Your Student Affairs Team

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

Vacant

The Executive Assistant for the Dean of Student Affairs provides high-level administrative support to ensure the smooth operation of the office. Key responsibilities include managing the dean's calendar, coordinating meetings and events, handling correspondence, preparing reports, and maintaining confidentiality on sensitive matters. They serve as a primary point of contact between the dean, staff, students, and external stakeholders, helping to prioritize tasks and facilitate effective communication.

Assistant Dean of Student Affairs

Megan Fox, Ed. D. (she/her)

Dr. Megan Fox serves as the Assistant Dean of Student Affairs (ADSA) at Warren College, which is a pivotal leadership role responsible for fostering a vibrant, inclusive, and supportive student community. Dr. Fox's responsibilities include 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. She also works closely with students, faculty, staff, and campus partners to enhance the overall student experience. Dr. Fox has previously worked at Semester at Sea, UC Berkeley, UC Irvine, UCLA and UC Santa Cruz before finding her way to the beautiful and wonderful UCSD. She has been a proud Triton working on campus for over three years and earned a doctorate in educational leadership from UCLA, a master's from USC, and a BA from UC Santa Cruz. When not in Warren, Megan loves to go on hikes with her rescue pup Auzzie, snugglle her rescue kitty Suri, visit the North County beaches and her family in Encinitas, and try all the delicious food and fun to be had in San Diego. She would love to connect with you over coffee and appreciates bad jokes and great gifs!

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

David Nuñez, B.S. (he/him/el)

David Nunez is the Coordinator of Student Activities for Warren College. He organizes and oversees events and programs that enhance Warren College student life. He supports student organizations, plans activities, and promotes leadership and community building. Their role involves working with students and staff to create engaging experiences and foster a vibrant campus community. He is a first-generation alum 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! 

Program Assistant

Bri Maloney, B.A. (they/them/ellos)

Bri Maloney is the Program Assistant helping with day-to-day operations of programs by handling schedules, organizing events, keeping records, and managing communications. By working closely with staff and participants, they ensure programs run smoothly and successfully. Bri is a proud first-generation 2022 alumni from UC San Diego! They received their Bachelor's double majoring in Theatre and Dance with a focus in Somatics, and has been working within Student Affairs for over 3 years. They love to play bass, support the local music scene, and help organize mutual aid events. They are so excited to support the Warren team and help make the undergraduate experience as rewarding as it can be!

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.

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

Meg Olinger, MA

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.

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.