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As part of Syracuse University’s larger commitment to creating an inclusive student body, Kal works with all schools, colleges and divisions to further the ideals of supporting all students with the underpinning concept being that all students receive the individualized services and support necessary for their success through graduation. As the director of retention and student success she assists campus stakeholders in thinking critically, analytically and creatively to meet the needs of our diverse student population, through programs, services and efforts. She supports success of all students by working collaboratively to identify areas of needed change that would increase student success and retention, discovering what causes attrition, developing recommendations, in addition to alternating systems and procedures to increase retention.

She provides leadership and strategic direction for designated co-curricular and functional units, as well as across all schools and colleges to expand the University’s visibility and reach, which support student retention and success.

The pervasive nature of assessment culture that she creates in the unit helps implement innovative student retention strategies effectively to support student success.

As the Assistant Director for Retention and Student Success, ShawnMarie manages SummerStart, Over The Line, and Student Success Initiative programs. ShawnMarie’s approach to working with students is focused on their holistic experience while encouraging personal growth and self-authorship.

Before joining the Retention and Student Success team, ShawnMarie worked in the Newhouse Undergraduate Advising as an Academic Adviser and Student Living as a Residence Director here at Syracuse University.

ShawnMarie earned a bachelor’s degree in communications from Susquehanna University and a master’s degree in higher education administration from Syracuse University.

Outside of work ShawnMarie enjoys going on walks with her dog Jace, traveling, and listening to podcasts.

In her role as Assistant Director for CompleteSU, Samantha will assist the Director in analyzing student data and behaviors to identify trends, insights, and potential areas for improvement in both retention and graduation efforts. With her broad knowledge of college level services, she works closely with Institutional Research, advising leaders from all schools and colleges, Financial Aid, and the Bursar’s office to manage student segmentation strategies to tailor the retention efforts for different student populations. She strategically monitors and provides regular reporting of student persistence and retention rates.

Samantha, with her previous experience in the Center for Learning and Student Success (CLASS), brings an understanding of current national issues in higher education including the value of and barriers to a college education. Her convincing approach, good student connection skills, and a passion to help students succeed enhances the interaction of this office with staff, faculty, and students. She works closely with both the Assistant Director for Summer Programs and the Functional Business Analyst to assist with the campus-wide Orange Success early alert system/predictive analytics and current Summer Programs.

Samantha holds a Bachelor of Science in Childhood Education from SUNY Oswego, a Master of Arts in Math and Science Education from the University of Colorado at Boulder, and a Certificate of Advanced Study in Conflict and Collaboration from Syracuse University.

Supporting student success initiatives, Hopeton provides expertise to manage people, technology and business process. He is the key administrator for the student success platform, Orange Success and data custodian for related data. Exceptionally adept at leveraging educational business intelligence to optimize operational needs and student success, his professional career reflects over 20 years of experience in higher education, enhancing teaching and learning effectiveness in and out of the classroom.

Hopeton earned a master’s degree in business administration in enterprise resource planning and administration from Le Moyne College. Additionally, he has earned his sixth-year degree as an educational specialist (Ed.S.) and is a Ph.D. candidate exploring the phenomenon of learning analytics in higher education.

Radell helps the team coordinate all major initiatives to improve student success and retention across all schools and colleges. In service of student success, Radell manages event planning, meeting logistics, budgets and financial reporting; assists with research and proposals; maintains staff schedules; and conducts targeted outreach support and response for Orange Success. As part of the team, she helps to investigate why students have left the university and how to bring them back to successfully complete their degrees.

Radell earned a degree in journalism with minors in literature and theater from Bowling Green State University and continues to enjoy writing, theater, music and literature. She joined the University in 2003 and has worked for the School of Education, Moynihan Institute for Global Affairs, and Student Affairs/Student Experience. She is passionate about diversity and equity and is committed to continual learning.