North Country Ambassadors
During the search process, job candidates may have a wide range of questions about what it is like to work on our campus and live in our community (the "North Country"). These personal or non-job-related questions can be important to job candidates but are not appropriate for discussion with search committee or department members.
We have recruited a number of faculty and staff members to be North Country Ambassadors to meet with job candidates to discuss what it is like to live in the North Country, using their own personal, community experiences to help answer questions that job candidates may have.
Candidates will be given the opportunity to meet with or speak to a North Country Ambassador. The Director of Employee Recruitment, Training & Affirmative Action will work directly with the candidate to arrange the meeting and will not share any information about the request with the department or search committee, except to ask them to set aside a particular time slot for a meeting with an Ambassador, if possible. An Ambassador meeting with a job candidate must come from outside of the department is hiring; the Ambassador will provide no feedback or information to members of the department or search committee, in order to maintain the legitimacy of the search and hiring process; the Ambassador will not provide feedback to the candidate or answer questions about the department for which the person is interviewing.
We hope that this initiative can begin to bridge an information gap and make searches more effective, while still maintaining the professionalism of searches.
Allie Lu
Chief Clerk for Community-Based Learning
Allie joined St. Lawrence in 2017 as a digital resource curator for Department of Art History. In 2018, she assumed the new role of chief clerk in the Community-Based Learning office. In this role, she is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the Office of Community-Based Learning. She also supervises student staff members (Community Mentors and Social Media Coordinators) in the office, as well as manages CBL Database and website. In 2022, her role was expanded to be the chief clerk in the Center for Innovation in Teaching and Assessment. Allie provides clerical support for the Director of the Center for Innovation in Teaching and Assessment, maintains records and website of Assessment Committee, manages and processes requests for funding, coordinate Faculty Development events and May College. In 2023, her role was expanded to be the chief clerk in the Office for Diversity & Inclusion. Allie provides support for Associate Dean for Diversity & Inclusion in budgeting and events planning, manage and process requests for funding.
Originally from Taiwan, Allie received her B.A and M.A. with high honors from National Taiwan University, where she majored in Chinese Literature. She also earned her M.A. in Art History from UW-Madison. Prior to joining SLU, Allie worked as a Special Assistant at National Taiwan University and Research Assistant at CKIP Research center in Academia Sinica for several years. In addition to her career in higher education administrative support, she also worked as a lecturer in college.
In Allie’s free time, she enjoys morning walks, swimming, reading and listening to music.
Anne Warren
Assistant Director of Employer Engagement with the Center for Career Excellence
Anne Warren is the Assistant Director of Employer Engagement with the Center for Career Excellence. She oversees the Center’s career management platform, Handshake, and educates students on the importance of utilizing it, and our other online resources, to conduct a comprehensive internship and job search. Anne schedules employer and graduate school sessions, plans employer on-campus recruiting visits, and manages the posting of job and internship opportunities. Prior to joining the Center for Career Excellence in 2018, she worked in University Advancement managing the Calling All Saints program. Anne is passionate about helping undergraduate students realize their passions and succeed after graduation. Anne earned her Bachelor of the Arts degree in French and Women’s Studies from Denison University in in 2012 and joined the St. Lawrence community that fall.
William “Bill” Short
Director for the Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP)
William “Bill” Short has lived in the North Country most of his life and has been with St. Lawrence University’s Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP) since July 1, 1998. His interests on campus include efforts to expand the sense of inclusion and belonging to all people in our community. Bill currently serves as advisor/coach of the canoe/kayak racing club and as a special consulting advisor on DEI matters for the Outing Club.
Bill’s interests off campus include paddling canoes and kayaks, hiking, fishing, Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, and more. He is a board member of the St. Lawrence Valley Paddlers and a member of the Canton Canoe Weekend organizing committee. Bill and his wife Cathy Tedford (Director of the Richard F. Brush Art Gallery on campus) have a vegetable garden that fills four freezers, a root cellar, and jars upon jars of canned goods while also providing plenty to share with friends and family. Bill and Cathy also designed and built a carbon-free house using geothermal heat and solar panels.
