search E-mail Amanda R. Sale at askamanda@uga.edu |
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Amber McFarlandRegional Admissions Officer - Texas Hometown: Wesson, MS Degrees: B.S. in Educational Psychology and M.S in Counselor Education with an emphasis in Student Affairs, Mississippi State University Favorite restaurant in Athens: The Place Something interesting about me: I performed in the 2011 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Favorite spot on campus: The historic North Campus quad Favorite college class: Social Psychology Why you came to UGA/Why you enjoy it here: UGA and the city of Athens both felt like home the very first time I visited. The people are awesome, and Athens is absolutely the coolest college town in the south. What is your notable first at UGA: The very first time I heard the Chapel Bell ring. I love the tradition of celebrating all victories, big and small! Back to Search E-mail Amber McFarland at amber.mcfarland@uga.edu |
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Anthony JohnsonSenior Assistant Director of Admissions - Metro-Atlanta Office Hometown: Lithonia, GA Degrees: B.A. in History, Kansas State University; M.S. in Higher Postsecondary Education, Syracuse University Favorite restaurant in Athens: Shokitini Favorite spot on campus: Myers Quad Favorite college class: History of the South Why you came to UGA/Why you enjoy it here: I enjoy how hospitable students are on campus when you need to find your way around. Back to Search E-mail Anthony Johnson at acjohnso@uga.edu |
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Ashley O'CainAdmissions Officer Hometown: Greenville, SC Degrees: B.S. in Biology, Wofford College Favorite restaurant in Athens: Last Resort Grill Favorite musical spot in Athens: Highwire Lounge Favorite spot on campus: Founders Memorial Garden Favorite college class: Latin American Caribbean Studies Why you came to UGA/Why you enjoy it here: The people and the sense of community. From the moment I stepped foot on campus, it was evident that UGA is a place where people matter. Great things happen where emphasis is on the people! What is your notable first at UGA: I am the first in my family to work at UGA and to call Georgia home. Back to Search E-mail Ashley O'Cain at ashley.ocain@uga.edu |
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Blanca Rahman '13Assistant Director of Admissions Hometown: Watkinsville, GA Degrees: B.S. in Psychology and minor in Public Health, University of Georgia Favorite restaurant in Athens: Mama's Boy for brunch and Cali N Tito's for dinner. Something interesting about me: I am a first generation immigrant and also a first generation college graduate. Favorite musical spot in Athens: 40 Watt Club Favorite UGA tradition: Having your picture taken at the Arch upon graduation. Favorite spot on campus: Lake Herrick Pavilion Favorite college class: Abnormal Psychology Why you came to UGA/Why you enjoy it here: I knew UGA would have the opportunities and resources necessary to become a well-rounded and successful individual. What is your notable first at UGA: Meeting my husband and going on my first date after we met at UGA. Back to Search E-mail Blanca Rahman at blanca13@uga.edu |
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Charles Carabello '09Associate Director of Enrollment Management Degrees: B.A. in Journalism, Washington and Lee University; M.Ed. in Education Administration and Policy, University of Georgia Favorite restaurant in Athens: The National Something interesting about me: If it's not a bow tie, it's not a real tie! Favorite musical spot in Athens: 40 Watt Club Favorite UGA tradition: Ringing the Chapel Bell. Favorite spot on campus: Founders Memorial Garden Favorite college class: The Films of Martin Scorsese Why you came to UGA/Why you enjoy it here: Athens just has so many authentic people and places. What is your notable first at UGA: First Fulbright Seminar Grant for Undergraduate Admissions personnel. Back to Search E-mail Charles Carabello at ccarabel@uga.edu |
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Chenelle Goyen '16Associate Director of Admissions - International Admissions and Residency Officer Hometown: Meyerton, Gauteng, South Africa Degrees: B.B.A in Management and International Affairs, Georgia College and State University; M.Ed. in Educational Psychology: Applied Cognition and Development, University of Georgia Favorite restaurant in Athens: The Place Something interesting about me: I am South African and love to play tennis and golf! Favorite musical spot in Athens: Georgia Theatre Favorite UGA tradition: Georgia Football Saturdays in Athens and Calling the Dawgs! Favorite spot on campus: North Campus Favorite college class: Multicultural Educational Psychology: I researched the way that culture influences the motivation to become academically successful. Why you came to UGA/Why you enjoy it here: I love the incredible sense of community at UGA and in Athens. This is truly the "Classic City of the South" where rich tradition is at the heart of a hip college town and creates distinct culture! What is your notable first at UGA: I am the first South African to work in the Office of Admissions! I was also the first one in my family to get a tennis scholarship and degree abroad. Back to Search E-mail Chenelle Goyen at chenelle@uga.edu |
