Staff
Our highly experienced leadership team provides strategic insight and guidance for all of Student Life, while departmental directors focus on specific areas of service.
Leadership Team
![Brian Hamluk, PhD, vice president of Student Life.]()
![Christina Hernandez.]()
Vice President for Student Life
Providing oversight and leadership to the units within Student Life to ensure students have the support and resources they need to thrive at the university and beyond.
University at Buffalo
520 Capen Hall
Buffalo, NY 14260Phone: (716) 645-6404
Education Experience Affiliations Recognition - United Way Community Impact Award
- Student & Academic Support Services Outstanding Service Award; The George Washington University
- Department of Athletics Outstanding Achievement Award, Syracuse University
- SU Improving Quality Distinguished Contribution Award, Syracuse University
![Christina Hernandez headshot.]()
![Christina Hernandez.]()
Senior Associate Vice President, Student Life
Providing strategic leadership across a diverse portfolio of administrative and auxiliary services. Deeply committed to ensuring every operational area contributes to a positive and supportive student and campus community experience.
University at Buffalo
520 Capen Hall
Buffalo, NY 14260Phone: (716) 645-3170
Education Experience Affiliations Recognition - SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Professional Service, 2016
- Friend of EOP Award, 2015
- Sport Management Institute Certificate, UNC & USC, 2008
- UB Athletics STARS Award, 2003
![Tomas Aguirre headshot.]()
Dean of Students
Responsible for the day-to-day management of many Student Life units, helping to shape the campus experience for countless students, faculty and staff.
University at Buffalo
315 Student Union
Buffalo, NY 14260Phone: (716) 645-2982
Education Experience Affiliations Recognition Outstanding Senior Student Affairs Officer, NASPA, 2021
Safe Campus Top #25, National Campus Safety Summit for LoboRESPECT; University of New Mexico, 2015
CASE Silver Award – LoboRESPECT, Crisis Communication Program; University of New Mexico, 2015
Excellence in Service to Student Awards, National Society of Leadership and Success; University of New Mexico, 2015
![John Lambert headshot.]()
![John Lambert.]()
Assistant Vice President
Marketing, Communications & External Engagement
Providing leadership and institutional-level guidance to the internal and external marketing initiatives within Student Life.University at Buffalo
252 Capen Hall
Buffalo, NY 14260Phone: (716) 645-3602
Education Experience Affiliations Recognition - National NASPA and CASE Marketing Awards: 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023
- State University of New York Council for University Advancement (SUNYCUAD): 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025
- UC Communicators Awards: 2023, 2024, 2025
- Unsung Hero, SEFA Campaign for the Community
- Government of Ontario Premiers Award Nominee
- National Association of Collegiate Marketing Administrators (NACMA), Marketer of the Year
- Retail Council of Canada Award Recipient
![Trung Nguyen headshot.]()
Trung Nguyen, Ed.D
Assistant Vice President for Student Engagement and Success
Developing and implementing a student experience that builds community, satisfaction, affinity and a sense of belonging.
University at Buffalo
150 Student Union
Buffalo, NY 14260Phone: (716) 645-6026
Education Experience Affiliations Recognition - Paragon Advisor Award, Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society, Monroe Community College
- Campus Event Planner of the Year, Power Performers, Monroe Community College
![Erin O'Brien headshot.]()
![Christina Hernandez.]()
Erin O'Brien, PhD
Chief Student Retention Innovation Officer
Charged with developing and executing a comprehensive, university-wide Student Experience (SX) strategy, creating an effective student First Year Experience (FYE), and improving university student retention rates.
University at Buffalo
524A Capen Hall
Buffalo, NY 14260Phone: (716) 645-3396
Education Experience Affiliations Recognition - 2023 State University of New York Council for University Advancement (SUNY CUAD) Award for Excellence in Marketing Strategy
- 2022 The Buffalo Seminary Service to the School Award
- 2019 State University of New York Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Professional Service
- 2012 University at Buffalo School of Management Service to the School Award
![Lisa Bolt headshot.]()
Lisa T. Bolt
Administrative Assistant to the Vice President
Office of the Vice President for Student Life
University at Buffalo
520 Capen Hall
Buffalo, NY 14260Phone: (716) 645-6404
![Carmella Marinaccio headshot.]()
Carmella Marinaccio
Administrative Assistant to the Dean of Students
Office of the Vice President for Student Life
University at Buffalo
315 Student Union
Buffalo, NY 14260Phone: (716) 645-2982
![Headshot of Claire Vlachos.]()
Claire Vlachos
Office Assistant
Student Engagement and Success
University at Buffalo
150 Student Union
Buffalo, NY 14260Phone: (716) 645-2126
Directors
![Kevin Ahuna headshot.]()
![Kevin Ahuna.]()
Director, Intercultural and Diversity Center
Supporting all students on campus and creating a strong sense of belonging by celebrating differences as proudly as we celebrate commonalities.