Carol Smith
Senior Officer in the Corporate & Foundation Relations Grants Office
Caroline “Carol” Smith has worked at St. Lawrence for 20+ years. As Senior Officer in the Corporate & Foundation Relations Grants Office, she identifies funding opportunities for projects across campus and collaborates with faculty, staff, and students to develop grant proposals to bring those projects to life. Carol also serves as the campus liaison for the Davis United World College (UWC) Scholars Program and feels privileged to interact with St. Lawrence’s 100+ UWC Scholars in that role. It is great fun to meet the bright and ambitious student Scholars hailing from dozens of different countries and help introduce them to St. Lawrence and life in the North Country. Going out for Maple Weekend pancakes in the early spring is a favorite activity!
Originally from the Montreal area, Carol has lived in Canton for many years and loves calling the North Country home. When she is not immersed in grant projects, she enjoys going for walks on local nature trails with her husband and dog, taking leisurely paddles on the Grasse River in her kayak, prowling through flea markets in search of new treasures, and reading as many historical mysteries as she can get her hands on.
Dennis Morreale
Associate Director of Annual Giving
I joined the Alumni & Parents Programs staff as assistant director of alumni & parent programs in 2007 and was recently promoted to associate director of annual giving. Dennis earned his B.A. degree from St. Lawrence with a double major in History and Government. He oversees myriad young alumni committees encompassing graduates of the last 15 years. He is also responsible for administering programs, crafting appeals, and planning events that promote volunteerism and annual giving. Originally from Corinth, NY, Dennis came to the University as an Augsbury/North Country Scholar, and during his undergraduate years, he spent a semester in France, was awarded a University Fellowship, and was a proud resident of the Green House Theme Cottage. Still passionate about the liberal arts, Dennis spends most of his time out of the office painting landscapes or writing music.
Dr. Shaun Whitehead
University Chaplain
The Rev. Dr. Shaun Whitehead is a native of Chicago, Illinois. She received the Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications from Clark Atlanta University, the Master of Divinity degree and the Doctor of Ministry degree from McCormick Theological Seminary, Chicago. Rev. Shaun is the University Chaplain, at St. Lawrence University in Canton, New York. As Chaplain, Shaun provides spiritual care and pastoral support with people of all faith traditions or none, within the campus community and beyond. Along with her chaplaincy duties, Shaun leads the weekly Chapel Service, and she directs the Gospel Choir. Shaun founded “Got Spirit?” the annual Gospel Music Workshop & Concert held annually at St. Lawrence. The 15th Anniversary Gospel Workshop was celebrated in 2019! Through this workshop and other music initiatives, Shaun has brought many people together across racial/ethnic/cultural/religious differences. Shaun’s other campus commitments are North Country Ambassador, a member of the Diversity and Inclusion Committee and co-coordinator of the Restorative Practices Community.
Shaun is an ordained minister in the United Church of Christ. Shaun’s ministry commitments include Committee on Ministry for the North Country Association, New York Conference of the United Church of Christ; (AAWIM) African American Women in Ministry organization within the UCC; Board of Directors and member of WomanPreach, Inc!
Shaun has been a worship leader in small and large gatherings, from churches to festivals and national conferences. Before full time ministry, Shaun worked in Chicago’s radio industry for 14 years. As a preacher, teacher, writer and singer, Shaun focuses her work on breaking down barriers and building relationships that are inclusive, reconciling and affirming.
Erin Colvin
Assistant Director for the Arthur O. Eve Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP)
Greetings! I’m Erin M. Colvin, and I have proudly been a part of the St. Lawrence University (SLU) community since November 2007. Currently, I serve as the Assistant Director for the Arthur O. Eve Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP), where my passion lies in supporting students on their academic journeys. I also mentor first-generation college students and presidential diversity scholars, driven by my own experiences as a first-generation college graduate.
In the fall of 2018, I had the honor of teaching “Native Americans: Yes, They Still Exist!” in the First-Year Program, further enriching the educational landscape at SLU. I hold an MEd in Educational Leadership from SLU and have completed graduate coursework at Syracuse University. My academic journey includes conducting graduate research in Ireland in 2003 through the University of Arkansas, and I earned my BA in Communication Studies with a concentration in Public Relations from Oswego State University, where I also had the opportunity to study abroad in London.