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Cindy Boyles Crawford '03 '15Associate Director of Admissions, Scholarship Coordinator Degrees: A.B.J. Telecommunications Arts and M.P.A. Higher Education Administration, University of Georgia Favorite restaurant in Athens: Clocked! Favorite musical spot in Athens: Georgia Theatre Favorite spot on campus: North Campus--the bench next to Phi Kappa Hall Favorite college class: History of Rock and Roll Why you came to UGA/Why you enjoy it here: I chose to attend UGA in the fall of '99 to study at the Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication. I also joined the Redcoat Marching Band as a student and enjoyed participating for four years. Back to Search E-mail Cindy Boyles Crawford at cboyles@uga.edu |
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Cindy Ganas '93Admissions Officer Hometown: Valdosta, GA Degrees: B.B.A in Real Estate, University of Georgia Favorite restaurant in Athens: DePalma's Favorite spot on campus: In the fall, Sanford Stadium. The rest of the year, Founders Memorial Garden. Favorite college class: Real Estate Development Why you came to UGA/Why you enjoy it here: I loved my time in Athens as a student, so I am thrilled to help bring students to UGA. The opportunities here are amazing and the town is like no other. Back to Search E-mail Cindy Ganas at csganas@uga.edu |
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David GravesSenior Associate Director of Admissions Operations and Evaluation Degrees: B.A. in History and M.A. in English, Clemson University Favorite restaurant in Athens: DePalma's Favorite spot on campus: Founders Memorial Garden Why you came to UGA/Why you enjoy it here: I enjoy the amazing and creative students. What is your notable first at UGA: First in my family to work at UGA. Back to Search E-mail David Graves at drgraves@uga.edu |
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Heather Elisabeth '93Transfer Admissions Officer Degrees: B.F.A in Fabric Design with emphasis in Latin, Sculpture, and Cultural Anthropology, University of Georgia; M.A. in History of Decorative Arts and Design, Parsons The New School NY, NY Favorite restaurant in Athens: The Grit Something interesting about me: I have traveled to every state in the USA except for North Dakota and have lived abroad for a total of seven years in London, UK, and Zurich, Switzerland. Favorite spot on campus: North Campus near the Arch is my absolute favorite area due to the gorgeous landscaping and architecture. Favorite college class: I loved all my art, Latin, and anthropology classes. Why you came to UGA/Why you enjoy it here: I returned to Athens, GA, to provide a beautiful town and community for my son to call home. Back to Search E-mail Heather Elisabeth at heathere@uga.edu |
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Jason Emond '91Academic Evaluation Coordinator Degrees: A.B. in Psychology, University of Georgia Favorite restaurant in Athens: Hi-Lo Something interesting about me: I am a musician. Favorite musical spot in Athens: Georgia Theatre Favorite spot on campus: Georgia Quad Favorite college class: Philosophy 1101 Why you came to UGA/Why you enjoy it here: I grew up here--it's great! Back to Search E-mail Jason Emond at jemond@uga.edu |
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Jay MeneesAdmissions Recruiter Hometown: Memphis, TN Degrees: B.A. in Classical Studies with a concentration in Latin, University of South Carolina Favorite restaurant in Athens: The Place Something interesting about me: I compete in Professional Disc Golf Association tournaments---in the recreational division of course. Also, I once won a bike from General Mills for eating a box of cereal the fastest. Favorite UGA tradition: The “Clean, Old-Fashioned Hate” in-state football rivalry with Georgia Tech that is played every year. Favorite spot on campus: Founders Memorial Garden Favorite college class: The Fall of the Roman Empire Why you came to UGA/Why you enjoy it here: I came to UGA with my fiancé who is pursuing her Ph.D in the sciences. Personally, I love it here because it is unlike any other college town. There is unique mixture of Southern hospitality, academic excellence, college pride, and community that distinguishes UGA (and the Athens’ community) from other universities. Back to Search E-mail Jay Menees at jcm14037@uga.edu |
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Jonathan Brunson '12Assistant Director of Admissions for Outreach Hometown: Augusta, GA Degrees: B.A. in Spanish, Georgia Southern University; M.S.W., University of Georgia Favorite restaurant in Athens: Marti's at Midday! The curry chicken salad will change your life. Something interesting about me: I've studied abroad twice in Costa Rica and Northern Ireland. I really enjoy traveling and experiencing different cultures. Favorite college class: Any Spanish class Why you came to UGA/Why you enjoy it here: I love the abundance of study aboard opportunities UGA offers. Back to Search E-mail Jonathan Brunson at jmaurice@uga.edu |
