Student Success Advisors
In addition to their assigned Peer Advisor, students meet their assigned Student Success Advisor from the Center for Academic Success program at New Student Orientation.
- The Student Success Advisor is a professional advisor who serves as a professor in the University Life course, as a resource for many questions about the curriculum, and as a counselor to help freshmen plan their course of study.
- The Student Success Advisor helps students clarify personal, academic and career goals.
- Together, the Student Success Advisor and the student examine these goals and use them to shape an academic plan and semester coursework.
- As a student's academic and perhaps personal issues arise, Student Success Advisors are available to counsel the students.
- Student Success Advisors make students aware and encourage students to take advantage of the many Seton Hall University resources available on campus, such as the Academic Resource Center, the Career Center, Health Services and Counseling Services, and the Campus Ministry, to make the first year of college a great success.
Our program's goal is to assist students in fulfilling their potential while making realistic choices when choosing their major. The students' choices should always reflect both their interests and abilities.
Meet our Student Success Advisors
Vaughn Calhoun
Previous to Seton Hall, Calhoun served as the Associate Vice President of Academic Innovation at Rowan University. He helped coordinate, develop, and implement high-quality academic programs and policies. He has extensive educational success experience and has developed relationships with industry and community partners for student career development. At Becker College, he was the Chair of the Business Department at the School of Design & Technology, where he also chaired the inaugural racial diversity committee. He led the Becker business program redesign, a multi-year project in collaboration with faculty and other campus partners, and oversaw the creation of four additional bachelor degree programs (ESport Management, Emerging Media and Content Creation, Sport Management, and Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship). He is currently an adjunct faculty member at the University of Maryland (Global Campus) and Providence College.
One of his goals is to continue raising the bar of academic achievement, which will aid in student persistence, retention, and graduation. His leadership style focuses on understanding organizational dynamics, managing growth, being a strategic thinker, constant learner, and problem-solver.
He earned his B.S. in Administration of Justice from Rutgers University, where he
was full scholarship football player. He earned his M.P.A in Public Policy & Administration
from California State University, Long Beach, and Ed.D. in Higher Education Administration
from Northeastern University.
Zoe Blackwell
Zoe Blackwell is thrilled to be part of the Center for Academic Success as a Part-Time Student Success Advisor. She graduated from Montclair State University with her BA in Psychology and continued her studies at Kean University, where she received her MA in Forensic Psychology. During her time at Kean University, Zoe became a Graduate Teaching Assistant. Here, she fell in love with both teaching and advising students. After graduation, Zoe became an Adjunct Professor at Kean University, where she currently teaches undergraduate and graduate psychology courses.
As an instructor to graduate students, Zoe has guided her students in the next steps of their careers and is eager to translate these skills over to students in the Center for Academic Success. Zoe looks forward to advising students and helping them create and fulfill their personal and academic goals.
In her free time, Zoe likes to spend time with her friends and family and take her dogs, Ace and Malcolm, on long walks. Zoe’s hobbies include reading the latest psychological thrillers, baking, and shopping. Zoe’s door is always open and she is excited to meet the students, faculty, and staff at Seton Hall University!
Joan Brennan
Heather Brito
Heather Brito is excited to be working in the Center for Academic Success (CAS). She
graduated from Kean University in 2016 with a B.A in Psychology and Communication
Studies. During her time as an undergraduate student, she worked in the Psychology
Department at Kean University and wanted to pursue a career in social work. After
she graduated and began working in her field of study, she realized that she missed
working in the university and decided to pursue a career in Higher Education. Following
her new career path, she graduated from William Paterson University with her M.A in
Higher Education Administration and Leadership and is now a part of the Center for
Academic Success team at Seton Hall University.
Aside from working as the Director of Operations, Heather enjoys cooking and spending time with her friends and family. She can be reached at heather.brito@shu.edu and is located in Mooney Hall, Room 11.
