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Office of Student and Diversity Affairs

Students in blue scrubs posing in the common area

Welcome to the Office of Student and Diversity Affairs!

The Office of Student and Diversity Affairs (OSDA) assists and supports students, faculty, and staff with all matters related to admissions, student services, student life, and diversity and inclusion. OSDA members are available on site on the first floor of the College of Dentistry in Room 104 on Mondays through Fridays. OSDA has an open door policy. We are available by phone, internet, and in-person.

Your Information & Resource Center Is Always Ready to Assist You!

Dr. Darryl Pendleton Heading link

Dr. Darryl Pendleton

Associate Dean for Student and Diversity Affairs

Dr. Pendleton leads OSDA with expert assistance from the staff team. You may contact Dr. Pendleton with any questions related to the Office of Student and Diversity Affairs. Dr. Pendleton is available via email and for both an in-person and virtual meeting.

Dr. Sheela Raja Heading link

Dr. Sheela Raja, Director of the Dentistry Resilience Center

Director of the Dentistry Resilience Center

Dr. Raja is the Director of the newly created College of Dentistry Resilience Center. The Resilience Center provides information and opportunities to: 1) promote physical and mental health; 2) facilitate strong social support networks for all members of our college; and 3) encourage activities that foster equity, community engagement, and public service. The goal of the Resilience Center is simple: to create a college community where everyone is valued and respected. Dr. Raja can be reached via email or by scheduling a virtual meeting.

Dr. Patrick Smith Heading link

Dr. Patrick Smith, Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging

Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging

Dr. Smith joined OSDA in February 2023, and serves as the Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB), providing leadership in all matters related to the goals and mission of COD’s efforts to advance DEIB of faculty, learners, and staff members. He collaborates with academic and non-academic leadership, developing and delivering key college and university strategies, as well as contributes to the recruitment, retention, and success of underrepresented faculty, staff, and students.

Dr. Georgia Lymberopoulos Heading link

Dr. Georgia Lymberopoulos, Director and Advisor of Pre-Dental Undergraduate Programs

Director and Advisor of Pre-Dental Undergraduate Programs

Dr. Georgia Lymberopoulos joined the College of Dentistry Office of Student and Diversity Affairs in 2023 as the Director and Advisor of Pre-Dental Undergraduate Programs.

She will be primarily working with the UIC predental club and Guaranteed Professional Program Admissions – Dentistry (GPPA) students.  Dr. Lymberopoulos finished her undergraduate degree at UIC and her Masters of Science in Cell and Molecular Biology at IIT in Chicago. She earned her DMD and MPH at ATSU Arizona School of Dentistry and Oral Health. She has prior experience both in academia and private practice, and currently serves as a Clinical Assistant Professor at the College.

Braulia Espinosa Heading link

Braulia Espinosa, Director of Student and Diversity Affairs

Director of Student and Diversity Affairs

You may contact Braulia with any questions related to the Office of Student and Diversity Affairs, including questions about accessing College and University student services, student leadership development programs, and student organization information. Braulia also manages all areas of student admissions and enrollment including management of the Dentistry Urban Health Program(UHP). Braulia is available via email and for both an in-person and virtual meeting.

Meah Rogers Heading link

Meah Rogers

Associate Director, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB)

Meah has served as the Associate Director of DEIB since February 2023, and is responsible for coordinating and liaising with institutional programs and services designed to define, understand, assess, foster and cultivate an inclusive culture within the College. She aids in the collaboration and development of University initiatives designed to enhance diverse recruitment and retention of students, faculty and staff, as well as serving as a bridge between institutional programs and stakeholders, and community partnerships

Meah joined OSDA in April 2020, previously as the Assistant Director of OSDA, assisting with student admissions, recruitment and enrollment, as well as advising within the UHP Post-Baccalaureate Program.

Millie Mendez Heading link

Millie Mendez

Student Advocate

The goal of the Student Advocate is to provide students with guidance and support free of judgement and approached with an open mind and positive attitude. The Student Advocate serves as a sounding board and resource for students that may need assistance or advice with concerns or issues including academics, personal and or general life situations. Advocate Millie Mendez, provides neutral, confidential and independent guidance by listening, providing encouragement and connecting students with the appropriate university and community resources. The resources provided will be aligned to meet the student’s personal needs. Faculty and staff assisting students with academic or personal challenges also have access to these resources and are encouraged to contact the student advocate as needed.

Alia Mir, LCSW Heading link

Alia Mir

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Contact Our Team Heading link

OSDA Office Hours Heading link