ODUS Welcomes New and Returning Staff for Fall 2024

Dec. 13, 2024

Over the course of the 2024 Fall semester, ODUS has welcomed some new and returning faces to our team that will be working in various capacities to continue to advance our co-curricular mission and goals. 

Gina Zhang

Gina Zhang, joined ODUS at the beginning of the semester as the new Financial Coordinator in ODUS. Gina manages all supplier onboarding, CLA and Co-Op budgets and the finances for Princeton Student Agencies.  Gina comes to us with a background in finance and holds degrees from Peking University, UC Berkeley, and Wharton.  We are thrilled to have her join the team! 

 

Neena Robertson Simpson

Neena Simpson, who previously served in the role of Orientation Program Coordinator, has now transitioned into the role of Assistant Dean and Manager of Communications. In this role, Neena supports a range of critical activities that support the mission of ODUS. As manager of strategic communications for ODUS, Neena will lead the office’s efforts to communicate information, market programs and opportunities, and work with other staff to identify and design messaging of initiatives that advance the co- curricular goals of the department and meet the ODUS/Campus Life strategic objectives. 

Melissa Chesanko

 

Dr. Melissa Chesanko is our newest Assistant Dean for Student Life within Student Support and Community Standards. She joined the Mathey College at the beginning of the semester following Dr. Darleny Cepin's departure. Dean Chesanko serves as the primary crisis case manager, available to talk with students about concerns around well-being and can refer them to appropriate campus resources. Melissa works with relevant campus partners to address student concerns, uphold community standards, respond to problems and conflicts, and identify resources that can best support students to ensure their continuing success. 

 

Carlos Ortiz

Carlos Ortiz also joined the ODUS team as the Whig-Clio Program Coordinator. Carlos will play a key role in advising the American Whig-Cliosophic Society and its subsidiaries, including Princeton Model Congress, Princeton Debate Panel, Princeton Mock Trial, and the International Relations Council. In addition, Carlos supports the facility operations of Whig Hall, implements special initiatives of the Society’s faculty-alumni trustee board, and advances undergraduate civic engagement efforts, such as the Political Activities Fair, Vote100, and Whig-Clio Summer Fellows. 

 

 

Khaleya Kelly

Khaleya Kelly and Jorden Favors also joined the Student Support and Community Standards group, in the role of the Residential Life Coordinators (RLC). Khaleya will work collaboratively with the Assistant Dean for Student Life to promote and encourage students’ integration of health and wellness into daily practice. 

 

Jorden Favors

Both RLCs will reside on campus within the residential community, cultivating and supporting evening programs and activities, and maintaining a safe and inclusive residential experience. They will also serve in an on-call rotation, responding to emergencies and crises after hours. Khaleya (left) will serve the Butler Residential College community and Jorden (right) will serve the Forbes Residential College community.

 

 

Sydney Portock

Our final addition to our team for the Fall semester is Sydney Portock who will be transitioning into the role of the Orientation Program Coordinator. Sydney had previously served as a Residence Life Coordinator (RLC) for Rockefeller College since 2022. Sydney will assist the Senior Associate Dean and Director of Orientation with the development, logistics, execution, and assessment of the annual New Student Orientation. Additionally, in this role Sydney serves as the one of the first points of contact for the incoming class and their families. Sydney will also assist in traditional student programming such as Step Sing, Skate Nights, and class advising.