Beyond my professional commitments, I enjoy immersing myself in DIY home and yard projects and expressing my creativity through specialty cake design and decoration. I also have a passion for canning—whether it’s jams, tomatoes, or pickles. Although I’m not a North Country native, I’ve fallen in love with the area, from catching hockey games at Appleton Arena to exploring the Adirondack Mountains and visiting cities in the eastern provinces of Ontario and Quebec.
I look forward to continuing my work at SLU and contributing to our vibrant campus community!
Franco Bari
Director of Intercollegiate Athletics
Franco Bari became Director of Intercollegiate Athletics after serving as Associate Athletic Director for Operations and External Relations since 2021. Prior to his most recent stint at St. Lawrence, Bari was hired as Director of Athletics at The College of St. Scholastica in Duluth, Minnesota in August of 2019. Bari headed to St. Scholastica after his first stint at St. Lawrence from 2008-2019, where he previously served as the Assistant Athletic Director for Facilities and Game Management and completed 10 seasons as the head women's soccer coach. A four-year starter for the Saints' men's soccer team, Bari was the Empire Athletic Association Rookie of the Year in 1994, was a four-time first team all-conference selection and a four-time National Soccer Coaches Association of America all-region selection. A two-year captain, Bari helped the Saints earn NCAA tournament appearances in 1996 and 1997. As a senior, he earned Conference Player of the Year honors and was an NSCAA All-America selection. Prior to joining the St. Lawrence staff, Bari had a three-year professional playing career and began his coaching profession as an assistant coach at Arizona State University. He then coached at Elmira College and Greensboro College and initiated the student-athlete development program at both institutions.
“St. Lawrence has always been a special place to me. The community has truly set an example of embracing collaboration and commitment to the student experience.”
Katie Dolan
Senior Assistant Director, Prospect Research/Prospect Management
Katie has worked at St. Lawrence University since 2016. Within the division of University Advancement, she is part of the Prospect Research and Prospect Management team, whose work includes evaluating philanthropic capacity of prospective donors, composing biographical profiles on key prospects, and collaborating with frontline fundraisers to manage their prospect portfolios.
She has a bachelor’s degree from the State University of New York at Geneseo and recently earned a master’s degree from St. Lawrence after taking grad classes part time for five years.
Originally from Rensselaer Falls, Katie has lived in the town of Canton for most of her life. She and her husband stay busy keeping up with their two elementary-aged children. Katie is happy to chat about anything but can offer insights into child-related topics such as pumping at work, the local day care scene, Canton Central School, and youth activities. She’s also dabbled in community volunteerism and is a lapsed attendee of a few local churches.
Melody Denny, PhD (she/they)
WORD Studio Director
Melody joined the St. Lawrence community as the WORD Studio Director in August 2022. She’s a life-long English major and earned her B.A. and M.A. from Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, OK and her PhD in English from Oklahoma State University. As the WORD Studio Director, Melody oversees a staff of peer tutors who support students on communications assignments that include Writing, Oral Communication, Reading, and Design. That’s where “WORD,” an acronym, comes from. Clever, right? The WORD Studio was named before Melody arrived at St. Lawerence, so she can’t take credit for the Studio’s name (unfortunately). In addition to directing the WORD Studio, Melody teaches a peer tutor training course that WORD Studio tutors are required to take prior to employment as a tutor and works closely with faculty, offering professional development workshops focused on writing as well as custom designed writing workshops for their courses.
Melody has worked on both sides of the university structure, in the past as faculty and currently as administrative staff. Transitioning to administrative staff from faculty was a bit challenging, but now that she has settled in, Melody appreciates the staff side of things.
Though Melody has lived throughout the Midwest and west, she is originally from rural Oklahoma and finds the North Country feels like her midwestern roots. She lives in Canton with her partner, James, who’s in IT and works from home, and their two Boston Terriers, Freya and Finnegan, whose photos are available upon request.
