Shannon Hitchcock Schantz, Ph.D. (she/her/hers)
Director
Shannon Hitchcock Schantz joined the First Year Seminar as director in May 2023. She is a higher education professional with 17 years of experience working on college campuses across New York State. She completed a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry and biophysics at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), a master’s degree in higher education at Teachers College, Columbia University, and a doctorate in higher education at Syracuse University. She previously worked in residence life at Barnard College, Hamilton College and RPI.
During her studies at Syracuse, Schantz served as a teaching assistant for the College Learning Strategies course. Her dissertation research focused on an intersectional examination of the impact of classroom climate in engineering on women’s academic outcomes. In her most recent position as student life director/Title IX coordinator at PrattMWP College of Art and Design, an extension campus of Pratt Institute, she oversaw residence life, student activities and leadership, health and counseling, and accommodations, and spearheaded the college’s retention efforts and academic support.
Aimée Shukuru (she/her/hers)
Program Coordinator
Aimée Shukuru joined the First Year Seminar as a program coordinator in December 2024. With an academic background and diverse experience at Syracuse University, she brings a unique perspective to her role. Aimée has held positions as a residential adviser, teaching assistant and SOURCE undergraduate research assistant, where she developed a passion for learning and supporting students.
She received a bachelor’s degree in international relations and political science from the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs in 2022, followed by a master’s degree in Pan African Studies from the Department of African American Studies in 2024. Aimée’s thesis research focused on the intersection of African politics, grassroots organizations and the conceptualization of racial discrimination in international law.
Alexa Jones (she/her/hers)
Graduate Assistant
Alexa Jones joined the First Year Seminar in August 2024. She is a graduate student in the higher education program at Syracuse University. She received a bachelor’s degree at The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) in 2019, graduating with an elementary education and sociology degree with a minor in women’s, gender and sexuality studies.
Alexa’s experience as an orientation leader at TCNJ sparked her interest in higher education and she decided to pursue a master’s degree to launch herself in a new and meaningful career centered on working with students. Syracuse University has been her dream institution, and she is very excited to be on campus.