Josh serves as the Associate Dean of the Center for Academic Success. He joined Seton
Hall’s team in January 2022 with nearly 20 years of experience in student services
across higher education and the nonprofit sector. Prior to his time at Seton Hall,
Josh served as the Associate Director of the Advisement Center at New Jersey City
University. During his tenure at NJCU the 4 year graduation rate rose 7% and he took
a leadership role in strengthening services to students on academic probation. During
his early career, Josh developed college preparatory programming for New City Kids,
an organization in Jersey City NJ, that serves Pell eligible, first-generation college
students. Josh resonates with Seton Hall's holistic view of education, the University's
commitment to socioeconomic mobility and emphasis on service.
Josh earned his B.S. in Family and Community Services from Michigan State University and then went on to earn his MSW from the University of Michigan with a concentration in Interpersonal Practice with Children and Youth. In his free time Josh enjoys running, teaching, spending time with his wife & daughters, mentoring, sitting outside by his fire pit and watching football & basketball.
Christopher Driscoll earned his bachelor's degree in Sociology with a minor in Education
from the University at Albany, where he was a scholarship lacrosse player. He worked
as an academic advisor for student-athletes before completing his master’s degree
in Counselor Education from McDaniel College. He is working on his Ed.D in Educational
Leadership. Christopher worked as a School Counselor at high schools in the Bronx
and Manhattan. He looks forward to working with Seton Hall students and assisting
them with transitioning into college, registration, as well as getting to know the
faculty and staff on campus.
Jacqueline Galler 
Additionally, Galler serves as the Program Director – Curriculum and assists with the creation of the University Life and Study Skill course curriculum as well as developing and implementing assessments in CAS. Outside of Seton Hall, she enjoys spending time with her three daughters and husband, reading at least one book a month, and traveling. Galler can be reached at Jacqueline.Galler@shu.edu and is located in Mooney Hall, Room 14.
Lisa Hawryluk
Working and interacting with students has always been a passion of hers, and she really enjoys mentoring and advising Seton Hall's freshmen students. Lisa also serves as a Senior Student Success Advisor and Program Director - Transfer Student Center and her door is always open. Her main goal is to help all students transition successfully and become part of the SHU Pirate family. Lisa's favorite quote to live by is: "Don't waste life in doubts and fears; spend yourself on the work before you, well assured that the right performance of this hour's duties will be the best preparation for the hours and ages that will follow it."
Ms. Montijo earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science while minoring
in Women Studies from Rider University. She also earned a Masters of Education degree
from Drexel University in Higher Education specializing in student development. Ms.
Montijo has years of experience in higher education, non-profit management, college
preparation, student development, adjunct teaching and counseling/advising.
Ms. Montijo also counsels DV survivors and leads local community efforts for individuals in need. Ms. Montijo established a business called E.R.O.D Engaged in Real Open Dialogue where she conducts workshops and participates in speaking engagements for interested groups, schools, or non-profit organizations.
Caroline Rogers
Prior to her appointment at Seton Hall University, she served as an Adjunct Professor of Criminal Justice at Kean University and Middlesex County College. She has spent years serving as a mentor with the Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) Program at Kean University. Professor Rogers has also taught First Year Seminar classes, helping freshmen transition into college during their first year at Union County College.
She has continuously followed her passion for teaching and working with college students to provide academic and social guidance. She strives to motivate students in recognizing their inner strengths and skills by allowing them to embark on the journey of self-discovery towards what truly inspires them.
Professor Rogers can be reached via e-mail at caroline.rogers@shu.edu or located in Mooney Hall – Room 12.
Brittany Gogates
Outside of school, Brittany enjoys spending time with friends and family, being outdoors,
reading, and making unforgettable memories. Her favorite quote and one she believes
all students should keep in mind is, "Go confidently in the direction of your dreams.
Live the life you've imagined." – Henry David Thoreau. Brittany encourages all students
to take advantage of every opportunity and resource Seton Hall has to offer. She also
believes students should remember that it's OK if the original plan falls apart; pick
up each piece one by one and create a new path. Your possibilities are endless.
