Cowell Staff
Provost
College Provosts are faculty members who serve as the academic heads of the UCSC Colleges. The Provost's job focuses on the Cowell Core Course and other course offerings in the College, academic advising, student projects, and student academic integrity, as well as on work with alumni and faculty affiliated with the college. Dr. Christy welcomes the opportunity to hear from you.
Raised in Boston, MA, Alan Christy received his B.A. in History from Carleton College and his Ph.D. from the University of Chicago. He found his love for Asian history during his junior year in college while on an education abroad program in Kyoto, Japan. He came to the History Department at UC Santa Cruz in 1995 fresh out of graduate school and he expects to retire here at some point in the future as a life-long slug. Some of his friends on the East Coast are puzzled by this “California thing,” but Alan believes passionately in the importance of the public university and loves the community of dedicated staff, faculty
and students here at UC Santa Cruz. He is thrilled to be provost of Cowell College, the founding college at UC Santa Cruz. You may follow him on Twitter at @CowellProvost to see what his life and job are like.
Senior Director, College Student Life (SD)
My focus is to work closely with faculty, staff, and students to create the best possible living and learning community at Cowell College. My main areas of responsibility are college programs, residential life and housing, facilities, and fiscal management. If you have any questions or concerns, please stop by, call, or email. I look forward to hearing your thoughts about life at Cowell College.
Sarah Christine Woodside Bury (she/her/hers) is a graduate of the University of California, San Diego with a degree in Sociology and Spanish and completed her Masters degree in Student Affairs in Higher Education at Colorado State University. She came to UC Santa Cruz in 2001 to help start UCSC's two newest Colleges, College Nine and College Ten, due to their compelling and imperative themes. While at UCSC, Sarah has served as a CRE, CPC, and AD both at Colleges Nine and John R. Lewis College and Crown College. Now, she has the honor to support and co-lead (along with the Provosts) College Nine, John R. Lewis College, Stevenson College and Cowell College. One of Sarah's most memorable professional experiences outside of UCSC was when she helped to start the international floating university, aptly named The Scholar Ship, which sailed with 250 students, representing 45 different nations, visiting 16 different countries around the globe. Sarah has a deep commitment to doing her part to make the world a more peaceful, sustainable, socially just and equitable place. More personally, she is the proud Mama of Alexander (her son) and Nima (her 5 year old dog), both of whom you may see around campus.
Associate Director, College Student Life (AD)
Howdy Slugs! As the Associate Director, College Student Life, I work collaboratively with the Coordinators for Residential Education, Housing Coordinator, Housing Office Manager, and various offices on campus to assist in the development and organization of housing assignments, student conduct, student programs, safety and security of all of you, and much more. I am always available to respond to any questions or concerns you may have, so please don't hesitate to email me.
LeAnna Willis (she/her/they) is an enigmatic and caring, knowledge practitioner with over 10 years of higher education experience in diversity, equity, & inclusion, residential life, and student development and leadership. They have a wealth of knowledge in working with diverse populations and fighting for representation and inclusion across multiple levels and spaces. LeAnna is considered a mentor and teacher who breathes positivity and affirmations into everyone they encounter. Originally from the east coast LeAnna has utilized the wide scale of the education field to work all over the country, having held positions in Salem, MA, San Marcos, TX, Indianapolis IN, and Champaign, IL, before making their way westward. LeAnna holds a Master of Education in Higher Education in Student Affairs from Salem State University and as a lifelong learner is always looking to further their education. In their free time, LeAnna enjoys D&D, all things MCU, Korean Dramas, reading, cosplaying, and racking up new crafting projects.
College Academic Manager (CAM)
The College Academic Manager serves as the project manager of the Provost office. I help manage student-based projects such as the Smith Society. I also serve as a bridge between students and the faculty who teach for Cowell Core Course and Cowell Enhancement Courses. Please reach out to me if you are a Cowell student interested in taking an independent studies course or if you need assistance in registering for a Cowell Course.
I am the project manager for the quarterly Student Project Fund, and all Cowell College Prizes and Scholarships.
I also provide administrative support for the Provost. Please email me if you wish to reach the provost.
Assistant to the Senior Director, College Student Life
As the Assistant to the Senior Director, College Student Life, I provide administrative support to the Senior Director, College Student Life for both Cowell and Stevenson Colleges. I am located in the Cowell Academic Building, First Floor. I look forward to speaking with you on the phone, or drop in and say hello.
