Student Life

Taylor joined the School of General Studies in November 2024 as the Associate Director of Special Events & Programs. In this role, she leads the planning and execution of both large- and small-scale events and programs, including graduation, while collaborating with GS partners to provide support in these areas. Taylor previously held positions in communications, performance and event operations, and programming at both Miller Theatre and the Arts Initiative at Columbia University.

Prior to her time at the University, Taylor worked with a variety of performing arts organizations, focusing on communications, audience services, and production photography. She holds a B.A. in Communications from Marist College and an M.S. in Nonprofit Management from Columbia University.

Outside of work, Taylor is an avid patron of the arts and enjoys pottery, hiking, UConn basketball, and fixing up her cabin in the Berkshires.

Symonne joined the School of General Studies in August 2024. At GS, she works as the Student Life Coordinator, supporting various initiatives within the Student Life Office.

Before joining GS, Symonne worked at a nonprofit organization, where she served as a Donations Intake Coordinator, helping to receive and distribute food donations to those in need in her local community. She holds a BA in Music from Bard College. In her free time, Symonne enjoys watching TV shows, making and listening to music, and spending time with her loved ones.

Sean joined the School of General Studies in 2010. At GS, Sean oversees GS Student Life and advises the General Studies Student Council (GSSC). Sean received a BS in marketing from Rutgers University and an EdM in higher education administration and student affairs from the Graduate School of Education at Rutgers University. Sean enjoys traveling, cooking, exploring New York City, and skiing in his leisure time.

Jonathan joined the School of General Studies in August of 2020. He serves as the Associate Director of Residence Life and Housing at GS and plays a key role in supporting residential students and community engagement initiatives for students living on campus. He is passionate about providing spaces and opportunities for students to be in community and learn from one another. 

Prior to joining GS, Jonathan worked at New York University as a residence hall assistant director and the University at Albany as a residence hall director. Jonathan holds a BA in political science and an MS in educational administration and policy studies with a concentration in higher education, both from the University at Albany. Jonathan truly enjoys working with students and helping them develop during their time at Columbia. In his free time, he enjoys traveling and exploring New York City.

Jazmin joined the School of General Studies in 2023. As Assistant Director of Student Engagement and Veteran Initiatives, Jazmin oversees veteran programs and initiatives at GS including Veteran and Military-Connected Orientation, Veterans Day programs, the GS Veteran Mentoring Program, and other veteran resource and community programs. She also collaborates on programs such as the Military Ball and Dean Rosen-Metsch’s Women Leaders Roundtable for Women Veterans, and works closely with staff at the Center for Veteran Transition and Integration.

Jazmin advises student groups including the Military Veterans of Columbia University (MilVets) and the Postbac Premed Student Council (PPSC), including its various premedical auxiliary groups. Additionally, Jazmin develops programming for students enrolled in the School's dual- and joint-degree programs, international students, and Postbac Premed students. She also serves on the on-call wellbeing response team in the Dean of Students Office.

Jazmin comes to GS with experience working at the City University of New York in various areas including student affairs, admissions, veteran support, student success, and the NYS-funded SEEK (Search for Education, Elevation and Knowledge) program. Having served as an adjunct professor of the freshman seminar as well as a task supervisor for graduate social work interns, Jazmin understands the importance of providing both academic and social support to students throughout their college experience. She received her MSW from Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter College and a BS from John Jay College of Criminal Justice. Jazmin also served six years in the United States Air Force Reserve as a Knowledge Operations Manager. During her free time she enjoys spending time with family and friends, doing community service, traveling, and exploring New York City.

Jawad joined the School of General Studies in 2013. As Associate Director of Student Engagement and Transition, he oversees and collaborates on GS transition programming including Orientation, the GS Mentor Program, and the GS Mid-Semester Success Series. He also serves as part of the teaching team for University Studies. In addition, Jawad oversees student group centralized advising, training, and support; leadership development programs; and GS Student Life excursions.

Prior to joining GS, Jawad worked at Prep for Prep, an educational nonprofit in New York City with the objective of identifying and developing leadership in underrepresented groups. Jawad holds a B.A. in critical social studies with a concentration in marginalized populations from Hobart & William Smith Colleges and an M.S. in higher education from Syracuse University. In his spare time, he likes eating spicy food, running, and cheering on Syracuse basketball.

Ashley joined the School of General Studies in the Spring of 2020. As the Associate Director of Student Engagement and Belonging, she leads a wide range of initiatives focused on fostering student engagement, strengthening community, and advancing strategic planning around identity-based programs and initiatives within the GS Community. In addition, she advises all GS-focused student organizations with a multicultural and social justice mission and contributes to various student engagement initiatives, including co-advising large-scale multicultural programming that includes all four of Columbia’s undergraduate colleges.

Prior to joining GS, Ashley worked at Fairleigh Dickinson University (FDU), where she served in a dual role as Campus Life Coordinator of Greek Life and Housing Operations, and has significant knowledge and experience around diversity and inclusion best practices and student engagement development. Ashley holds a BA in humanities and an MA in criminal justice from FDU. In her spare time, she enjoys watching sports, working out,  traveling, and attending concerts and music festivals.