Please start typing your school's name or city, state, country and click on the result to find the admissions officer assigned to your school. UGA views a student's admission application as their sole demonstration of interest to attend the university. Additional forms of interest, such as emails or letters to counseling staff, are not used during the review process. Andrew DeanAdmissions Counselor
Recruitment Territories: Georgia Counties: Cherokee, Cobb; Out of State Territory: Oklahoma
Hometown: West Palm Beach, FL
Degrees: A.A. in Acting, American Academy of Dramatic Arts and B.S. in Psychology, University of Utah
Favorite restaurant in Athens: Thai Spoon
Something interesting about me: I love acting, photography, traveling, and spending time outdoors with my two rescue dogs.
Favorite musical spot in Athens: Georgia Theater
Favorite spot on campus: Odum School of Ecology Turtle Pond
Favorite college class: Physical Acting & Viewpoints
Why you came to UGA/Why you enjoy it here: I grew up around Athens and have loved seeing the city grow and change. It might be a small town, but there is something for everyone!
E-mail Andrew Dean at andrewdean@uga.edu |  |
Ashley O'Cain '22Assistant Director of Admissions
Recruitment Territories: Georgia Counties: Columbia, Richmond, and Gwinnett; Out of State Territory: South Carolina
Hometown: Greenville, SC
Degrees: B.S. in Biology, Wofford College and M.Ed. in Learning, Leadership, and Organization Development, University of Georgia
Favorite restaurant in Athens: Last Resort Grill
Favorite musical spot in Athens: Highwire Lounge
Favorite spot on campus: Founders Memorial Garden
Favorite college class: Latin American Caribbean Studies
Why you came to UGA/Why you enjoy it here: The people and the sense of community. From the moment I stepped foot on campus, it was evident that UGA is a place where people matter. Great things happen where emphasis is on the people!
What is your notable first at UGA: I am the first in my family to work at UGA and to call Georgia home.
E-mail Ashley O'Cain at ashley.ocain@uga.edu |  |
Austin Todd '14Admissions Officer
Recruitment Territories: Georgia Counties: Barrow, Clarke, Elbert, Franklin, Greene, Hart, Jackson, Madison, Morgan, Newton, Oconee, Oglethorpe, Taliaferro, and Walton; Out of State Territory: Arizona, Colorado, and Nevada
Hometown: Flowery Branch, GA
Degrees: BBA in Risk Management and Insurance, University of Georgia
Favorite restaurant in Athens: Little Italy Pizzeria
Something interesting about me: Before I became an Admissions Recruiter, I was a 6th Grade Math Teacher
Favorite spot on campus: Sanford Stadium
Favorite college class: Analytic Geometry and Calculus
Why you came to UGA/Why you enjoy it here: Other than wanting to be apart of UGA’s community, Athens has an amazing music and food scene.
E-mail Austin Todd at aktodd@uga.edu |  |
Blanca Rahman '13 '19Senior Assistant Director of Admissions
Recruitment Territories: Georgia Counties: Bartow, Carroll, Catoosa, Chattooga, Dade, Floyd, Gordon, Haralson, Murray, Paulding, Polk, Walker, and Whitfield; Out of State Territories: Idaho, Iowa, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Tennessee, and Wyoming
Hometown: Watkinsville, GA
Degrees: B.S. in Psychology and minor in Public Health and M.Ed. in Reading Education (Emphasis in PreK-5th Grade Teaching), University of Georgia
Favorite restaurant in Athens: Mama's Boy for brunch and Cali N Tito's for dinner.
Something interesting about me: I am a first generation immigrant and also a first generation college graduate.
Favorite musical spot in Athens: 40 Watt Club
Favorite UGA tradition: Having your picture taken at the Arch upon graduation.
Favorite spot on campus: Lake Herrick Pavilion
Favorite college class: Abnormal Psychology
Why you came to UGA/Why you enjoy it here: I knew UGA would have the opportunities and resources necessary to become a well-rounded and successful individual.
What is your notable first at UGA: Meeting my husband and going on my first date after we met at UGA.