University at Buffalo
240 Student Union
Buffalo, NY 14260Phone: (716) 645-2434
Education Experience Affiliations - Doctor of Philosophy in Sociology of Education, University at Buffalo
- Master of Education, Higher Education and Student Affairs Administration, The University of Vermont
- Bachelor of Arts, English, University of California - Irvine
![Matthew Ardila-Weigand headshot.]()
Director, Orientation, Transition and Parent Programs
Making the transition to UB easier by connecting new students with the people and resources they need to succeed.
University at Buffalo
112 Student Union
Buffalo, NY 14260Phone: (716) 645-6125
Education Experience Affiliations Recognition - SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Professional Service, 2019
![Eric Blackledge headshot.]()
Executive Director, Campus Dining and Shops
Meeting the varied needs of the UB community through innovative restaurants, convenient shopping options, and the multipurpose UB Card.
University at Buffalo
146 Fargo Quad
Buffalo, NY 14261Phone: (716) 645-2521
Education Experience Affiliations - Master of Business Administration, University at Buffalo
- Bachelor of Arts, Florida International University
![Hadar Borden headshot.]()
![Hadar Borden.]()
Program Director, Startup and Innovation Collaboratory; and WNY Prosperity Fellowship Program
Introducing entrepreneurship as a viable career path through coaching, venture creation support and fellowship opportunities.
University at Buffalo
340 Student Union
Buffalo, New York 14260Phone: (716) 645-8111
Education Experience Affiliations Recognition - Buffalo Business First, Women of Influence, 2021
- University at Buffalo, Sustainability,, Leadership, Innovation and Collaborative Engagement (SLICE) Award, 2018
- Buffalo Business First, 40 Under 40, 2013
- SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Professional Service, 2012
- University at Buffalo Alumni Association, Lifetime Membership Award in Recognition of Service as an Undergraduate, 1997
![Colleen Connolly headshot.]()
![Elizabeth Lidano.]()
Director, Student Support and Resources
Coordinating institutional response and support for student concerns and guidance to partners in student success.
University at Buffalo
315 Student Union
Buffalo, NY 14260Phone: (716) 645-2982
Education Experience Affiliations Recognition - Didaskalos Award, Campus Ministries, University at Buffalo
![Phyllis Floro headshot.]()
![Phyllis Floro.]()
Director, Student Engagement
Giving students the opportunity to make positive change by developing an understanding of themselves, others and their community through active citizenship.
University at Buffalo
150 Student Union
Buffalo, NY 14260Phone: (716) 645-6469
Education Experience Affiliations Recognition - SUNY Chancellors Award for Excellence, 2020
- Distinguished Speakers Award, Niagara County Community College, 2017
![Kesha Foster headshot.]()
![Christina Hernandez.]()
University at Buffalo
407 Capen Hall
Buffalo, NY 14260Phone: (716) 645-2376
Education Experience Affiliations Recognition - Certificate of Recognition, University at Buffalo Professional Staff Senate
- Faculty Fellow, Western New York Service-Learning Coalition
![Headshot of Sharon Mitchell.]()
![Sharon Mitchell.]()
Interim Director, Counseling Services
Counseling Services offers a variety of therapy options, self-help resources, outreach events, and educational workshops.
University at Buffalo
120 Richmond Quad
Buffalo, NY 14261Phone: (716) 645-2720 or 829-5800
Education Experience Affiliations - Doctor of Philosophy, Counseling Psychology, Southern Illinois University at Carbondale
- Master of Arts, Counseling Psychology, Southern Illinois University at Carbondale
- Bachelor of Arts, Psychology, Calvin University
![Headshot for Brian Haggarty.]()
Director of Residential Life, Campus Living
Creating dynamic residential communities — including residence halls and apartments — that support academic and personal success.
University at Buffalo
106 Red Jacket Quad
Buffalo, NY 14261Phone: (716) 645-2171
Education Experience Affiliations Recognition - Outstanding Student Affairs Program Award, SUNY Council of Chief Student Affairs Officers and the Office of University Life; Fall 2017
- Outstanding Innovative Program Award, American College Personnel Association; Spring 2015
- Friend of the Educational Opportunity Program, University at Buffalo, Fall 2014
![Kristin Harte headshot.]()
Director, Accessibility Resources
Providing a variety of accommodations for students with disabilities, including interpreters, assistive technology and accessible course materials.
