Your Student Affairs Team

Student Affairs comprises the staff from the Dean of Student Affairs Office, Residential Life, Counseling and Psychological Services. The Student Affairs staff provides opportunities for students to develop leadership skills and apply knowledge outside of the classroom and serve as a community resource for all students. We provide activities and services that enhance your student experience and exemplify our motto: Toward a Life in Balance.

The Warren College Student Affairs staff are available 8AM-12PM and 1PM-4:30 PM Monday through Friday (with the exception of university holidays). Due to hybrid schedules, staff may be available in-person or remotely to assist you. You may contact the person you wish to connect with via their email or contact warrendean@ucsd.edu and someone will reach out to you.

Dean of Student Affairs Office

Dean of Student Affairs

James C. Smith, Ed.D. (he/him)

As the Dean of Student Affairs, Dr. Smith oversees the various student affairs units here at Warren including residence life, orientation, leadership, programming and student conduct. He works with the staff to ensure that students are connected to the proper resources and understands their role in working toward a life in balance. James appreciated his own journey in higher education as a first-generation college student and enjoys getting to know the students he works with. Prior to coming to UC San Diego, Dr. Smith worked at UC Riverside for a number of years in Housing and Residential Life. He has also held positions at UC Santa Cruz and University of the Pacific. Dr. Smith is a member of various professional organizations and continues to stay involved through continued learning. James earned his doctorate in education (Ed.D.) from UCLA and has a M.A in Student Affairs Administration and a B.S in Telecommunications & Film. He enjoys movies, concerts and travel and has valued growing from his experiences visiting different parts of the world including Mexico, Europe, and areas of South East Asia.
Executive Assistant to the Dean of Student Affairs

Michelle Mkhlian, B.A. (she/her)

Michelle is a 2020 Alumna of UC San Diego where she received her B.A. in Communication. As a student, she served as a Resident Assistant, TCLI Mentor Coordinator, and a member of her College council as well as UCSD Acamazing. She has worked at Warren since 2021 where she began as Program Assistant, and currently serves as the Executive Assistant to our Dean of Student Affairs. In this capacity, she supports students with Judicial Affairs requests, manages the Coffee & Dine with a Prof. Program, and processes Student Conduct and Academic Integrity cases. Michelle is a Los Angeles native who is passionate about her Armenian-American identity and enjoys art, music, cooking & baking, and being a cat lady.
Assistant Dean of Student Affairs

Vacant

The Assistant Dean of Student Affairs(ADSA) at Warren College is a pivotal leadership role responsible for fostering a vibrant, inclusive, and supportive student community. The Assistant Dean's responsibilities includes developing and implementing student life programs, addressing student needs, and promoting a campus culture that aligns with the educational philosophy and values of Warren College. The Assistant Dean works closely with students, faculty, staff, and campus partners to enhance the overall student experience.
Senior New Student Programs Specialist

Alona Jackson, M.Ed (she/her)

Alona Jackson is the Senior New Student Programs Specialist at Warren College. From her highly involved student life as a resident advisor and multi club chair, Alona truly loves being connected to student activities. After graduating from UC San Diego with a B.A. in Ethnic Studies, she carried on her passion for student affairs by obtaining her M.Ed. in Post-Secondary Administration and Student Affairs from USC. As the Senior New Student Programs Specialist, she hopes to assist new students with having a smooth, engaging, and informative transition to Warren College. Mixing in a little fun and joy along the way. From the Bay Area, Alona is a proud first-generation college student who enjoys bad movies, crime podcasts, and spending time with friends and family.
Student Care and Accountability Specialist

Saniesa Thomas, M.Ed (she/her)

Saniesa is a 2017 Alumna of UC Santa Cruz (Go Slugs!) where she received her B.S. In Ecology & Evolutionary Biology. Afterwards she obtained her M.ED in Higher Education from National University. She has worked at Warren since 2017 as program assistant, Coordinator of Student Activities and is now the Student Care & Accountability Specialist. Saniesa was born and raised in San Diego and is always happy to give a restaurant recommendation. In her free time Saniesa is an avid K-pop stan (NCT, EXO, New Jeans, Twice, Ateez and The Boyz) and she enjoys binge-watching random netflix recommendations, being a new puppy mom and collecting Smiski's.
Coordinator of Student Activities

Vacant

The Coordinator of Student Activities a member of the Warren College team who is dedicated to enhancing the student experience through dynamic programming and leadership development. With a passion for fostering community and engagement, they oversee a variety of events, workshops, and initiatives that promote student involvement and personal growth. The Coordinator of Student Activities is committed to creating inclusive and memorable experiences for all students.
Program Assistant

David Nuñez, B.S. (he/him/el)

