Office of Student and Diversity Affairs
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! Heading link
Your Information & Resource Center Is Always Ready to Assist You!
Dr. Darryl Pendleton Heading link
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
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
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
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
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.
Carolyn Feller Heading link
Director of Student and Diversity Affairs
You may contact Carolyn 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. Carolyn also manages all areas of student admissions and enrollment including management of the Guaranteed Professional Program Admissions (GPPA). Carolyn can be reached via email or by scheduling a virtual meeting.
Meah Rogers Heading link
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
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.
Contact Our Team Heading link
-
Contact
Dr. Darryl D. Pendleton
Associate Dean for Student and Diversity Affairs
801 South Paulina Street, Room 102GD
312-355-1670Dr. Patrick Smith
Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging
801 S. Paulina Street, Room 104
312-996-3465Dr. Georgia Lymberopolous
Director and Advisor of Pre-Dental Undergraduate Programs
801 S. Paulina Street, Room 104Dr. Sheela Raja
Director of Resilience Center
801 S. Paulina Street, Room 104
312-413-0559Ms. Carolyn Feller
Director of Student and Diversity Affairs
801 South Paulina Street, Room 104A
312-996-2873Ms. Braulia Espinosa
Director of Student and Diversity Affairs
801 South Paulina Street, Room 104B
312-355-0320Ms. Meah Rogers
Associate Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging
801 South Paulina Street, Room 104C
312-355-1327Ms. Millie Mendez
Student Advocate
801 South Paulina Street, Room 104Ms. Alia Mir
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
801 South Paulina Street, Room 530 CC
312-996-9469
OSDA Office Hours Heading link
-
Office Hours
The Office of Student and Diversity Affairs, is open Monday through Friday and closed Saturday and Sunday.