Dr. Jamaica Chapple, LPC
Dean of Students
Dr. Jamaica Chapple proudly joined UNT Dallas in 2013. In her current role as the Associate Vice President of Student Access and Success she oversees the Department of Student Affairs, which includes Campus Activities, Student Organizations, Greek Life, Leadership and Multicultural Programming, Community Standards, Career Services, Counseling and Wellness, Disability Services, Veterans Success, Disability Services, Title IX, Intramurals, and Residence Life. Originally from Arlington, Texas, she received her BA in Anthropology from The University of Texas at Arlington, a MA in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Louisiana Monroe, and earned her Ph.D. in Counseling and Supervision from Texas A&M University-Commerce.
Prior to coming to UNT Dallas, Dr. Chapple served as a clinical director and assistant professor at Texas A&M University-Commerce. She also worked as a senior- level mental health executive in the private sector for 7 years prior to her transition into higher education. Her student development areas of interest include: mental health and wellness among students in higher education, first generation college students, homelessness and food Insecurity in higher education, first year experience, assessment, and mentoring and leadership. Dr. Chapple is a student-centered servant leader committed to the holistic success of students in post-secondary education.
Strengths Quest Themes: Context, Relator, Strategic, Focus, Arranger
Jennifer Skinner, M.A.
Assistant Dean of Students for Student Engagement
Jennifer Skinner, a native of Southeast Texas, joined the UNT Dallas Student Affairs team in 2014. She currently serves as the Assistant Dean of Students for Student Engagement. Jennifer received her Bachelors of Science in Journalism in 2005 and her Master of Arts in Communications in 2011, both from The University of Texas at Tyler. She is currently pursuing a Doctorate of Education in Higher Education from Texas A&M - Commerce.
In her current role, she oversees Campus Activities, Student Organizations, Greek Life and serves as the advisor to the Student Government Association. She also supervises the Leadership & Multicultural Programs and the Veterans Success Center.
Prior to working at UNT Dallas, Jennifer worked for over six years at her alma mater in the role of Campus Activities and managing the Student Union and prior to that, she spent two years at Northwood University as the Director of Student Activities. She believes working in student development in a higher learning environment is a calling and that a student’s college experience includes the holistic experience in and out of the classroom. Her passion is contributing to that overall experience and developing them as leaders. Her motto for student development is best said by the late President John F. Kennedy: “Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other.”
Strengths Quest Themes: Woo, Communication, Activator, Arranger, Futuristic
Marcus Roberson, M.Ed.
Assistant Director of Leadership & Multicultural Programs
Marcus was born and raised in Dallas Texas, where he graduated from Sunset high school. His B.A. is in Youth and Student ministries from Southwestern Assemblies of God University and recently got his Masters of Education in Higher Education from San Angelo State University. He began his career at UNT Dallas in 2013 where he worked in the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. Marcus made the transition to Student Affairs in January, 2015 and is responsible for creating unique leadership development and service learning opportunities, as well as implementing programs and opportunities to increase awareness, understanding and appreciation of various cultures.
Marcus is especially dedicated to enhancing the leadership qualities within every student at UNT Dallas by helping them engage, explore and elevate their college experience so that they may flourish as individuals and become life-long contributors to strengthened and empowered communities.
Rifeta 'Fifi' Badic, M.S.
Assistant Director of Activities & Organizations
Rifeta Badic was born in the city of Cazin, Bosnia I Herzegovina and grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She completed her bachelor’s degree in Communication in 2014 and master’s degree in Higher Education & Leadership in 2016 at the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater. Rifeta will serve as the Coordinator for Activities & Organizations and joined UNT Dallas in January of 2017. She will be responsible for Greek Life, student organizations, and First Year Experience.
Strengths Finder Themes Adaptability, Responsibility, Context, Restorative, Achiever
Marijke Gray, M.P.A.
Assistant Director of Veterans Success
Proud to have served her country both on the battle field and through her civic responsibility as a federal employee, Marijke served in the United States Army (Desert Storm/Desert Shield), as a Combat Medic. She was a Presidential Management Fellow (PMF) and has 15+ years of federal service. Marijke received both her Bachelor of Arts degree in English literature/writing and composition and a Master of Public Administration/Policy/Planning degree from Texas Southern University, Houston TX.
