Jimmy Luckman (he/him/his)
Associate Director
Jimmy Luckman first came to Syracuse University in August 2019, where he served as the program coordinator for New Student and Family Program in the Division of Student Experience. Luckman transitioned to Academic Affairs in July 2021, where he served as the program coordinator during the inaugural year of FYS 101, supporting operational aspects of FYS 101, communicating with Lead Instructors and Peer Leaders, and managing leadership development opportunities. Before coming to Syracuse University, Luckman earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology, with a double minor in women and gender studies and African and African American studies from SUNY Brockport, and a master’s degree in counseling and student affairs from Northern Arizona University. Luckman is currently a doctoral student, studying LGBTQ+ students’ sense of belong and the phenomena of queerbaiting on college campuses. During his time at Syracuse University, Luckman has been an FYS 101 Lead Instructor, C.A.R.E. Facilitator and has been a part of the Queer Mentorship Program.
Ali Bakhtiari (he/him/his)
Program Coordinator
Ali Bakhtiari joined the First-Year Seminar as Program Coordinator at the start of spring 2023. He is a Fulbright Scholarship Recipient and International Visitors Leadership Program (IVLP) Alumni. Ali has extensive experience in Higher Education and has worked in different roles. He has previously worked at the Mary Ann Shaw Center where he advised on curriculum, lesson planning, and oversaw transportation. Moreover, he has worked as a researcher with different organizations, trainer at the British Council, and lecturer at Kabul University where he taught Sociolinguistics for over five years. Ali is a native of Afghanistan and has studied his Master’s in Teaching and Curriculum at the School of Education at Syracuse University. His research interests include First Year Experience, DEIA, Program Evaluation, Instructional Design, and Curriculum Development.”