Reservation Coordinator
As the Reservations Coordinator for Cowell and Stevenson Colleges, I am the main point of contact for all reservations and inquiries regarding the Stevenson Event Center. I manage most of the reservable rooms at the two colleges and oversee the Cowell and Stevenson Tech Crew. Contact me for any information about our reservable rooms. If you are interested in holding a class or planning an event here at Cowell and Stevenson, email me and we’ll work together to make your class or each year.
College Assistant
If you have any questions, start at the Cowell College Advising Office! Dedicated to serving students and supporting their success, the College Assistant provides academic advising support, answers questions regarding campus policies and procedures, and refers students to campus resources. They also supervise the student mailroom staff, make Cowell College room and Provost House reservations, and provide administrative support for the College Provost and Advisors. Please stop by the office or email cwcollas@ucsc.edu.
Contact Info
Lead Academic Preceptor
As a preceptor, I oversee two advising offices; assist students with general academic planning; help interpret administrative policies and procedures; direct students to resources and opportunities available on campus; assist with making appropriate educational choices and decisions; counsel students on academic issues and monitor academic progress; conduct informational sessions. I also work collaboratively with various units on campus to support student success.
Academic Adviser
Hello! My name is Xavier Hilton, and I am an Academic Advisor for Cowell College. I am here to assist students with navigating University policies and procedures, academic planning, as well as directing students to resources on campus.
I’m a born and raised Santa Cruzean, attending and graduating from UCSC with a BA in History. I have a passion for education, having worked in local K-12 schools as a teacher and coach. I enjoy staying active and playing most sports, but I have a special affinity for soccer. In my free time you’ll find me walking our beautiful coastline, playing the saxophone, or relaxing at home listening to ELO.
I’m very excited to be a part of this community and look forward to meeting you!
Academic Adviser
I enjoy supporting students as they explore and pursue their interests. I take a collaborative approach and emphasize creative problem-solving, self-reliance, and long-range planning. I like to get to know students well and establish long-term working relationships with them.I have worked in higher education as an academic advisor, administrator, and faculty. Prior to coming to UCSC in 2020, I worked at numerous colleges, including the College of Santa Fe, the San Francisco Art Institute, and UC Berkeley as an Academic Advisor in Media Studies.I spend much of my free time with my wife and daughter. I am a musician and composer and spend time playing and writing music. I also like to work on home improvement projects. Contact the College Office to schedule an appointment.
Housing Coordinator
The Residential Life staff supports the creation of a healthy and fun living/learning environment. They coordinate Cowell's housing and residential life program as well as judicial issues for all Cowell students.
Residential Life & Housing Office Coordinator
The Residential Life staff supports the creation of a healthy and fun living/learning environment. They coordinate Cowell's housing and residential life program as well as judicial issues for all Cowell students.
Assistant Director for Residential Education
As the Assistant Director for Residential Education (ADRE), I work most closely with the Coordinator for Residential Education (CRE) and the Resident Assistant (RA) teams to foster an inclusive, fun, and engaging living environment for Cowell College and Stevenson College. My primary role is to provide space for those that I work alongside to be seen, feel heard, and move our colleges toward a brighter future. My office can be found in the Cowell / Stevenson College Housing Office just below the Dining Hall.
As a product of the California State University system, I am a proud alumnus of San Francisco State University where I earned my BA and MA in Communication Studies with an emphasis on Social Justice Praxis and Pedagogy. I joined UCSC in 2020 as the ADRE for College Nine and John R. Lewis College where I fell in with the way of the Banana Slugs and the college's specific and impactful themes. In 2023, I returned to San Francisco State as the Assistant Director for Continuing Student and Retention, and 2024 brought me back to UCSC and to our wonderful colleges.
When not in the office, I can be found walking around in nature or on the softball field coaching or hitting home runs. If you see me around campus, please say hello!
Coordinator for Conduct & Education,
Hi, y’all, my name is Ramón Ayala (he/him) and I was born and raised in Napa, California. I am a proud UCSC alumni, class of 2020, where I received my Bachelors of Arts in Literature with a minor in Sociology. I am currently finishing my Masters degree in Higher Education and Student Affairs at the University of San Francisco. Over the years, I’ve found a passion for social justice education, disability studies, campus programming, and residential curriculum. Outside of work, I love spending time with my dog, collecting vintage items, going on really long runs, DJing and cooking!