She is an East Coast gal with Southern roots, European flare, West African sparkle, and a California love. Marijke is originally from Baltimore, MD. It has been her dream and her passion to assist and serve fellow veterans, their spouses, and dependents. Marijke comes to us from the Veterans Resource Center at the College of Marin, Kentfield CA. She volunteered at the Martinez Veterans Outpatient Clinic, Martinez CA, the Veterans Resource Program in Richmond, CA, and with children with learning disabilities, such as autism. She loves to eat, enjoys outdoor concerts, mystery novels, and working out! Marijke’s student catchphrase is “We Can Do Both”!!!
Arthur Lumzy, M.Ed.
Director of Career Services
Arthur advises students on career-related topics such as major and career exploration as well as job search strategies. Arthur also facilitate engagement between employers and students by hosting career focused programs, workshops, networking events, career fairs, job and internship postings, and on-campus recruiting. Arthur is originally from Columbia, MS, and has over 10 years’ experience in the career services arena. Arthur received his master’s degree in Counseling and Personnel Services and his B.A. in History in the University of Southern Mississippi. Arthur joined UNT Dallas in August, 2014. Connect with Arthur on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/arthurlumzyjr
Strengths Quest Themes Context, Connectedness, Relator, Arranger, Harmony
Whitney Crawford, M.S.W.
Career Advisor
Whitney advises students, recent graduates and alumni on career related topics which include networking, resume and cover letter revamp or creation, mock interview preparation, career branding, etc. Whitney facilitates engagement between employers and students by hosting career focused programs, workshops, networking events, career fairs, job and internship postings, and on-campus recruiting opportunities.
Whitney joined UNT Dallas July 2018. Hailing form the great state of Ohio (OH…. IO – For all us buckeye’s!) Whitney has over 4 years of experience in the Workforce Development field. Whitney received her Master’s degree from The Ohio State University in Social Work, and her Bachelors of Science in Family Studies degree from Ohio University.
Whitney believes that education can transform your life, as it has been a freeing and liberating experience for her. “Empower your mind, pursue your passions, and never stop learning!”
Feel free to connect with Whitney for any Career Related questions or concerns. Email: whitney.crawford@untdallas.edu LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/whitney-crawford/
StrengthsQuest™: Restorative, Relator, Command, Analytical, Individualization
Cynthia "Cindy" Suarez, M.S.
Assistant Director of Disability Services
Cynthia “Cindy” Suarez, joined UNT Dallas Student Affairs in February 2015 as Assistant Director of Disability Services and Title IX Compliance Officer. Cindy received her Bachelor of Science in Rehabilitation Science from University of Texas Southwestern Medical School (1980) and her Master of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling from University of North Texas (2004).
Prior to coming to UNT Dallas, Cindy was employed for 25 years as a certified vocational rehabilitation counselor with Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services and most recently was employed at Mt. View College in the Career and Disability Services Office. In these positions, she assisted individuals with disabilities in maximizing their potential whether in employment or an educational setting. In her current position, Cindy serves as liaison between students, staff and faculty to ensure that their disabilities are documented and reasonable accommodations are provided, to ensure the individual’s success.
Dr. Shanda Riley, LPC, LCSW-Supervisor, NCC
Assistant Director of Counseling & Wellness
Dr. Shanda Riley joined the UNT Dallas Student Affairs team in October of 2016. She is a native of California, where she was born in Los Angeles and raised in Orange County. She currently serves as the Assistant Director of Counseling and Wellness. She oversees the counseling services provided to undergraduate and graduate students, as well as ensures that all students have access to wellness programs through a variety of activities and events. Shanda received her BA in Psychology from the University of California at Los Angeles, her MS in Social Work from California State University, Long Beach and earned her PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision from Texas A&M University-Commerce.
Prior to working at UNT Dallas, Shanda was the Program Director for the Youth Empowerment Services program at Child and Family Guidance Center in Dallas, Texas. She has 20 years of experience working in the mental health field. Shanda is both a licensed clinical social worker, as well as a licensed professional counselor who has worked in various settings including medical and mental health hospitals, foster care, public education for grades K-12, mental health agencies and group practice. Her clinical areas of interest are depression, grief and loss, stress, anxiety, crisis management, relationship issues, anger management and academic concerns. Shanda is a caring and compassionate individual who has a strong strength based approach to counseling. She works to empower individuals so that they are able to make positive changes in their lives.
