Senior Assistant Dean of Student Life - Tomás Gonzalez
Dean Gonzalez received a bachelors degree in Music Education from Ithaca College, a masters degree in Higher Education Administration/Counseling from Buffalo State College, and a J.D. degree from the Syracuse University College of Law. In his 16-year career in student affairs, Gonzalez has held positions at Alfred University, Buffalo State College, State University of New York at Cortland and the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Prior to joining the College of Law, he served with the Universitys Office of Residence Life as assistant director, chair of the departments Diversity Committee, and assistant director of the Office of Greek Life and Experiential Learning. At SU, Gonzalez has been the recipient of an Exemplary Achievement Award for Faculty/Staff and an ALPHA Award given by students to recognize staff representing student-centered values and contributions to student life.
His professional affiliations include the American College Personnel Association; the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators; College Student Personnel Association, New York; and the Association of Student Judicial Affairs. Dean Gonzalez has expertise in developing academic support programs, leadership development, diversity education, and community development, and is a nationally recognized speaker in the area of legal issues concerning on-line communities.
Director for Student Programs & Pro Bono Initiatives - Alexis Martinez, Esq.
Alexis Martinez received a bachelor’s of Business Administration in International Finance and Marketing, a J.D., and a Masters degree in Higher Education Administration/Enrollment Management from the University of Miami. While completing her Masters in Education, she served as Coordinator of Student Affairs at the UM School of Law, helping to advise student organizations. In addition, she worked with HOPE, the Public Interest Resource Center, coordinating community service and pro bono opportunities for law students at Miami. Alexis has coordinated leadership development and peer mentoring programs for undergraduate and graduate students, as well as different training sessions on programming, leadership and retreat planning.
Her professional affiliations include the American Bar Association, the Florida State Bar Association, the Onondaga County Bar Association, the American College Professionals Association and the National Association of Student Affairs Professionals.
Associate Director for Student Life/Academic Support & Diversity Initiatives - Melanie Cuevas Rodriguez, Esq.
Melanie Cuevas Rodriguez received a bachelors degree in Sociology and English/Literature & Rhetoric from SUNY Binghamton, a Masters Degree in Public Administration from the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, and a J.D. from Syracuse University College of Law. Melanie was a Debevois & Plimpton Equal Justice Works Fellow at the National Center for Law and Economic Justice in New York City where she assisted with the Center’s efforts to secure economic justice for the poor through impact litigation and policy advocacy. Before returning to the College of Law, Melanie worked at the Frank H. Hiscock Legal Aid Society in Syracuse where she represented clients in various civil matters including Domestic Violence and Family Law. Melanie enjoys working with students, helping with academic support, career exploration, and more. Her professional affiliations are the Onondaga County Bar Association and the Association for Legal Career Professionals.
Assistant Director for Student Life/Academic Counselor - Emily Cadwallader
Emily Cadwallader received a Bachelors degree in Business Administration with a Psychology minor from SUNY Potsdam, and a Master of Science degree in Counseling Services with a Student Affairs track from SUNY Oswego. While attending SUNY Oswego, she served as the graduate representative for the School of Education Faculty Council. Also, she worked as a Graduate Assistant in the Counseling and Psychological Services Department. Prior to joining the College of Law, Emily worked as an Admissions Assistant at Cayuga Community College helping students throughout the admissions process as well as registering students for first semester courses. Before she began her Master’s degree, she served as an Assistant Director of Admissions at Green Mountain College, supervising the Admissions Office’s student ambassadors and assisting prospective students throughout the college decision making process.
Student Life Coordinator - Michelle Wilcox
Michelle Wilcox received a bachelors of science degree in Business Administration from Babson College. While completing her bachelor’s degree, she acted as the Assistant Student Loan Coordinator in the office of Student Financial Services preparing financial aid packages and representing the office within the student body. Prior to joining the College of Law, she was a legal assistant with Fager and Amsler, L.L.P. in Syracuse with experience in medical malpractice and risk management.
Her responsibilities include working with students with disabilities, coordinating Moot Court and student organization trial team travel and overseeing administrative functions of the Office of Student Life.
Office Assistant - Christine Kochan-Serbun
Christine joined the Office of Student Life in October 2008. She holds an Associate Degree in Business Administration from Onondaga Community College. Previously she was employed as Secretary/Communication Coordinator for the main campus financial aid office. Her job experience outside of SU includes 10 years as a self-employed sales director for a national multi-level marketing company and 11 years at a large financial institution where she was an operations supervisor. She is a life-long resident of Central New York, is married to a local banker, and has three sons.