The Office of Graduate Education

Our People

Juan E. González, Ph.D.

Francis S. Johnson Chair for Graduate Education
Dean of Graduate Education
Vice Provost for Global Engagement
Professor of Molecular Biology
[email protected]
972-883-2234
FA 3.104F

Dean González works to elevate the quality of graduate education and to advocate for graduate students, in collaboration with the Graduate Council, the Office of Graduate Education team, and the faculty.  He consults with students and faculty about academic issues and is frequently available to provide the very last signature to many forms and requests that come through our office.


Ruth Schemmer, Ph.D.

Assistant Dean for Graduate Student Success
[email protected]
972-883-4339
FA 3.104G

Assistant Dean, Ruth Schemmer, works closely with the Dean to create and facilitate student development activities and other opportunities to improve graduate education. Ruth collaborates with key stakeholders across campus to meet the needs of our graduate student population.


K. Eric Van Leeuwen II, MPA

Assistant Dean of Graduate Education
[email protected]
972-883-4249
FA 3.102D

Assistant Dean, K. Eric Van Leeuwen, oversees the process of awarding all graduate degrees and academic certificates. He evaluates degree plans for graduating students, ensuring that all requirements are met. He is also working with new and existing technology to streamline many of the processes in the Office of Graduate Education, including verification and certification of degrees and recruiting.


Stephanie Akers

Assistant Graduate Reader
Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses
[email protected]
972-883-2628
FA 2.204

Assistant Graduate Reader, Stephanie Akers, works directly with doctoral and master's students in their final semester, checking their dissertations for formatting and helping them to ensure that their dissertations are of the highest quality possible.


Tangie Bonds

Administrative Services Officer
[email protected]
972-883-4340
FA 3.102A

Administrative Services Officer, Tangie Bonds, provides administrative support for Graduate Education staff, performs monthly financial account reconciliations, coordinates travel and acts as liaison between departments.


LaDwyna Evans

Business Manager
Graduate Academic Program Review
[email protected]
972-883-3989
FA 3.104E

Business Manager, LaDwyna Evans, coordinates logistics and administration of the Graduate Program Review process and assists the Dean with university-wide administrative duties. She also provides administrative support and assists with the day-to-day operations of the Office of Graduate Education.


Lila Foroutan

Special Events Coordinator
Website, Events, and Marketing
[email protected]
972-883-4722
FA 3.104D

Special Events Coordinator, Lila Foroutan, handles all communications from the Office of Graduate Education to make sure they meet the university standards for branding and consistency.  She oversees the Website, Marketing, and the Doctoral Hooding Ceremony for the Office of Graduate Education.


Stephanie Garcia-Rocha

Degree Plan Evaluator III
[email protected]
972-883-3438
FA 3.102B

Degree Plan Evaluator, Stephanie Garcia-Rocha, reviews and evaluates degree plans to ensure the proper completion of degree requirements for graduating students and ensure degree integrity. She works closely with faculty and staff across campus to provide and enhance the resources necessary for graduate student success.


Krystel Kaloust

Institutional Research Associate
Teaching Assistant and Research Assistant Contact
[email protected]
972-883-4256
FA 3.102D1

Institutional Research Associate, Krystel Kaloust, provides support to the Office of Graduate Education through comprehensive data management, analysis, and presentation, primarily for the Graduate Assistantship Reviews. She delivers key reports and data insights to the Dean of Graduate Education, enhancing informed decision-making. Always keeping up to date with the latest technological trends, she constantly seeks ways to enhance data management and communication processes.


Beth Keithly

Faculty Grant and Distinguished Fellowships Advisor
[email protected]
972-883-4568
FA 3.104C

The Faculty Grant and Distinguished Fellowship Advisor, Beth Keithly, advises graduate students on external funding opportunities and provides both research development and programmatic support to faculty with grants focused on institutional improvement of graduate education.


Princess Lacy

Administrative Assistant
Front Office
[email protected]
972-883-2667
FA 3.104

Administrative Assistant, Princess Lacy, provides professional administrative support for the Office of the Graduate Education and helps to ensure efficient workflow and day-to-day operations.


Elizabeth Miller

Graduate Writing Specialist
Graduate Writing Services
[email protected]
972-883-3985
FA 2.201

Graduate Writing Specialist, Elizabeth Miller, is the contact for Graduate Writing Services. She works directly with graduate students, helping them meet their writing goals through providing individual consultations and planning workshops, retreats, and writing groups.


Allison Nepomnick

Senior Graduate Reader
Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses
[email protected]
972-883-3986
FA 2.204

Senior Graduate Reader, Allison Nepomnick, works directly with doctoral and master's students in their final semester, checking their dissertations for formatting and helping them to ensure that their dissertations are of the highest quality possible.


Bradley Samore

Assistant Graduate Reader
Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses
[email protected]
972-883-4343
FA 2.201

Assistant Graduate Reader, Bradley Samore, works directly with doctoral and master's students in their final semester, checking their dissertations for formatting and helping them to ensure that their dissertations are of the highest quality possible.


Brooke Schafer

Degree Plan Evaluator III
[email protected]
972-883-4182
FA 3.102C

Degree Plan Evaluator, Brooke Schafer, reviews and evaluates degree plans to certify that all requirements are documented and met by graduating students. She works to identify best practices for the graduate review process, streamlining procedures and records management. She works closely with faculty and staff across campus, assisting with student assessment needs and academic policy review.