E-mail Blanca Rahman at blanca13@uga.edu |  |
Charles Carabello '09Associate Director of Enrollment Management
Recruitment Territories: California
Hometown: Reading, PA
Degrees: B.A. in Journalism, Washington and Lee University; M.Ed. in Education Administration and Policy, University of Georgia
Favorite restaurant in Athens: The National
Something interesting about me: If it's not a bow tie, it's not a real tie!
Favorite musical spot in Athens: 40 Watt Club
Favorite UGA tradition: Ringing the Chapel Bell.
Favorite spot on campus: Founders Memorial Garden
Favorite college class: The Films of Martin Scorsese
Why you came to UGA/Why you enjoy it here: Athens just has so many authentic people and places.
What is your notable first at UGA: First Fulbright Seminar Grant for Undergraduate Admissions personnel.
E-mail Charles Carabello at ccarabel@uga.edu |  |
Chenelle Goyen '16Associate Director of Admissions - International Admissions and Residency Officer
Recruitment Territories: Alaska, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Puerto Rico, and International
Hometown: Meyerton, Gauteng, South Africa
Degrees: B.B.A in Management and International Affairs, Georgia College and State University; M.Ed. in Educational Psychology: Applied Cognition and Development, University of Georgia
Favorite restaurant in Athens: The Place
Something interesting about me: I am South African and love to play tennis and golf!
Favorite musical spot in Athens: Georgia Theatre
Favorite UGA tradition: Georgia Football Saturdays in Athens and Calling the Dawgs!
Favorite spot on campus: North Campus
Favorite college class: Multicultural Educational Psychology: I researched the way that culture influences the motivation to become academically successful.
Why you came to UGA/Why you enjoy it here: I love the incredible sense of community at UGA and in Athens. This is truly the "Classic City of the South" where rich tradition is at the heart of a hip college town and creates distinct culture!
What is your notable first at UGA: I am the first South African to work in the Office of Admissions! I was also the first one in my family to get a tennis scholarship and degree abroad.
E-mail Chenelle Goyen at chenelle@uga.edu |  |
Cindy Boyles '03 '15Associate Director of Admissions, Scholarship Coordinator
Recruitment Territories: Georgia Counties: Bulloch, Burke, Chatham, Effingham, Screven; Out of State Territory: New Mexico
Hometown: Americus, GA
Degrees: A.B.J. Telecommunications Arts and M.P.A. Higher Education Administration, University of Georgia
Favorite restaurant in Athens: Clocked!
Favorite musical spot in Athens: Georgia Theatre
Favorite spot on campus: North Campus--the bench next to Phi Kappa Hall
Favorite college class: History of Rock and Roll
Why you came to UGA/Why you enjoy it here: I chose to attend UGA in the fall of '99 to study at the Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication. I also joined the Redcoat Marching Band as a student and enjoyed participating for four years.
E-mail Cindy Boyles at cboyles@uga.edu |  |
Cindy Ganas '93Assistant Director of Admissions
Recruitment Territories: Georgia Counties: Atkinson, Baker, Berrien, Brooks, Clinch, Coffee, Colquitt, Cook, Decatur, Early, Echols, Grady, Lanier, Lowndes, Miller, Mitchell, Seminole, Thomas, Tift, Worth; Out of State Territory: North Carolina and Ohio
Hometown: Valdosta, GA
Degrees: B.B.A in Real Estate, University of Georgia
Favorite restaurant in Athens: DePalma's
Favorite spot on campus: In the fall, Sanford Stadium. The rest of the year, Founders Memorial Garden.
Favorite college class: Real Estate Development
Why you came to UGA/Why you enjoy it here: I loved my time in Athens as a student, so I am thrilled to help bring students to UGA. The opportunities here are amazing and the town is like no other.
E-mail Cindy Ganas at csganas@uga.edu |  |
David GravesDirector of Admissions
Hometown: Weston, CT
Degrees: B.A. in History and M.A. in English, Clemson University
Favorite restaurant in Athens: DePalma's
Favorite spot on campus: Founders Memorial Garden
Why you came to UGA/Why you enjoy it here: I enjoy the amazing and creative students.