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Kelly BirdSenior Assistant Director of Admissions Hometown: Americus, GA Degrees: B.S. in Education with emphasis in Recreation; B.B.A. in Accounting and M.B.A., Georgia Southwestern State University Favorite restaurant in Athens: Last Resort Grill Favorite musical spot in Athens: Georgia Theatre Favorite UGA tradition: Between the Hedges at Sanford Stadium. Favorite spot on campus: The Trial Gardens Favorite college class: Organizational Leadership Why you came to UGA/Why you enjoy it here: I love the welcoming community and the rich traditions that UGA has to offer. What is your notable first at UGA: My first UGA memory is driving down Milledge Avenue. The homes are so beautiful! Back to Search E-mail Kelly Bird at kabird@uga.edu |
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Matt Willcox '11Regional Admissions Officer - DC, MD, VA Hometown: Kelleytown, GA Degrees: B.A. in International Affairs and M.I.P in International Policy, University of Georgia Favorite restaurant in Athens: The Royal Peasant Something interesting about me: I’m on my way to becoming a triple-dog. Favorite musical spot in Athens: Hendershot's Coffee Bar Favorite spot on campus: The hidden Jittery Joes Favorite college class: Foundations of International Policy What is your notable first at UGA: I was a member of the first class of the Masters of International Policy within UGA’s School of Public and International Affairs. Back to Search E-mail Matt Willcox at malaikan@uga.edu |
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Melinda DeMariaAssociate Director of Admissions for Marketing and Recruitment Hometown: Swainsboro, GA Degrees: B.S. in Communication, Georgia Southern University; M.Ed. in Guidance and Counseling, Clemson University Favorite restaurant in Athens: Ted's Most Best Favorite musical spot in Athens: 40 Watt Club Favorite UGA tradition: The lone trumpeter who stands in the corner of the upper deck of Sanford Stadium prior to kickoff and plays the first few notes of the Battle Hymn of the Bulldawg Nation. Favorite spot on campus: Discovering the Iron Horse (technically in Greene County). Favorite college class: Introduction to Public Relations Why you came to UGA/Why you enjoy it here: It's got everything! It really is a quintessential college town! Back to Search E-mail Melinda DeMaria at mdemaria@uga.edu |
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Patrick WinterAssociate Vice President for Admissions and Enrollment Management Degrees: B.A. in Political Science, Auburn University; M.Ed. In Higher and Postsecondary Education, Arizona State University Favorite restaurant in Athens: Mama's Boy Something interesting about me: I shaved my head to raise money for a local charity, Project Safe. View the video. Favorite musical spot in Athens: Hendershot's Coffee Bar Favorite UGA tradition: Graduation Fireworks Favorite spot on campus: East Campus green space around the Georgia Museum of Art Favorite college class: Constitutional Law Why you came to UGA/Why you enjoy it here: I get to see the students we first met when they were in high school come to UGA and achieve amazing things! How cool is that? What is your notable first at UGA: My grandfather was a member of the UGA Class of 1914 that donated the first electric lights in Athens for the walkway between the Arch and Old College. Back to Search |
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Rosa Arroyo DriggersAssociate Director of Admissions for Access & Inclusion Hometown: San Juan, PR Degrees: B.A. in Spanish, Valdosta State University; M.B.A., University of Phoenix Favorite restaurant in Athens: Clocked Something interesting about me: From K thru 12, I attended six different schools in different cities spanning two continents. Favorite musical spot in Athens: Georgia Theatre Favorite UGA tradition: Calling the Dawgs! Favorite spot on campus: Terrell Hall! Have you met Terrell "Archie" Jackson? Favorite college class: Organizational Psychology What is your notable first at UGA: Co-Founding Admissions' Goizueta Ambassador Program. Back to Search E-mail Rosa Arroyo Driggers at rarroyo@uga.edu |
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Susan ByusAdmissions Regional Officer Hometown: Clarkston, GA Degrees: B.S. in Business Administration, Presbyterian College Favorite restaurant in Athens: Five Bar Favorite musical spot in Athens: Georgia Theatre Favorite UGA tradition: The lone trumpeter in the south corner of Sanford Stadium. Favorite college class: Adolescent Psychology Why you came to UGA/Why you enjoy it here: So many opportunities in one great college town; there's always something fun and interesting to do! Back to Search E-mail Susan Byus at sbyus@uga.edu |
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Wade LaFontaine '99Senior Assistant Director of Admissions, Events Coordinator Degrees: B.B.A. in Management Information Systems, University of Georgia Favorite restaurant in Athens: DePalma's Favorite musical spot in Athens: Graduate Favorite spot on campus: Founders Memorial Garden Favorite college class: Microeconomics Back to Search E-mail Wade LaFontaine at wade1@uga.edu |
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