UO introductions: New hires through August

Each month, newly-hired faculty, staff and GTFs are invited to share basic information with AroundtheO about their new positions at the UO and their occupational and/or educational backgrounds. The purpose is to introduce and welcome them to campus, and to enhance the university's sense of community.

This month (going back to last spring):

Robyn Anderson

Robyn Anderson was hired in May as the Education Coordinator at the Museum of Natural and Cultural History. She has worked in similar positions for five years prior, most recently for a year and a half as an education specialist at the Oregon Coast Aquarium. Anderson earned her master’s degree in science education and free-choice learning, and a bachelor’s degree in environmental science, both from Oregon State University. In her spare time, she loves to hike, camp and run.

Phillip Arceneaux

Phillip Arceneaux was hired in June to serve as interim assistance manager of ticket operations for the Oregon Athletic Department. He has worked in ticketing for almost five years, most recently as box office assistant manager with the LSU Student Union Theater for the Arts, where he worked for three years. Arceneaux received his bachelor's degree in communication studies with a minor in sports administration from Louisiana State University. He is interested and active in the fine arts – particularly music. He played in LSU's marching band while in college, along with concert wind groups, symphony, opera and chamber ensembles.  

Chris Bennett

Chris Bennet is the new assistant director for the Undergraduate Job Shadow Program in the Lundquist College of Business. For the past seven years he was the Africa and Middle East director for the Oregon University System’s IE3 Global Internships program. He earned his master’s degree in international development from American University and his bachelor’s degree in sociology from Duke University. Bennett also loves to hike, garden, listen to bluegrass music and spend time with his wife and twin daughters.

Daniel Berman

Daniel Berman started working in September as the research compliance administrator in UO Research Compliance Services. He was last employed for five years as a research assistant at the Oregon Research Institute. Berman earned his bachelor's degree in sociology and psychology. Outside of work, he is a photographer and he and his wife enjoy fostering dogs from the local Humane Society.

Beth Clarke

Beth Clarke was brought on in late February as a licensed massage therapist (LMT) in the Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine Department at the UO Health Center. Before she became an LMT in 2007, Clarke worked in archaeology and science as a federal employee for 13 years. Most recently, she owned and operated a private massage office in Eugene for three years. She earned her massage accreditation from Lane Community College in 2006 and her bachelor’s degree in anthropology from the University of Nevada in 1994. When she is not working, the devoted mother of two loves to read, swim, dance, garden and be outdoors with her children and their dog. Her most recent proud parental achievement is her daughter’s incorporation of Young Frankenstein quotes into daily life.

Christina Davis

Christina Davis was hired at the end of August as a research compliance administrator for Research Compliance, which is part of the Office of Research, Innovation and Graduate Education Department. She worked most recently for three and a half years as a research assistant, assessor and recruiter at the Oregon Social Learning Center. Davis earned a law degree from UO School of Law and a bachelor's degree from University of Utah. When not working, she loves to travel and partake in nearly any outdoor activity.

Jennifer Espinola

Jennifer Espinola was hired mid-August as the new associate dean for students at the UO School of Law. She worked for the past 10 years at the University of South Florida as co-director of leadership studies and the first director of the Center for Leadership and Civic Engagement. She earned her bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of South Florida and law degree from the University of Miami School of Law. Espinola has been working in higher education student affairs for the past 14 years. In her spare time she is involved in the Best Buddies International program, which supports individuals with intellectual disabilities; she was matched in 2003 with her buddy, Kendra. She is also involved in LeaderShape, an organization that is committed to developing leaders with integrity for a just, caring and thriving world. She loves to sing, watch the Big Bang Theory and college sports, host dinner parties and debate the literary value of Harry Potter with doubters.

Keith Frazee

Keith Frazee began work in August as assistant director of orientation programs at the UO. He has worked student programs for the past five years, serving as assistant director of campus programs at Westmont College in Santa Barbara, Calif., and Baylor University in Texas. Frazee earned his master’s degree in educational leadership and policy analysis at the University of Missouri and his bachelor’s degree in secondary education from Baylor. Outside of work, he enjoys reading, running, riding his bike and hanging out with his wife and two children.

Katy George

Katy George began as program manager for UO’s Direct Marketing and Communications in September. This is her first job since graduating last year from the UO with bachelor’s degrees in journalism and Spanish. Previously, George worked for three years as a supervisor at UO Telefund. In her free time she is a competitive equestrian.