What is your notable first at UGA: First in my family to work at UGA.
E-mail David Graves at drgraves@uga.edu |  |
Emily Walls '19Admissions Recruiter
Recruitment Territories: Georgia Counties: Ben Hill, Calhoun, Chattahoochee, Clay, Crisp, Dodge, Dooly, Dougherty, Irwin, Lee, Macon, Marion, Muscogee, Pulaski, Quitman, Randolph, Schley, Stewart, Sumter, Telfair, Terrell, Turner, Webster, Wheeler, and Wilcox; Out of State Territory: Illinois, Louisiana, and Michigan
Hometown: Comer, GA
Degrees: B.A. in English, University of Georgia
Favorite restaurant in Athens: The World Famous
Something interesting about me: I make pottery as a hobby and really enjoy using my own things that I make.
Favorite spot on campus: North Campus
Favorite college class: Literature and Human Rights
Why you came to UGA/Why you enjoy it here: I was born in Athens, grew up in the surrounding area, and earned an undergraduate degree from UGA, so I have a lot of ties to Athens and the University. I really love living here, so staying in Athens and working at UGA was the natural thing to do.
E-mail Emily Walls at eewalls@uga.edu |  |
Heather Elisabeth '93Transfer Admissions / Assistant Director of Evaluation
Hometown: Old Greenwich, CT
Degrees: B.F.A in Fabric Design with emphasis in Latin, Sculpture, and Cultural Anthropology, University of Georgia; M.A. in History of Decorative Arts and Design, Parsons The New School NY, NY
Favorite restaurant in Athens: The Grit
Something interesting about me: I have traveled to every state in the USA except for North Dakota and have lived abroad for a total of seven years in London, UK, and Zurich, Switzerland.
Favorite spot on campus: North Campus near the Arch is my absolute favorite area due to the gorgeous landscaping and architecture.
Favorite college class: I loved all my art, Latin, and anthropology classes.
Why you came to UGA/Why you enjoy it here: I returned to Athens, GA, to provide a beautiful town and community for my son to call home.
E-mail Heather Elisabeth at heathere@uga.edu |  |
Jason Emond '91Transfer Admissions / Senior Assistant Director of Evaluation
Hometown: Athens, GA
Degrees: A.B. in Psychology, University of Georgia
Favorite restaurant in Athens: Hi-Lo
Something interesting about me: I am a musician.
Favorite musical spot in Athens: Georgia Theatre
Favorite spot on campus: Georgia Quad
Favorite college class: Philosophy 1101
Why you came to UGA/Why you enjoy it here: I grew up here--it's great!
E-mail Jason Emond at jemond@uga.edu |  |
Jonah BushellAssistant Director of Community Based Organizations.
Hometown: New Orleans, LA
Degrees: B.S. Sport Management, Alcorn State University; M.S. Kinesiology, University of West Georgia
Favorite restaurant in Athens: Kelly’s Jamaican Foods
Something interesting about me: I have a collection of sneakers, over 100 pair, featuring all different brands and styles.
Favorite UGA tradition: Ringing the Chapel Bell and Leaping into the Herty Fountain.
Favorite spot on campus: The bridge that connects the Zell Miller Learning Center buildings; beautiful views.
Favorite college class: Trends, Issues, and Challenges in Sports.
Why you came to UGA/Why you enjoy it here: I am excited to share with CBO’s that the university is more than just a potential landing spot for their students, but also a resource to the entire community.
E-mail Jonah Bushell at jonahb@uga.edu |  |
Josh Williams '21 '22Admissions Officer
Recruitment Territories: Georgia Counties: Clayton, Coweta, Douglas, Fayette, Henry, Rockdale, and Spalding; Out of State Territory: Alabama, Arkansas, and Mississippi
Hometown: Norcross, GA
Degrees: B.A. in Philosophy, B.A. in Women’s Studies, B.A. in Comparative Literature and Intercultural Studies, University of Georgia; M.A. in Communication Studies, University of Georgia
Favorite restaurant in Athens: Tlaloc and New Red Bowl
Something interesting about me: I have over a decade of experience in music production. I also collect and catalog obscure music of all different genres.
