Student Leadership & Activities

Our Staff

 

Erin O'Connor

Director
erin.oconnor3@simmons.edu


Erin joined the Simmons community in September of 2006 as the Director of Student Leadership and Activities.  Prior to this position, she spent four years as the Dean of Students and head English teacher of the Kirov Academy of Ballet in Washington, DC. She holds a BA in English from Smith College and received her MA in English at The University of Virginia.  She manages the overall operation of the Office of Student Leadership and Activities, providing insight to student leadership development and student organizations.  She also manages Undergraduate Orientation and the First-Year Experience programs, campus-wide student programs, and department sponsored events.   Her main interests are educational programming and the development of a comprehensive student leadership program, which will underscore the strengths and interests of college women. She is the adviser for the Student Government Association and the Class of 2011. 

Susan Chudd

Assistant Director
susan.chudd@simmons.edu


Susan came to Simmons College in July 2005 after completing her Masters in Higher Education at Boston College.  Prior to that, she completed a BFA in Music Performance on the Double Bass and a BS in Psychology at Carnegie Mellon University. Susan works with leadership programs, including the Emerging Leader Program, the Student Leadership Selection Process, and Student Leadership Trainings. She also coordinates the First-Year Experience Program and Undergraduate Orientation. Susan advises Microcosm (the Simmons yearbook), the Commuter Student Organization, and the Class of 2008.  In her spare time, Susan plays double bass in the Wellesley Symphony Orchestra and the Civic Symphony of Boston.

Louise Vital

Assistant Director
louise.vital@simmons.edu


Michelle has been working at Simmons since July 2005. Her areas of responsibility include office sponsored programs/events and student organization development, training, and budget oversight. In addition, Michelle advises the Campus Activities Board, Caribbean Culture Association, Class of 2010 and the Student Finance Board. Michelle graduated from Simmons in 2000 where she double majored in Sociology and African American Studies. After leaving Simmons, Michelle served as the Education Director for the Colonel Daniel Marr Boys and Girls Club in Dorchester, MA. In 2005, Michelle earned her Master of Arts degree in Student Affairs Administration from Michigan State University. Michelle enjoys mentoring young women, volunteering at the Dan Marr Club and with the G.I.R.L.S. Project, and serving as the Treasurer for the Council of Black Administrators, Faculty, and Staff at Simmons.

Gilian Gitchell

Administrative Assistant II
gilian.gitchell@simmons.edu


Gilian started as Administrative Assistant in the Office of Student Leadership and Activities in July of 2006 after graduating from Simmons with a Bachelor of Arts degree in May of 2006. She double-majored in Sociology and Communications with a focus in Public Relations and Marketing Communications. Gilian oversees the Student Box Office, coordinates the Vendor Program and the Semester T-Pass Program. She assists with the planning of major events, helps to manage student organization budgets and financial transactions, serves as a First-Year Experience Facilitator, and manages the day-to-day operations of the office. In her spare time, Gilian enjoys cooking, live music, Red Sox games, theater, and traveling.

Stephanie Lai

Graduate Assistant
stephanie.lai@simmons.edu


Stephanie Lai is the Graduate Assistant for the Office of Student Leadership and Activities.  She was born and raised in California, near San Francisco.  She attended the University of California, San Diego, and received her Bachelor's degree in Political Science, with a minor in Mathematics.  She is currently working on her Master's degree at Suffolk University in the Administration of Higher Education program.  She is advises the Class of 2010 and co-advises Presidents' Council.  You can also find Stephanie working on events like the Hunger Banquet and February's Poetry Series.  A few fun facts about her: She loves to travel and explore the city. 
Favorite book: A Clockwork Orange.  Favorite movie: A Time to Kill.  Favorite musical: Rent.