Christopher Ferrante
Christopher Ferrante holds a bachelor's degree in Psychology with a concentration
in Society, Ethics, and Law from The College of New Jersey. During his time there,
he served as a Community Advisor and Operational Manager within the Residential Education
Department, spearheading various social equity and diversity projects. Notably, he
established the College’s first Social Justice House community and earned a place
in the college’s Blue and Gold Hall of Fame.
Afterwards, he pursued a Master’s in English Creative Writing at Seton Hall University,
concurrently serving as a Teaching Assistant in the First Year Writing Department.
Prof. Ferrante actively contributed to the Seton Hall community by revitalizing the
First Year Writing Program’s essay contest as part of the FYW Development Curriculum.
Post-graduation, he continued with Seton Hall as an adjunct faculty member in the English Department. Simultaneously, he engaged in diverse experiences, working for Major League Baseball and publishing educational essays reflecting on his unique and adverse journey through Higher Education.
Prof. Ferrante eagerly anticipates supporting Seton Hall students in their transition to college life. In his free time, he enjoys competing as an amateur strength athlete, and designing and playing board games with his friends.
Mary-Catherine Dillon
Mary-Catherine is very excited to join the Center for Academic Success in the role
of a Student Success Advisor. She joined Seton Hall University in 2023 as an Admissions
Counselor for prospective undergraduate students. MC earned a B.S. from the U.S. Military
Academy in Systems Engineering and Pre-Law and her M.A. in Organizational Psychology
from Columbia University. After serving as an active-duty military intelligence officer
for five years, she entered the public sector, working for a medical device company.
There, she was the Director of Medical Education, leading a team in the development
of educational curriculum and content for orthopedic surgeons in hip and knee joint
replacement. Her passion for training and education brought her into academia where
she is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Higher Education Leadership, Management, and
Policy here at Seton Hall.
On her free time, MC enjoys spending time with friends and family, traveling, and
reading as much as possible. She is looking forward to providing support and guidance
to students as they navigate their first year of college life and make plans for their
futures!
Anthony Riccio
Anthony Riccio serves as Student Success Advisor within the Center of Academic Success. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Communication from Central Connecticut State University in 2014. Anthony also earned his Master of Education from Springfield College in 2024. Anthony has worked in Higher Education working to inspire and support all students.
Coming from an athletic background, Anthony also serves as the Running Backs Coach at nearby Kean University for their football program. He previously coached at Wagner College. Anthony’s favorite quote he lives by is: Maybe the Journey isn’t so much about becoming anything, maybe it’s about unbecoming everything that isn’t really you, so you can be who you were meant to be in the first place.”
Chrystal Mateo
Chrystal Mateo is delighted to serve our students as a member of the CAS team! She graduated from Montclair State University in 2016 where she earned her bachelor’s in English Literature. She later graduated from New Jersey City University with her master’s in Educational Technology, with a focus on Women in STEM: Case Studies of Resilience. With nearly ten years of experience in Higher Education, she aims to foster a culture of academic excellence and student success. As a fellow Pirate, Chrystal is currently working on her PhD as part of the Higher Education, Leadership, and Management program at Seton Hall University.
In her free time, Chrystal enjoys spending time with her friends and family. She is a huge Harry Potter fan and loves to read other fiction novels. When she isn’t exploring fictional worlds, you’ll find her adventuring through new cities around the world.
Mary Grace Mangano
Professor Mangano began working as a Student Success Advisor in the Center for Academic
Success in September 2024 and looks forward to supporting students in this capacity.
She also teaches in the Core and English departments at Seton Hall University.
Professor Mangano has previously taught courses on religion and literature to students at various levels. She earned her BA from Villanova University, and went on to attend the University of Notre Dame, earning a Master’s of Science in Management and a Master’s in Education through the Alliance for Catholic Education. She also received her MFA in Creative Writing from the University of Saint Thomas in Houston as an inaugural Gioia Family Fellowship recipient.
In October 2023, an anthology of poetry on the writings of Soren Kierkegaard, which she co-edited with poet and former head of the NEA Dana Gioia, was published with Wiseblood Books. Her own poetry, reviews, and essays have appeared in numerous journals and magazines.