Sarah Coburn
Senior Associate Director for Internships with the Center for Career Excellence
Sarah Coburn serves as the Senior Associate Director for Internships with the Center for Career Excellence. She currently manages the on-campus internship program, the internship fellowship funding, serves as a career coach and supports employer engagement efforts. Sarah has been with St. Lawrence and the Center for Career Excellence since 2006 in a variety of roles supporting students in their career development. On-campus, Sarah also serves as a mentor to the Men’s Lacrosse team and loves catching the many SLU teams in action throughout the year.
Sarah completed an undergraduate degree at SUNY Geneseo and a MBA at Clarkson University. She is originally from Canton and currently is a homeowner in town. Her husband is a public-school administrator, and they have three daughters; (age 19) attended Hotchkiss School and currently attending UMass Amherst, (age 17) class of 2025 at Canton High School and will be going to SUNY Binghamton, and (age 14) class of 2029 at Canton. Sarah’s daughters are very actively involved in sports, both club travel and local opportunities in soccer, hockey and lacrosse. Given her roots in the Canton community, Sarah can help you explore connections within her local network.
Tina Tao, Ed.D.
Executive Director for Advising, Retention, and Student Success
I moved to the North Country in August 2012 as a trailing spouse. I was fortunate to have been employed as an adjunct instructor in the chemistry department and First-Year Program for my first few years in Canton; then in the fall of 2015, I started a full-time position in Academic Advising. In my current role, I oversee the Academic Advising programs and work with students on planning their academic journey and making the most of their experiences. at SLU
Some of the most rewarding service that I do on campus is overseeing our First-Gen Initiative – a program dedicated to supporting and celebrating our first-generation college students. I’m a co-advisor to the Tri-Alpha First-Generation Honors Society, the advisor for the A.S.I.A. Club, and the academic liaison to the women’s soccer team.
I earned my B.S. in chemistry at Gettysburg College, M.A. in inorganic chemistry at the University of Delaware, and completed my Ed.D. in higher education administration from Northeastern University while working at St. Lawrence. Off-campus, I enjoy singing in a community group (The Any Music Singers); taking trips up to Ottawa with my husband, Jeff, playing board games; and spending time with our adorable mini goldendoodle, Chompsky.
Victoria Lederer
Director of Laurentian Engagement
I first came to the North Country in the fall of 2012 to pursue my graduate studies. During this time, I worked as the assistant coach for the men’s and women’s swimming and diving teams, supporting athletes in reaching their goals. After graduation in 2014, I knew I wanted to remain in the North Country and transitioned to a role in St. Lawrence’s Student Life division as Residential Coordinator. This role in Residence Life included the management of 21 Community Assistants and oversight of three first year residence halls.
As I was looking to further develop and grow professionally, I joined University Advancement in November 2017 as the Associate Director of Laurentian Engagement and was involved in the planning and coordination of Reunion Weekend and other on-campus events supported by Advancement. I loved learning more and working with our dedicated and passionate alumni. Now, as Director of Laurentian Engagement, I oversee the management of all Laurentian Engagement projects, events, and staff while joining as a secondary liaison to the Alumni Executive Council.
Prior to my work and studies at St. Lawrence, I earned my undergraduate degree from Kenyon College (2011) with a major in chemistry and a minor in art-history and was a four-year member of the varsity swimming team. I’ve stayed in touch with this athletic spirit and enjoy competing in triathlons and marathons. These races are how I fulfill my desire for travel. I’ve gotten to experience some great regions around the country and the world through these pursuits. This is also how I’ve created a great network of friends outside of other St. Lawrence staff. When I’m not busy training for races, I enjoy getting out on one of my many bikes. Places like Higley Flow, Tupper Lake, Saranac Lake, and Lake Placid are great for biking, hiking, and cross-country skiing, activities that I enjoy outside of work. Now that I’ve moved to a house that allows pets, I was able to adopt a dog. Wolfie is a great companion, and I love going on walks with him to end my day. St. Lawrence is a great place to work, and I look forward to connecting with folks interested in learning more about life and work in the North Country.