Jimmy Grabow

Jimmy Grabow was hired in August as an advisor in the School of Journalism and Communication. Prior to UO, Grabow spent six years at California State University at Long Beach, working alternately as an academic counselor, a supplemental instructor for history and psychology courses and a residential assistant. He holds a bachelor’s degree in history and a master’s in counseling with a focus in student development in higher education, both from Cal State-Long Beach. He is also currently working on finishing a master’s in history. As a professional runner for Adidas, Grabow is content to be living and working in Track Town USA.

Kirsten Hersh

Kirsten Hersh was officially hired in May as the Business Affairs Office property control inventory specialist after working the same job as a temp for almost a year. She holds a bachelor’s degree in professional/business writing from Southern Oregon University.

Stephanie Kays

Stephanie Kays began in April as an archivist for Collections Management at UO Libraries. She most recently worked at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts for three and a half years as a project archivist, which is also where she earned her fine arts degree with a focus in photography in 2000. Kays also holds a master’s degree in archival studies and a master’s in library and information studies from the University of British Columbia in 2009.

Jane Lake

Jane Lake was hired in April as a curriculum writer at the Center on Teaching and Learning. She spent two prior years writing lesson plans as a teacher and has experience as a reporter writing for the Chicago Tribune and the Register-Guard. Before working at the UO, Lake served as an elementary teacher in Springfield, where she taught students affected by autism while also substituting at various schools in Oregon. Lake received a bachelor’s degree in history and speech communication from the University of Illinois in 1991, and earned a master’s degree in special education from the University of Oregon in 2011. During her down time, Lake takes advantage of the great bike paths around town and scuba dives in Florence when the opportunity arises.

Christopher Lauber

Christopher Lauber was hired in August by the UO Athletics Department as the general concessions manager at Matthew Knight Arena. He has worked in concessions management for 11 years, most recently as concessions manager for Sodexo, at the University of Denver. He earned his bachelor’s degree in management from the University of Denver.

Jared Lindman

Jared Lindman became the administrative manager of the Oregon Consortium of International and Area Studies in June. He previously worked in a similar position for over three years as the assistant manager for Bi-Mart. Lindman holds a bachelor’s degree in marketing and management from the University of Portland. When not at work, he is most likely herding Dachshunds.

Julie Mason

Julie Mason was hired in August as an administrative services assistant at the University Counseling and Testing Center. She has worked in similar positions for two years, most recently at the UO Department of Human Resources as the assistant to the data and compliance coordinator, while finishing her bachelor’s degree in psychology at UO. In her free time, Mason enjoys classic rock, pugs, romantic comedies and good books.

Sara Miller

Sara Miller became the UO Biology Department’s accountant in August after leaving her position as an auditor/accountant for a hotel audit group in Las Vegas. She received her bachelor’s degree in business administration and accounting at the University of Nevada. When she isn’t working, she enjoys photography, playing guitar and piano, cooking, wine tasting, hiking and biking, spending time with her partner and their dogs, and cultivating a passion for food and travel.

Aaron Montoya

Aaron Montoya was hired in April to support the marketing goals of the College of Education with his skills in media production and design. He began working professionally with media six years ago, when he became a news photographer for the student-run daily newspaper, The Rocky Mountain Collegian. He worked most recently as a “Macologist” at the help desk of the Mac Store in Eugene's Valley River Center. Montoya earned a bachelor's degree in fine arts from Colorado State University, where he studied photographic image-making and graphic design. He is passionate about design that is smart, empathetic and communicates effectively.

Rob Moseley

Rob Moseley was hired in July as the editor of GoDucks.com. His experience with similar jobs began with his graduation in 1999 from the University of Oregon where he earned a bachelors degree in journalism with a minor in music. Most recently, Moseley worked at the Register Guard as a sports reporter.

Beth Norris

Beth Norris joined the School of Music and Dance as a development assistant in July. She has spent the last six years in the College of Liberal Arts development office at the University of Texas, where she rose to the position of assistant director of alumni relations. Norris received her bachelor’s degree in political science and communications from the University of California, but she is very excited to be living in Oregon where she can enjoy the great outdoors and attend Duck games.