David Nunez is the Program Assistant for Warren College. He assists with the planning, implementation, and assessment of new and ongoing student programs that aim to improve the student expereince at Warren College. He is a first-generation alumnus from UC San Diego ('22). During their undergraduate studies, they worked for the Raza Resource Centro, Student Success Programs, and John Muir College's Residential Life respectively. During his free time, David enjoys spending time outdoors in nature, traveling, going to concerts, staying active, and focusing on holistic wellness!
Student Affairs Case Manager

Natalie Hilts, ASW

The Student Affairs Case Manager at Warren Colleges serves as a vital resource for students navigating personal, academic, or social challenges. They work to provide individualized support and ensure that students have access to the resources and assistance they need to succeed. The Case Manager collaborates with various campus departments to address student concerns holistically, helping students overcome obstacles and promoting their well-being and academic success.

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)

Psychologist

Robert Marzio, Ph.D.

A psychologist at Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) at Warren College provides mental health support to students by offering individual and group therapy, crisis intervention, and psychological assessments. They help students manage and overcome personal, emotional, and academic challenges through evidence-based therapeutic techniques. Additionally, the psychologist works to promote mental wellness on campus by providing workshops, outreach programs, and training for students and staff, fostering a supportive environment that prioritizes mental health and well-being.
Psychologist

Haile Wright, LCSW

A psychologist at Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) at Warren College provides mental health support to students by offering individual and group therapy, crisis intervention, and psychological assessments. They help students manage and overcome personal, emotional, and academic challenges through evidence-based therapeutic techniques. Additionally, the psychologist works to promote mental wellness on campus by providing workshops, outreach programs, and training for students and staff, fostering a supportive environment that prioritizes mental health and well-being.
Psychologist

Tong-An "Fred" Shueh, Ph.D.

A psychologist at Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) at Warren College provides mental health support to students by offering individual and group therapy, crisis intervention, and psychological assessments. They help students manage and overcome personal, emotional, and academic challenges through evidence-based therapeutic techniques. Additionally, the psychologist works to promote mental wellness on campus by providing workshops, outreach programs, and training for students and staff, fostering a supportive environment that prioritizes mental health and well-being.

Residential Life Office

Associate Dean of Student Affairs / Director of Residence Life

Dana Pysz, Ed.D.

The Dean of Residential Life at Warren College oversees the residential experience for students, ensuring it aligns with the college's educational philosophy and community values. They provide strategic leadership in managing residential staff, developing programs, and creating a vibrant, inclusive living environment that supports academic success and personal growth. The Dean collaborates with students, faculty, and campus partners to address student needs, resolve conflicts, and enhance the overall residential experience. Additionally, they play a key role in crisis management, policy enforcement, and fostering a sense of community within the residence halls, making Warren College a supportive and engaging place to live and learn.
Assistant Director of Residence Life

Cesar Figueroa, Ed.D.

The Assistant Director of Residential Life at Warren College plays a crucial role in creating a safe, inclusive, and engaging living environment for students. They oversee the daily operations of residence halls, including managing staff, addressing student concerns, and ensuring that all residential policies are enforced. The Assistant Director collaborates with campus partners to develop programs that promote community building, academic success, and personal development among residents. Additionally, they provide leadership in crisis management and work closely with students to foster a positive and supportive residential experience, aligning with the university's values and goals.
Assistant Director of Residence Life

Kevin Ngo, M.A.

Kevin Ngo is one of the Assistant Directors of Residence Life for Warren College. He co-supervises the Resident Assistants and engages with students about their residential experience! Having worked at multiple higher education institutions before, Kevin loves the atmosphere of a college campus, and as a first-generation graduate from a little school in Vermont, working in Residence Life now is one way he tries to give back and pay it forward to current students. In his free time, Kevin is an avid knitter/crocheter, reader/writer, and video gamer!
Housing Administrative Assistant

Belinda Herrera

The Housing Administrative Assistant supports the housing office by managing applications, maintaining records, and handling student inquiries. They coordinate room assignments, assist with move-in and move-out, and ensure clear communication of housing policies, contributing to a smooth and efficient housing experience.
Program Assistant (Fiscal &Facilities Coordinator)

Christian Johnson (CJ)

The Program Assistant & Fiscal and Facilities Coordinator for Residential Life at Warren College manages the operational and logistical aspects of the residential program. This role includes coordinating events, managing budgets, and overseeing facility maintenance to ensure a safe, welcoming environment. By supporting both financial and facility needs, the coordinator plays a key role in enhancing the student living experience at Warren College.

Your Student Affairs Team

Dean of Student Affairs Office

Student Affairs Case Manager

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)

Residential Life Office