About

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260-481-6598

Alex Backer provides leadership for the Office of Student Life, Office of Student Leadership, and the Student Government Association. Additionally, she oversees the teams that support the Purdue Fort Wayne cheer squad and student shuttle program. Backer also serves as the contact for the divisional use of the Community platform and the organization of the Division of Enrollment Management and the Student Experience programming guides. Other responsibilities include editor of Toilet Times and chair of the Student Travel Fund Committee.

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260-481-6592

Abby Blackmon leads the Office of Student Conduct and Care, a critical resource for students, faculty, and staff, that provides proactive and reactive education, support, and outreach; assistance in conflict resolution; and advancement in students’ holistic development and well-being. She provides expertise on policies and procedures related to student behavior and concerns, complaints and grievances, and crisis response. Additionally, Blackmon is a critical partner and change agent who encourages problem-solving, compassion, accountability, advocacy, and student success.

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260-481-4172

As director for the Center for Student Counseling, Gia Casaburo is responsible for overseeing day-to-day, general-administrative, and clinical responsibilities at the center. In addition to her daily roles, Casaburo also provides training and programs designed to create an atmosphere conducive to the well-being, personal growth, and mental health of students.

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260-481-4122

Kerrie Fineran is both a faculty member in the School of Education and a member of the Division of Enrollment Management and the Student Experience. As a faculty member, she teaches graduate courses in the counseling program, including counseling skills, diagnosis and treatment planning, group counseling, multicultural counseling, and addiction and trauma counseling. Within the division, she founded and oversees the Center for Student Counseling and provides leadership for the Office of Student Conduct and Care, Disability Access Center, and Well-being and Recreation. Fineran champions a culture of wellness on campus and advocates for policies and procedures that make Purdue Fort Wayne a thriving and healthy place to live, work, and learn.

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260-481-6242

Making sure the university adheres to federal, state, and institutional financial aid regulations is Ron Herrell’s chief responsibility. He is also responsible for maintaining the Title IV Participation Agreement with US Department of Education, and he supports and actively participates in the university’s major initiatives for process improvement in financial aid. Herrell also provides leadership and professional development opportunities for staff members, and he oversees departmental policies and practices in support of service excellence for students and families.

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260-481-6539

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260-481-6647

Eric Manor guides and manages Well-being and Recreation with a unique focus on incorporating holistic well-being, personal growth, and play into the Mastodon experience. He is responsible for overseeing a range of programs offered by WellRec, including the FRIENDS of the University Pantry, intramural sports, the fitness center, outdoor recreation, and comprehensive well-being programs that span the entire campus.

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260-481-6658

Ryan McCombs sets strategic priorities for the center and provides leadership and supervision to Disability Access Center staff. As an advocate on behalf of our disabled students, McCombs educates the university community about equitable disability access through service on a variety of committees and promotes social justice through the inclusion of disabled students in the university environment.

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260-481-0328

Maureen Linvill provides a welcoming environment for international students to support them through their student life cycle. Along with the support of her staff, she provides nonimmigrant visa guidance and monitors the immigration status of international students. She also develops and implements strategies to attract, support, and retain international students at Purdue Fort Wayne.

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260-481-0464

Giang Petroviak develops and executes programming for all new incoming students, including New Student Orientation, first-year student immersions, and on-boarding programs. Through her work she seeks to provide a welcoming environment for students and families as they begin their journey, and to ensure a smooth transition to Purdue Fort Wayne. She also oversees signature family programming and runs the Parent and Family Association.

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260-481-6591

Jackie Stancil provides strategic long-term vision and direction for the Career Development Center. This includes oversight of student-focused programs to encourage career preparation, readiness, and success and employer-focused events to maximize the opportunities available to students and alumni. She serves as an advisor to the vice chancellor for enrollment management and the student experience regarding employment trends, industry standards, and student-employment challenges. Stancil is also a community connection for all employers seeking highly capable, career-ready Mastodon interns or graduates. 

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260-481-0186

Marcus Weemes provides oversight and vision for the operations of student housing and dining services. He creates strategic plans to improve the campus residential experience and works closely with staff from around the university to ensure delivery of residential and on-campus dining experiences designed to promote retention and graduation. Weemes works to create the long-term plan for housing facilities and operations to provide students with safe, clean, and affordable housing that residents are able to call their home away from home.

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260-481-6530

As the associate vice chancellor for enrollment management, Ryan Wooley oversees crucial enrollment areas, including admissions, international education, financial aid, and new student programs. His role involves providing strategic leadership and working with campus partners to attract and retain students, contributing to the development and execution of enrollment growth strategies. In addition, his role leads the enrollment management division in identifying, recruiting, admitting, enrolling, and financially supporting talented and diverse undergraduate students. Wooley collaborates across the campus by working closely with academic schools, colleges, and units to achieve these goals. Externally, he partners with community organizations in northeast Indiana that are invested in assisting area residents achieve access to quality postsecondary education.