University at Buffalo
60 Capen Hall
Buffalo, NY 14260Phone: (716) 645-2608
Education Experience Affiliations - Master of Science and C.A.S. in School Counseling, Niagara University
- Bachelor of Arts in Human Development, Child and Family Studies, SUNY Oswego
![Dan Kaczmarek headshot.]()
Director, Assessment and Research
Supports the values and goals of Student Life by providing timely and reliable information regarding operations and performance.
University at Buffalo
323 Student Union
Buffalo, NY 14260Phone: (716) 645-3133
Education Experience Affiliations - Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing: Poetry, University of North Carolina at Greensboro
- Master of Arts in English, University at Buffalo
- Bachelor of Arts in American Studies/English, Fredonia State College
![Larissa Kowalczyk headshot.]()
![Beth Rogan.]()
Unit Business Officer
Provides strategic financial leadership to enhance financial planning, operations, efficiency, and effectiveness.
University at Buffalo
221E Red Jacket
Buffalo, NY 14261Phone: (716) 645-7380
Education Experience Affiliations Recognition - LEAD Award, Student Engagement 2022
- UB Athletics STARS Award, 2005
![temp placeholder.]()
Director, Student Unions
Providing welcoming space, services and facilities to support events, activities, and the needs of our students, faculty, staff and visitors.
University at Buffalo
233 Student Union
Buffalo, New York 14260Phone: (716) 645-2055
Education Experience Affiliations - Bachelor of Science, Business Management from SUNY-Empire State College
![Elizabeth Lidano headshot.]()
![Elizabeth Lidano.]()
Director, Student Conduct
Supporting a safe, positive and just campus environment through regulations, and managing conduct.
University at Buffalo
9 Norton Hall
Buffalo, NY 14260Phone: (716) 645-6154
Education Experience Affiliations Recognition - UB Campus Ministries Didaskalos Award, 2013
- SUNY Chancellors Award for Excellence in Professional Service, 2018
![Marla McBride headshot.]()
![Marla McBride.]()
Director, Health Promotion
Promoting long-term wellness by providing a wealth of services related to healthy lifestyles, rape and sexual assault prevention, and stress reduction.
University at Buffalo
114 Student Union
Buffalo, NY 14260Phone: (716) 645-2837
Education Experience Affiliations - Master of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling, University at Buffalo
- Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, University at Buffalo
![Beth Rogan headshot.]()
![Beth Rogan.]()
Director of Resource Management
Responsible for administrative support in the areas of resource planning, implementation and stewardship for Student Life.
University at Buffalo
407 Capen Hall
Buffalo, NY 14260Phone: (716) 645-6045
Education Experience Affiliations Recognition - Didaskalos Award, Campus Ministries, 2010
![Dan Ryan headshot.]()
![Dan Ryan.]()
Director, Veteran Services
Providing assistance with veterans’ benefits, academic policies and access to campus resources.
University at Buffalo
321 Student Union
Buffalo, NY 14260Phone: (716) 829-5586
Education Experience Affiliations - Doctorate in Social Foundations of Education, Higher Education, University at Buffalo
- Masters Degree in Counseling, Canisius College
![Headshot of Steve Simpson.]()
Director, Career Design Center
Providing students with career experiences to prepare for life after college.
University at Buffalo
259 Capen Hall
Buffalo, NY 14260Phone: (716) 645-2231
Education Experience Affiliations Recognition - Members' Excellence Award, Career Services & Employer Alliance (CSEA)
- Board Ambassador of the Year, Compeer Rochester
- Staff Member of the Year Student Recognition Award, University of Rochester Simon Business School
- Market Development Executive of the Year Award, Gannett | USA Today Network
- 40 Under 40 (Media Industry), Presstime
![Susan Snyder headshot.]()
![Susan Snyder.]()
Director, Student Health Services
Offering both urgent and non-urgent medical care for students — including health screenings, clinics and immunizations — regardless of health insurance.
University at Buffalo
4350 Maple Rd.
Buffalo, NY 14226Phone: (716) 829-3316
Education Experience Affiliations Recognition - Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Professional Service, 2019
- UB Star Award, 2002
![Headshot of Gary Thompson.]()
Director of Housing Operations, Campus Living
Creating dynamic residential communities — including residence halls and apartments — that support academic and personal success.
University at Buffalo
106 Red Jacket Quad
Buffalo, NY 14261Phone: (716) 645-2171
Education Experience Affiliations - Master of Science – Counseling and Student Personnel, Radford University
- Bachelor of Science – Recreation Administration, Radford University
- Certification – Education Facilities Professional, APPA
- Master of Science – Counseling and Student Personnel, Radford University
