At the intersection of student support and decision making.
Areas of Responsibility: Student Handbook, Emergency Management & 24/7 On-Call Response, Student Grievances, Free Expression, Student Experience Leadership Team
Professional Highlights: Graduate studies in theatre and higher education administration; led the Dean of Students Office transformation to an integrated model of support, prevention, and accountability.
Why I Enjoy Working with Students: Students inspire me every day and remind me that higher education is about people, growth, and making a positive difference.
Recommended Reading: The Secret History of Wonder Woman by Jill Lepore
Recommended Streaming: Everybody Loves Raymond, The Nanny, and The Golden Girls
Favorite RPI Tradition: The Orientation fist bump—it says, "Welcome, you belong here."
One Piece of Advice: Don't let perfection stand in the way of progress. Take chances, learn from them, and keep moving forward.
Fun Fact: Proud Yinzer—I'm always happy to talk Pittsburgh sports, neighborhoods, or the best pierogies.
518-276-6266
Keytar@rpi.edu
Areas of Responsibility: Student support and case management, crisis response and intervention, CARE Collaborative (Behavioral Intervention Team), supervision of the Student Support Dean team
Professional Highlights: Master's degree in student affairs administration and counseling; more than a decade supporting students in residence life and student affairs.
Why I Enjoy Working with Students: I enjoy helping students navigate challenges, discover their strengths, and build confidence along the way.
Recommended Reading: Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry
Recommended Streaming: YouTube restaurant review channels
Favorite RPI Tradition: The first-year class photo on the football field.
One Piece of Advice: You're never alone at RPI. Asking for support is a sign of strength.
Fun Fact: I enjoy hiking, gardening, and spending time with my family.
518-276-6266
Youmaa2@rpi.edu
Areas of Responsibility: Case Management, Leaves & Returns, Dean's List
Professional Highlights: B.S. in Civil Engineering, M.A. in Higher Education, and a member of the RPI community since 2019.
Why I Enjoy Working with Students: I enjoy connecting students with resources that help them succeed academically and personally.
Recommended Reading: The House in the Cerulean Sea
Recommended Streaming: The Big Bang Theory
Favorite RPI Tradition: Three Minute Thesis (3MT)
One Piece of Advice: Develop a healthy balance between academics and your personal life.
Fun Fact: I have a certified therapy dog named Gracie.
518-276-6266
newshk@rpi.edu
Areas of Responsibility: Student Support Dean, DOSO education and promotions, STOP Bias & Anti-Discrimination Education
Professional Highlights: Trauma-informed care specialist, educator, and nationally certified bystander intervention trainer; has presented nationally on sexual violence prevention, peer education, and bystander intervention; served as an ambassador and trainer for the One Love Foundation and contributed to multi-tiered education assessment efforts through NASPA's Culture of Respect initiative.
Why I Enjoy Working with Students: As a first-generation college graduate, I know how transformative higher education can be. I enjoy supporting students as they overcome challenges, build resilience, and achieve their personal and academic goals.
Recommended Reading: The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein and If You Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Joffe Numeroff
Recommended Streaming: The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins and Smarter in Seconds by @blairimani on Instagram
Favorite RPI Tradition: Graduation and Family Weekend
One Piece of Advice: Stay curious, ask for help, and embrace where your journey takes you. The small choices you make today can create meaningful opportunities for your future.
Fun Fact: I taught English as a Second Language (ESL) in South Korea and participated in the Disney College Program at Walt Disney World Resort.
518-276-6266
mccarm5@rpi.edu
Areas of Responsibility: Student Support Dean, Parent & Family Programs
Professional Highlights: Earned degrees from SUNY Plattsburgh and Ball State University before joining RPI in 2023.
Why I Enjoy Working with Students: I love helping students become the best version of themselves.
Recommended Reading: The Dragon Behind the Glass
Recommended Streaming: History Hit
Favorite RPI Tradition: Family Weekend
One Piece of Advice: Reach out for help—you don't have to navigate college alone.
Fun Fact: Always up for learning something new.
518-276-6266
saccaj@rpi.edu
Areas of Responsibility: Off-campus Housing, Campus Cupboard, Relief Funds, Swipe Out Hunger
Professional Highlights: Recipient of the Sheehan Award and Bratton Award; Honorary Phalanx member.
Why I Enjoy Working with Students: RPI students are natural problem-solvers, and it's rewarding to help them overcome challenges and thrive.
Recommended Reading: Start With Why
Recommended Streaming: Ted Lasso and The Queen's Gambit
Favorite RPI Tradition: Big Red Freakout and Winter Carnival.
One Piece of Advice: Find a healthy balance between academics, involvement, and taking care of yourself.
Fun Fact: I'm a lifelong Upstate New Yorker.
518-276-6266
KNOWLG@rpi.edu
Areas of Responsibility: Responsible RPI
Professional Highlights: More than 20 years at RPI and recipient of the Honorary Phalanx Award.
Why I Enjoy Working with Students: Students keep me learning, energized, and connected to the campus community.
Recommended Reading: How to Be an Antiracist
Recommended Streaming: Headspace on YouTube
Favorite RPI Tradition: Student Activities Fair
One Piece of Advice: Prioritize balance and make time for self-care.
518-276-6266
schust@rpi.edu
Areas of Responsibility: Neurons Peer Education, health coaching, and campus education on alcohol and other drugs, hazing, healthy relationships, interpersonal violence, and emotional wellness
Professional Highlights: Trauma-informed education specialist who has presented at the NASPA Region II Conference.
Why I Enjoy Working with Students: Every interaction with a student is an opportunity to learn, grow, and make a positive impact together.
Recommended Reading: All About Love by bell hooks
Recommended Streaming: Couples Therapy
Favorite RPI Tradition: Orientation Season
One Piece of Advice: Growth comes from recognizing patterns, reflecting on experiences, and giving yourself grace along the way.
Fun Fact: My favorite band is Rush!
518-276-6266
malesl@rpi.edu