Teresa Espino, M.Ed., LPC-Intern (Supervised by Megan M. Shelton), NCC
Counselor
Teresa Espino re-joined the UNT Dallas Student Affairs team in November of 2018. She is a native of Mexico, raised in Fort Worth, Texas. She currently serves as a Counselor in the department of Counseling and Wellness. She provides counseling services to undergraduate and graduate students, as well as assists with the planning and execution of wellness programs through a variety of activities and events. Teresa received her BA in Mexican-American Studies from the University of Texas at Austin, and her M.Ed. in Community Counseling at the University of North Texas at Dallas.
Prior to returning to UNT Dallas, Teresa was a Bilingual Women & Children’s Therapist at Genesis Women’s Shelter and Support, and a Bilingual Counselor at Flourish Counseling and Consultation in Dallas, Texas. Teresa is a Licensed Professional Counselor-Intern who has worked in various settings including higher education, Domestic Violence agencies, and private practice. Her clinical areas of interest are depression, grief and loss, stress, anxiety, crisis management, relationship issues, trauma recovery, and academic concerns. Teresa operates using Carl Rogers’ theoretical framework of Person-Centered Therapy, focusing on unconditional positive regard, empathy, and genuineness to establish relationships with her clients and uphold them as the experts of their lives.
Erica Little, MMFT, BSEd
Counseling & Wellness Case Manager
Erica is an Alabama native and joined the UNT Dallas Student Affairs team September 2018. She serves as Case Manager for the Counseling and Wellness Division of Student Affairs. She received her Bachelor’s in Education in 2011 from Alabama State University in Montgomery, AL and her Master’s in Marriage & Family Therapy in 2016 from Pfeiffer University in Charlotte, NC.
As Case Manager, Erica serves as part of the University CARE team to provide programs, outreach, and direct client services for students with at-risk mental health and social support needs through intervention, referrals, and connections to follow-up services. Prior to working at UNT Dallas, Erica passionately spent five years teaching and two years working at youth shelters. Her areas of expertise are holistic wellness, crisis intervention and psycho-education.
Dee Goines, M.Ed.
Assistant Director of Housing & Residence Life
Daniel “Dee” Goines, representing St. Louis, Missouri connected with the UNT Dallas Student Affairs team February 2017. As the Assistant Director of Housing & Residence Life, Dee is excited and honored to lead, design, and implement a residential educational experience for YOU! Dee earned a BA in Speech Communication Studies from Webster University in 2008, and a M.Ed in Higher Education Administration from St. Louis University in 2010. Dee most recently relocated to the Dallas area from Santa Clara, California. Dee previously served as a Resident Director and LEAD (1st generation college student program) Seminar Instructor at Santa Clara University. Dee has a solid background in Residence Life and Student Affairs. Dee loves to have fun, and wants YOU to have fun too! Dee is inviting YOU to apply to live on campus! Dee is a big Dallas Cowboys and WWE fan. If you ever want to talk about either, he will always be ready.
Strengths Quest Themes WOO, Positivity, Futuristic, Discipline, Includer
Ashley Spearman, M.Ed.
Residence Life Coordinator
Ashley Spearman is a native of Charlotte, NC and a graduate of Independence High School. Ashley attended North Carolina Central University where she received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Child Development and Family Relations. While attending NCCU, Ashley worked in Housing and Residence Life as a Community Assistant and a Conference and Guest Services Conference Leader. She continued to pursue her education at Florida International University, where she received her Master’s in Science in Higher Education Administration.
While attending FIU, she worked as a Graduate Assistant in the International Student and Scholar Services office. During her time at FIU, she was an intern for Residence Life where she supervised Resident Assistants and served as an advisor to Panther (Hall) Hall Council. Ashley also has experience working with the TRIO programs. She is coming to UNT Dallas from Winston Salem State University, where she served as a Hall Director. Ashley has a strong passion for student development and leadership.
Gabrielle Johnson
Residence Life Desk/Night Coordinator
Gabrielle is the newest member of the Housing and Residence Life team. She is a Texas native, the mother to an adorable 2 year old, and a proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Currently she holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Texas Woman's University. Along with being the Housing Services Coordinator at UNT Dallas, she also tutors for Chemistry at El Centro College. As an undergrad Gabrielle worked in many different sections of Housing and Residence Life and her goal is to help students see that living on campus provides opportunities to connect with others, to explore diversity, to gain support and to develop into leaders
