Matthew “Matt” Avis began on August 12, 2024, as team adviser for COVE. Matt received his bachelor’s in political science from Union College. He was previously employed as an emergency department technician at Community Memorial Hospital. He enjoys family adventures and cooking.
Eleanna Bez began on September 2, 2024, as women’s rowing assistant coach. Eleanna received her bachelor’s in anthropology from the University of Washington and her master’s in engineering-sports engineering from Purdue University. She enjoys hiking, cross-country skiing, reading, baking, being outside, and her dog, Vincent.
Liana “Li” Castro began on August 26, 2024, as administrative department coordinator in Student Health Services. Li received her bachelor of science in kinesiology, minor in theology, and MBA in health care administration and informatics. She was previously employed as a scheduler at Great Plains Health. She enjoys softball, painting, and spending time with her wife, Lauren, and loved ones.
Laura Cook began on September 9, 2024, as associate director of operations and assessment in Career Services. Laura received her master’s degree in student affairs counseling from SUNY Plattsburgh. She was previously employed as director of operations for academic affairs at Utica University. She enjoys photography, international travel, reading, football (Go, Bills!), and art.
Trevor “Trev” Coykendall began on September 11, 2024, as assistant coach and director of operations for women’s ice hockey. Trev received his bachelor of science in exercise science. He was previously employed as an assistant coach at Adrian College. He enjoys golf, hiking, working out, and spending time with his girlfriend, Hannah.
Antonio Ruiz Ezquerro, PhD, began on September 16, 2024, as assistant director in the student involvement office. He received his undergraduate degree from James Madison University and his master’s and doctoral degrees from Florida State University. He was previously employed as an adjunct professor in leadership studies at Florida State University. He enjoys analog games design, rock climbing, running, tabletop role-playing games, board games, live music, theater, spooky season, and spending time with his wife, Jessica, and their dogs, Cuco and Sylvie.
Yiduo He began on August 12, 2024, as a Ciccone Commons residential fellow.
Dion Keyes began on August 30, 2024, as a shuttle driver. Dion had been working part-time at Colgate Chapel House since 2015, where he prepared vegetarian meals for guests on retreat and catering Chapel House conferences and special events. He enjoys spending time with his wife, Kathy (manager at Colgate Chapel House), and daughter, Katie (Colgate Class of ’25), and tending to his hobby farm — taking care of their garden, orchard, and many animals, including the ones that occasionally wander in.
Amy Leo ’03 began on August 26, 2024, as a mental health counselor. Amy received her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Colgate University in 2003 and her master’s and EdM in psychological counseling from Teacher’s College, Columbia University in 2007. She was previously employed as a part-time counselor at Colgate’s counseling center. She enjoys fitness, faith, and spending time with her husband, Joe, and their four children.
Niklas “Nik” McKone began on August 1, 2024, as an assistant athletic trainer. Nik received his bachelor of science in athletic training and his master’s in biology. He was previously employed as an assistant athletic trainer at Union College. He enjoys working out, reading, and playing video games.
Chris “Nelly” Nell began on August 19, 2024, as assistant coach/director of men’s ice hockey operations. Nelly received his bachelor of arts in organizational leadership from UW-GB. He was previously employed as an assistant coach/goalie director for the Green Bay Gamblers USHL. He enjoys going to the lake and being around water, golf, any kind of musical/play, and his dog, Maverick.
David Siwiec began on August 26, 2024, as assistant strength and conditioning coach. David was previously employed as director of olympic athletic performance at Houston Christian University. He enjoys hiking.
Jordan Smith began on August 25, 2024, as education and engagement coordinator for university museums. Jordan received her bachelor of arts in anthropology from Colgate University and graduated magna cum laude. She enjoys cooking, baking, collaging, theater, and music.
Sherri Smith began on August 30, 2024, as a shuttle driver. Sherri has four AKC golden retrievers.
Elizabeth “Izzie” Stillwaggon began on August 12, 2024, as office manager of Career Services. Izzie received her bachelor of arts from Ithaca College. She was previously employed as an administrator and marketing manager at Healthy You. She enjoys reading, running, watching sports, live music, petting any and all animals, and spending time with her partner, Shaun, and dogs, Brady and Tilly.
Timothy “Tim” Svenson began on August 30, 2024, as a shuttle driver. Tim was previously employed as a cruiser driver for First Transit.
Morgan Trush began on August 19, 2024, as a university events assistant. Morgan received her associate degree in science. She was previously employed as an administrative assistant for the special education department at Cazenovia CSD. She enjoys spending time with her husband, John, and children, Hunter and Bear, and going on any adventures she can with them.
Mark Wheeler began on July 31, 2024, as deputy athletics director for external operations. Mark received his juris doctorate from Pepperdine University School of Law and bachelor of science in management from Marriott School of Business at Brigham Young University. He was previously employed by Syracuse University as a senior associate athletics director for administration and compliance. He loves working out, being outdoors, kayaking with his family on Caz Lake, playing driveway pickleball with his family, playing golf, and spending time with his wife, Kaela, and children Bennett, Anders, Theo, and Fiona. He is a huge fan of Premier League Soccer (diehard Fulham FC fan!).
Emily Williams began on August 21, 2024, as director of compliance. Emily received her BT in agricultural business from SUNY Cobleskill and her MS in sport management from SUNY Cortland. She was previously employed as an athletics compliance coordinator at Union College. She enjoys hiking, going to breweries, golfing, gardening, and spending time with her husband, Matt, and cat, Leela.
Reece Wilson began on September 16, 2024, as entrepreneur in residence. Reece attended Hobart and William Smith Colleges. He was previously co-founder of UTime, an ed-tech business that automated the scheduling process for college students. He enjoys golf, gym, and art.