Melissa Nowatzke

Melissa Nowatzke was hired in July as project coordinator for the UO's Center on Brain Injury Research and Training, where she has worked for almost two years. She worked previously for seven years as an assistant principal. Nowatzke earned her bachelor’s degree in liberal arts at National University, a master’s degree in special education, a special education teaching license and an initial and continuing administrator license. She is currently a doctoral student in the UO's Educational Methodology, Policy and Leadership Program and enjoys reading, hiking and spending time with her children.

Mac Pattinikutti

Mac Pattinikutti began work in May as lead graphic/web designer for EMU Marketing at the UO's Erb Memorial Union. He has worked in similar positions for 15 years, including 10 years at Infinite Media, where he was co-founder and creative lead. Pattinikutti has seven years’ experience with a traditional Sri Lankan martial art form called “Angam.”

Tess Peterson

Tess Peterson started working in April as a scheduler and receptionist for the UO Portland Academic Affairs Office. Before that she worked at a winery in Eugene for three years and most recently in Portland as a special education instructional assistant. Peterson graduated from the University of Oregon in 2007 with a bachelor’s degree in international studies and received a teaching license in secondary education from Western Oregon University in 2011. When she is not working, Peterson pursues traveling, yoga, dancing, trivia and exploring Portland.

Teresa Puga

Teresa Puga received her first coaching position as assistant women’s golf coach at UO in July. She hails from the University of Minnesota, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in business and marketing and completed a one-year internship at the University of Minnesota Athletic Department as an assistant for development.

Jim Rawlins

Jim Rawlins began as director of admissions at UO in July. He has worked in the admissions profession for 20 years as of May, and previously spent five years as executive director of admissions at Colorado State University. Rawlins holds two bachelor’s degrees in music performance from Florida State University and Southern Methodist University. He is also a doctoral candidate in the educational leadership and policy studies program at the University of Washington. When he gets the chance, Rawlins loves to cook, travel, play the piano, Scrabble and do NY Times crosswords.

Ashley Reed

Ashley Reed was hired at the end of February as a temporary administrative assistant at the Office of Equity and Inclusion. She has worked in similar administrative positions for several years and most recently worked for the university with the UO Creative Writing Program for six months, also as an administrative assistant. Reed graduated from University of Oregon last year with a dual degree in English and psychology. In her spare time she enjoys reading, writing and hiking.

Justin Samudio

Justin Samudio joined the Business Affairs Office as property control coordinator in June. He has spent seven years in accounting, most recently as a senior auditor for Isler CPA for two and a half years. Samudio earned a bachelor’s degree in French and accounting from UO, as well as a master’s degree in accounting. An avid runner, Samudio just completed the Hood to Coast relay for the first time.

Jamie Sandoval-Scott

Jamie Sandoval-Scott began in late August as an inventory control specialist for the Property Control Department within the Business Affairs Office. She has worked for the department as a property control clerk for the past year. Sandoval-Scott earned her bachelor’s degree in biochemistry from UO in 2011. When not working, she volunteers at the Cascades Raptor Center and also enjoys fishing, camping, cooking and baking.

Justin Shukas

Justin Shukas has recently joined the Office of the Dean of Students as director of fraternity and sorority life at UO. Previously, Shukas has worked as a graduate assistant in student conduct and conflict resolution in the Dean of Students Office at the University of Florida. He received his bachelor’s degree in public affairs from Indiana University-Bloomington and a master of education in student personnel in higher education from the University of Florida. In his free time, Shukas enjoys water skiing and rooting for the Indiana Hoosiers basketball team.

Pauline Thaler

Pauline Thaler started as testing coordinator in the Accessible Education Center in July. She has worked in similar positions for nearly six years, most recently as project coordinator at the Fanconi Anemia Research Fund for three years. Thaler earned a bachelor’s degree at Northwestern University and a master’s degree in education at Mills College. Her interests outside of work include sculpting and spending time with her family.

Joseph Waltasti

Joseph Waltasti was hired in August as the assistant director of athletic communications. He has spent six years in similar positions, most recently working as assistant director of athletic communications at University of California-Davis for one year. He received his bachelor’s degree in history and journalism from Eastern Illinois University.

Shao-Wei Wang

Shao-Wei Wang became an advisor at the Office of International Affairs in June, however she has been working closely with international students and scholars on enrollment and visa advising for the past seven years. Before coming to Eugene, Wang worked at the University of Missouri in St. Louis, where she earned her master’s degree in adult and higher education. She is very excited to explore the beaches and mountains of Oregon with her family.

- from the UO Office of Strategic Communications