Favorite musical spot in Athens: 40 Watt Club
Favorite UGA tradition: The 4th-Quarter “Light Up Sanford” tradition during our Saturday night football games!
Favorite spot on campus: Peabody Hall
Favorite college class: Transnational Literatures with Dr. Peter O’Neill, War Rhetoric
Why you came to UGA/Why you enjoy it here: Both of my older siblings graduated from UGA, so I wanted to complete the Bulldawg trifecta as a first-generation student and experience what they experienced here.
What is your notable first at UGA: I was one of the first students to complete my Double Dawgs pathway, where I had the opportunity to present at a major regional conference on behalf of my department.
E-mail Josh Williams at joshua.williams@uga.edu |  |
Kate Bennett '23Admissions Recruiter
Recruitment Territories: Georgia Counties: Fulton Co.; Out of State Territory: South Florida
Hometown: College Station, TX
Degrees: B.A. in Communication, Texas A&M University and M.A. in Communication, University of Georgia
Favorite restaurant in Athens: Cali n Tito’s
Favorite musical spot in Athens: 40 Watt Club
Favorite spot on campus: Founders Memorial Garden
Favorite college class: Rhetoric in Western Thought
Why you came to UGA/Why you enjoy it here: UGA has an abundance of resources for students and Athens truly has something for everyone!
What is your notable first at UGA: First in my family to call Athens home.
E-mail Kate Bennett at kaitlin.bennett@uga.edu |  |
Kelly CoffmanAssociate Director for Marketing and Communications
Hometown: Americus, GA
Degrees: B.S. in Education with emphasis in Recreation; B.B.A. in Accounting and M.B.A., Georgia Southwestern State University
Favorite restaurant in Athens: Last Resort Grill
Favorite musical spot in Athens: Georgia Theatre
Favorite UGA tradition: Between the Hedges at Sanford Stadium.
Favorite spot on campus: The Trial Gardens
Favorite college class: Organizational Leadership
Why you came to UGA/Why you enjoy it here: I love the welcoming community and the rich traditions that UGA has to offer.
What is your notable first at UGA: My first UGA memory is driving down Milledge Avenue. The homes are so beautiful!
E-mail Kelly Coffman at kabird@uga.edu |  |
Matt Willcox '04 '11 '21Senior Assistant Director of Admissions - DC, MD, VA
Recruitment Territories: Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia
Hometown: Kelleytown, GA
Degrees: B.A. in International Affairs, M.I.P. in International Policy, and M.A. School of Public and International Affairs, University of Georgia
Favorite restaurant in Athens: The Royal Peasant
Favorite musical spot in Athens: Hendershot's Coffee Bar
Favorite spot on campus: The hidden Jittery Joes
Favorite college class: Foundations of International Policy
What is your notable first at UGA: I was a member of the first class of the Masters of International Policy within UGA’s School of Public and International Affairs.
E-mail Matt Willcox at malaikan@uga.edu |  |
Melinda DeMariaAssociate Director of Admissions for Marketing and Recruitment
Recruitment Territories: Georgia Counties: Cobb, DeKalb, and Fulton; Out of State Territory: Hawaii and Kansas
Hometown: Swainsboro, GA
Degrees: B.S. in Communication, Georgia Southern University; M.Ed. in Guidance and Counseling, Clemson University
Favorite restaurant in Athens: Ted's Most Best
Favorite musical spot in Athens: 40 Watt Club
Favorite UGA tradition: The lone trumpeter who stands in the corner of the upper deck of Sanford Stadium prior to kickoff and plays the first few notes of the Battle Hymn of the Bulldawg Nation.
Favorite spot on campus: Discovering the Iron Horse (technically in Greene County).
Favorite college class: Introduction to Public Relations
Why you came to UGA/Why you enjoy it here: It's got everything! It really is a quintessential college town!