As a Coordinator for Residential Education, I am responsible for supervising all aspects of Residential Life at Stevenson. I provide direct support services in the residential quads and in the apartments. Stacey and I coordinate the training and selection of your Resident Advisers, adjudicate student conduct cases, and provide educational, multicultural, and social opportunities for students. We also have a responsibility for counseling, advising, conflict management, and on-call responsibilities. Stop by the Residential Life and Housing office under the Cowell/Stevenson Dining Hall to get support and assistance for all residential life issues.
Coordinator of Residential Education
I am responsible for supervising all aspects of Residential Life at Stevenson & Cowell. I provide direct support services for the apartments. Ramón and I coordinate the training and selection of your Resident Advisers, adjudicate student conduct cases, and provide educational, multicultural, and social opportunities for students. We also have a responsibility for counseling, advising, conflict management, and on-call responsibilities. Stop by the Residential Life and Housing office under the Cowell/Stevenson Dining Hall to get support and assistance for all residential life issues.
Coordinator for Conduct and Education (CCE)
I am an Indigenous Zapotec Woman having roots in Salinas, California. I grew up in a traditional agrarian family from Oaxaca, Mexico. I graduated from UCSC (Class of 2000) with a BA in US History and continued my education at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where I graduated with a Masters in Education. I am responsible for adjudicating student conduct cases, and providing on and off campus resources. I am also the Hearing Coordinator for Conduct and Title IX hearings. If you have any questions about the conduct process feel free to meet with me.
College Program Coordinator
Hello, Slugs! As the Cowell College Program Coordinator I am involved in all college-wide programming including Welcome Week and Commencement, as well as supporting the development, implementation, and management of cultural, educational, social, activities at Cowell College.
I am originally from Southern California having obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from UC Riverside, and Masters degree in Organizational Leadership from the University of Redlands. Please feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns to the Programming Office!
Assistant College Program Coordinator
VACANT
Contact Info
Eloise Pickard Smith Gallery Manager
The Eloise Pickard Smith Gallery Manager is responsible for the gallery operations, including the selection and installation of exhibitions, public relations, docent training, and special events coordination.
Groundskeeper
The maintenance and grounds staff is responsible for the safe upkeep of the facilities, including the physical operation of the Residence Halls, Dining Hall, and Library. Submit all residential maintenance service requests online at http://fixit.ucsc.edu.
EOP Academic Counselor
For support contact the EOP Office
email: eop@ucsc.edu phone: (831) 459-2296
EOP Academic Counselors are available by appointment to meet individually with you to discuss personal and academic issues. We can connect you with appropriate resources, as well as counsel you through your personal concerns that may be negatively effecting your academic success. So please reachout for assistance!Coffee Shop Manager
Vacant manages the Cowell and Stevenson Coffee Shops and is available for comments, complaints, compliments, cookies, and culinary questions.
Budget Analyst
I help manage the financial operations for Cowell College, monitoring budgets and transactions and ensuring that the University’s fiscal policies are being followed.
Community Service Officer Supervisor
CSOs patrol university residential communities every night and perform a wide range of duties including emergency and disaster response and policy enforcement in order to help build a safer, more secure community. A CSO is on duty every night from 7pm to 3am.
Community Service Officer
CSOs patrol university residential communities every night and perform a wide range of duties including emergency and disaster response and policy enforcement in order to help build a safer, more secure community. A CSO is on duty every night from 7 pm to 3 am.
CSOs patrol university residential communities every night and perform a wide range of duties including emergency and disaster response and policy enforcement in order to help build a safer, more secure community. A CSO is on duty every night from 7pm to 3am.Residential Custodians
Custodians work with the students to make the residential facilities clean, safe places to live. They provide general cleaning of residential bathrooms, lounges, and hallways and do other specific tasks to maintain good housekeeping. They do not clean up after parties, practical jokes, or excessive debris.
Alan Christy
Sarah C. Woodside Bury
LeAnna Willis
Alice Folkins
Gustavo Nolazco
Summer Red
Rose Leone
Marie Yoo
Xavier Hilton
Peter Blackman
Jed Milroy
Gabriela Alaniz
Santos
Ramón Ayala
Stacey Faulk
Myrian Luis
Paola Lopez
Vacant
Eloise Pickard Smith Gallery Manager
Jacob Long
Juan Rocha
Suhayl Awad
Greg Speed
Matthais Anderson
Residential Custodians
