Advisement and Transition Staff

Carol Van Der Karr
Director
Interim Assistant Provost for Enrollment Management
Ph.D., Syracuse University, Higher Education
M.S., SUNY Buffalo, Educational Psychology and Counseling
B.A., Lehigh University, Anthropology and Sociology
Carol is continually impressed by the potential and resourcefulness of students. Her goal is to challenge and support students as they engage in their academic experience and tap into their potential. Carol's doctoral research was in the field of collaborative learning and she is also interested in organizational theory, student persistence, and public higher education systems.

Abby Thomas
Associate Director
M.Ed., James Madison University, College Student Personnel Administration
B.A., Alfred University, Psychology
Abby is interested in the identity development of students, the formation of work ethic, and in the use of language to create inclusive and welcoming environments. She enjoys providing diversity training and helping students to learn more about themselves and others. Abby serves as a supportive connection for students empowering them to develop educational and leadership skills.

Lori Schlicht
Associate Director
M.A., Marquette University, Public Service: Non-profit Administration
B.A., Marquette University, Broadcast and Electronic Communication
Lori is interested in working with students on developing their educational and personal goals. SUNY Cortland offers many curricular and extra-curricular opportunities for students as well as resources to assist students on discovering a chosen career. Lori realizes each student has individual needs and goals and will work with students in discovering those opportunities and potential academic and career interests.

Giovanna Colosi
Academic Advisor & Coordinator of Transfer Student Support
M.S., SUNY Oswego, Counseling and Human Services
B.A., SUNY Oswego, Psychology
Giovanna is interested in assisting students achieve their academic and career goals. She also understands the challenges that transfer students might face transitioning to a new college environment and is passionate about helping those transfer students find their niche at SUNY Cortland, both socially and academically.  She is happy to provide assistance and guidance to students and enjoys watching those students learn, grow and succeed.

Cheryl Hines
Academic Advisor & Coordinator of Non-Traditional Student Support
B.S., SUNY Cortland, Psychology
A.A.S., Tompkins Cortland Community College, Information/Word Processing
A.S., Tompkins Cortland Community College, Liberal Arts - Social Sciences
Cheryl is interested in providing guidance to our students as they make their academic decisions. She is also glad to provide assistance to non-traditional students - understanding they may face many challenges as they juggle school along with other priorities such as families, jobs and commuting. She is excited to be a part of an office where students can seek assistance from a friendly staff and to witness students and their positive experiences as they reach their goals.

Martha Atkins
Academic Advisor
M.L.S., California State University at San Jose
M.A., SUNY Cortland, History
B.A., University at Albany, History
Martha is interested in helping students succeed in college, keeping in mind the extent to which students differ in terms of backgrounds and experiences. Her goal is to help students with not only academic issues but also to acquaint them with the services and opportunities the college provides to ensure their success. She enjoys observing the process students undergo as they take increasing responsibility for their academic programs and career goals.

Carol Gridley
Secretary I
A.A.S., Tompkins Cortland Community College, Office Technology/Executive
Carol likes to help create an office environment that makes students feel welcome and comfortable. She enjoys working with the diversity of projects sponsored through Advisement and Transition and the variety of different areas the office collaborates with - students, faculty, student affairs, enrollment management, and administration.

Marie Nelson
Keyboard Specialist II