E-mail Melinda DeMaria at mdemaria@uga.edu |  |
Michael StoneAssistant Director
Recruitment Territories: Georgia Counties: Banks, Dawson, Fannin, Forsyth, Gilmer, Habersham, Hall, Lumpkin, Pickens, Rabun, Stephens, Towns, Union, and White; Out of State Territories: Kentucky, Missouri, Indiana, and Tennessee
Hometown: Monroe, GA
Degrees: B.B.A. Georgia Gwinnett College, Graduate Certificate in Diversity – University of North Georgia, MPA - University of North Georgia
Favorite restaurant in Athens: Trappeze
Something interesting about me: For 8 years, and during my undergraduate career, I was a professional cyclist racing all around the world. I raced for multiple professional teams as well as the USA National team.
Favorite UGA tradition: The Dawg Walk
Favorite spot on campus: Sanford Stadium
Why you came to UGA/Why you enjoy it here: I grew up around Athens, and many of my hours were spent riding around campus and town for training rides, and those were some of the best memories. I am excited to call UGA and Athens home again.
E-mail Michael Stone at michael.stone2@uga.edu |  |
Pamela AffolterAdmissions Recruiter
Recruitment Territories: Georgia Counties: Appling, Bacon, Brantley, Bryan, Camden, Candler, Charlton, Emanuel, Evans, Glascock, Glynn, Jeff Davis, Jefferson, Jenkins, Johnson, Liberty, Lincoln, Long, Mcduffie, Mcintosh, Montgomery, Pierce, Tattnall, Toombs, Treutlen, Ware, Warren, Washington, Wayne, and Wilkes; Out of State Territory: North Florida
Hometown: Athens, GA
Degrees: B.A. in Psychology with a minor in Spanish, Temple University
Favorite restaurant in Athens: Taste of India
Something interesting about me: I have 51 percent Mayan heritage. I also love dogs and I own a blue merle labradoodle named Oreo.
Favorite musical spot in Athens: 40 Watt Club
Favorite spot on campus: The Science Library
Favorite college class: Evolutionary and Comparative Psychology or Statistics in the Game of Chance
Why you came to UGA/Why you enjoy it here: I have grown up in Athens and I love the mixed atmosphere of a smaller city and a big university.
E-mail Pamela Affolter at pamela.affolter@uga.edu |  |
Ripken Gorman '18Admissions Officer
Recruitment Territories: Georgia Counties: Baldwin, Bibb, Bleckley, Crawford, Harris, Houston, Jones, Laurens, Monroe, Peach, Talbot, Taylor, Twiggs, Upson, and Wilkinson; Out of State Territory: Texas Hometown: Macon, GA
Degrees: B.A. in Political Science, B.A. in Sociology, B.A. in Religion, University of Georgia; M.A.T. in Elementary Education, Relay Graduate School of Education
Favorite restaurant in Athens: Seabear
Something interesting about me: My two brothers and I are all named after professional baseball players.
Favorite musical spot in Athens: Georgia Theatre
Favorite UGA tradition: The Battle Hymn of the Bulldawg Nation by the lone trumpeter before home games.
Favorite spot on campus: UGA Visitors Center
Favorite college class: American Foreign Policy with Dr. Gallagher
Why you came to UGA/Why you enjoy it here: Athens is the Classic City for a reason, it is the ultimate college town and a genuinely unique community comprised of the most amazing people that anyone could ever meet.
E-mail Ripken Gorman at ripken@uga.edu |  |
Wade LaFontaine '99 '19Senior Assistant Director of Admissions, Events Coordinator
Recruitment Territories: Georgia Counties: Butts, Hancock, Heard, Jasper, Lamar, Meriwether, Pike, Putnam, and Troup; Out of State Territory: Maine, Minnesota, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Wisconsin
Hometown: Augusta, GA
Degrees: B.B.A. in Management Information Systems and M.P.A. in Public Administration, University of Georgia
Favorite restaurant in Athens: DePalma's
Favorite musical spot in Athens: Graduate
Favorite spot on campus: Founders Memorial Garden
Favorite college class: Microeconomics
E-mail Wade LaFontaine at wade1@uga.edu |  |
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