College of Liberal Arts Academic Support Staff

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Meet the Dean Team!

The CLA Dean Team Group Photo

 

Ellen Lopez

Ellen Lopez

Dean

Gruening 404B

I specialize in community-based participatory research (CBPR) - a research paradigm and philosophy that places emphasis on affording equal ownership, benefit, and decision-making power to all members of a community-academic partnership. 
 
You can come to me when you need support or resources or just want to talk. Although I am often running from meeting to meeting, I hope you will contact me when and if you think I can be of help!
 
While I love it when people stop by my office to chat if you want my undivided attention please schedule a meeting through our CLA Office Coordinator, Maria "Isabel" Castro:
 
Maria "Isabel" Castro
(907) 474-7231

"People have a lot to say about lives they've never lived." -Unknown 

Isabel Castro

Isabel Castro

CLA Office Coordinator

Gruening 404

I am the first point of contact for everyone connecting with the Dean's Office, either in person or digitally. As a first-gen graduate from UAF, I bring a unique perspective to my role, rooted in my background of empathy, administration, and equity work.

But most importantly, I'm here to assist you! Whether you're a staff member, faculty, or student who needs to speak with the CLA Dean or has any other questions or concerns, don't hesitate to reach out. I'm here to make your experience at UAF as enjoyable and hassle-free as possible.

 

"In nature, nothing is perfect and everything is perfect." -Alice Walker

Carrie Baker

Carrie Baker

Associate Dean & Professor of Theatre & Film

FAC 215

As Associate Dean, I collaborate with Dean Lopez on everything CLA and work to support our faculty, staff, and students! Although I am focused on all our departments, I provide expertise
regarding the Fine Arts Complex at UAF, having been a Theatre & Film faculty member for 18 years.

If you need to schedule an appointment with me, please email me at ccbaker@alaska.edu. My Google calendar is a great place to check my availability.

“Time is the nurse and breeder of all good” -William Shakespeare

Diosmary "Dee" Cardentey

Diosmary "Dee" Cardentey

Executive Officer

Gruening 404E

As Executive Officer, I provide operational oversight to the administrative staff and manage the administrative process and procedures of the college. I also manage all faculty services processes for the college to include faculty recruitments, annual contracts, workloads, sabbatical leave, annual activity reports, etc. Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions related to the administration of CLA,  faculty services or human resources-related questions.

“Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.” -Maya Angelou

Heather Foltz

Heather Foltz

Fiscal Officer

Remote

I specialize in unit-level budget development and management and oversight of all financial transactions and processes at both the departmental and unit level.

I can help you with all overarching financial and procurement matters. I create and manage the authorized budget amounts for all departments within CLA, execute and investigate all transactions to ensure that they are compliant with UAF policies and procedures, monitor incoming revenue, and prepare the required unit level management reports during the fiscal year. I provide one-on-one training for CLA employees in the areas of general departmental budget management, Banner procurement entry, accessing UA Foundation funds, and using and reconciling procurement cards. I can also assist with budget development and general assistance for small or internal proposals, although we do coordinate with the Office of Proposal Development for larger, external proposals, and I do serve as the CLA financial data liaison for the Academic Program Review Process.

“It is difficult to understand the universe if you only study one planet” - Miyamoto Musashi

 

Ellen Cruse

Ellen Cruse

Lead HR Coordinator

Gruening 404A

I specialize in all the human resources functions within CLA.

Do you have a question about your pay or leave? Does your department need to hire a student assistant or graduate assistant? Then I'm your first stop!

"Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does." -William James

 

Miriam Stelges

Miriam Stelges

HR & Faculty Services Coordinator

Gruening 404C

I specialize in managing various aspects of the employee lifecycle within our College. Our CLA HR Team will be starting to work with you even before your first day here at CLA. 

I can help you with recruitment & onboarding, employee relations, questions about your contract and/or timesheet and/or bi-weekly payments.
 
To schedule an appointment with me, just shoot me an email or give me a call.
 
"Don't let them get you down. Be cheeky and wild and wonderful!" -Pippi Longstocking

Sarah Manriquez

Sarah Manriquez

Public Information Officer

Gruening 407

My expertise is in digital marketing and social media management. I am a jill of all trades and bring photography, videography, and graphic design to my position as the CLA PIO.

If you belong to the CLA family as a student, faculty, staff, alumni, or otherwise and have an event, fundraiser, accolade, or story you want to share with the public- I'm your first stop!

I oversee the UAF College of Liberal Arts social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok and CLA's Digital Sign. I am also the contact person for Cornerstone submissions in CLA.

Do you need updated photos for your website? Do you need graphics for your social media campaign for that upcoming event you're working on? Do you want to make a video about how awesome your class is? I can help with that and so much more.

Let's schedule a meeting and make a plan!

"We define ourselves far too often by our past failures. That's not you. You are this person right now. You're the person who has learned from those failures. Build confidence and momentum with each good decision you make from here on out and choose to be inspired." -Joe Rogan

Kathryn "Kat" Reichert

Kathryn "Kat" Reichert

Web Developer & Multimedia Designer

Remote

Kat is a communication specialist with a focus on web development and multimedia design. She will be working directly with our CLA Public Information Officer, Sarah Manriquez. She will serve as the visual creative lead behind the design and construction of our websites and multimedia materials; bringing the UAF Brand to life through the lens of our unique departments.

Daniel Darrow

Daniel Darrow

CLA Lead Comprehensive Academic Advisor

Gruening Building, Room 503 G

I specialize in comprehensive academic advising for CLA students with a groovy flair. 

I can help you with registering for courses, making an academic plan, academic appeals, understanding the university system, etc. or if you just want a Cuban coffee.

Schedule an appointment with me through Nanook Navigator using the button below.
 
Important Note! UAF communicates with students via your official UA email - check your UA email account often!
 
However, if you are not a current UAF student, please send Dan an email to schedule your appointment.

 

Schedule Advising Appointment
Grace Carroll

Grace Carroll

CLA Comprehensive Academic Advisor

Gruening Building, Room 503 F

I specialize in comprehensive academic advising for CLA undergraduate students.

I can help you with academic advising, academic planning, registering for classes, change of major, etc.

Schedule an advising appointment with Grace through Nanook Navigator using the button below.

Important Note! UAF communicates with students via your official UA email - check your UA email account often!

However, if you are not a current UAF student, please send Grace an email to schedule your appointment.

Schedule Advising Appointment

Nicola Baker

CLA Administrative Assistant


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