SCE Staff Directory

Mary Loeffelholz is dean of Cornell University’s School of Continuing Education (SCE) and a professor in the Department of Literatures in English in Cornell’s College of Arts and Sciences. As SCE’s dean, Loeffelholz serves as a key member of Cornell’s academic leadership team, partnering with deans, vice provosts, and vice presidents to design and implement innovative academic programs, guide strategic growth in enrollment, and advance university initiatives in support of faculty and students. Read more about Dean Loeffelholz.

Daniel Kratochvil is senior associate dean for academic affairs at Cornell’s School of Continuing Education (SCE). He oversees the school’s academic activities, including Precollege Studies and development of the Bachelor of Professional Studies degree program. In support of the new degree, he will serve as a faculty fellow in community-engaged learning at Cornell’s David M. Einhorn Center for Community Engagement during the 2026-27 academic year.

Daniel has experience in graduate and professional education, academic program development, online and continuing education, international higher education, university strategic planning and academic accreditation. His career includes leadership and faculty appointments in the United States and the United Arab Emirates.

Daniel holds a PhD, MPhil and MA from Columbia University in the City of New York and a BA from the University of Texas-Austin. His research interests include markets, economic history and federalism.

Ben Balkaya is the associate dean for administration for Cornell’s School of Continuing Education (SCE). He brings more than 20 years of experience in higher education, with expertise in financial stewardship, enrollment operations, technology modernization, organizational development and strategic planning. At SCE, he helps strengthen the administrative systems and services that support the school’s programs and students.

Ben began his career in admissions and enrollment management. He later served as country director for the State University of New York in Turkey, where he developed international partnerships and supported students pursuing educational opportunities in the United States. Before joining Cornell, he held leadership roles in graduate education and finance and administration at Binghamton University.

Ben holds an MBA from Binghamton University and a bachelor’s degree in economics from Bilkent University.

Beth Beach serves as executive staff assistant for SCE, providing administrative, operational and project support to the school’s three deans. Her work helps advance SCE’s mission of expanding access to educational opportunities.

Before joining Cornell, Beth built her career in administrative support roles in the corporate sector, developing expertise in executive support and project coordination.

Through her work with academic and administrative leaders, Beth supports SCE’s community of learners, faculty and staff.Outside of work, Beth enjoys watching birds in her backyard and attending concerts

Samantha “Sam” Elebiary directs Cornell’s Precollege Studies program, overseeing strategy, planning and operations to connect high school students with Cornell courses, faculty and community.

Sam joined SCE in January 2026 with more than a decade of experience in higher education, student affairs, career development and program administration. She focuses on expanding institutional partnerships, improving the student experience and strengthening program processes.

Before Cornell, Sam held leadership roles in career education and student development, most recently as associate director of the Center for Career Exploration and Development at Ithaca College. She holds a master’s degree in higher education and student affairs administration and a bachelor’s degree in psychology. She is committed to creating inclusive, supportive environments where students can explore their interests and build confidence.

Outside of work, Sam enjoys spending time with her family and exploring the Finger Lakes region.

As the academic affairs course coordinator, Chris Hinman works with departments across Cornell to schedule classes for summer and winter sessions. He also supports Precollege Studies and the National Education Opportunity Network. Chris holds a bachelor’s degree in hotel management from Paul Smith’s College and has worked at Cornell for eight years.

Before joining SCE, Chris worked in Cornell’s Department of City and Regional Planning, first as finance and events coordinator and later as academic programs coordinator. He brings experience in curriculum, event and financial management to his work at SCE.

In his spare time, Chris enjoys relaxing at Owasco Lake and tackling home improvement projects.

Collins Peters is a senior program assistant for academic affairs at SCE, where he supports the academic operations of Precollege Studies.

He manages several initiatives, including SCE’s off-campus programs with the National Education Opportunity Network and Shoals Marine Laboratory. He also coordinates the administration of New York State Regents exams for precollege students and supports the commuter student experience. Collins works with faculty and campus partners to help students access the resources they need at Cornell.

Collins holds a bachelor’s degree in public administration from the National Open University of Nigeria. Before joining Cornell, he was a program monitor at Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education, where he advised students on academic planning, coordinated weekend programs and monitored student progress.

Outside of work, he enjoys traveling, watching sports and spending time with family and friends.

Jamie Calabris is the director of communications for SCE. She develops and implements communications strategies that use digital technologies to strengthen messaging and promote enrollment across the school’s programs. She holds a bachelor’s degree in fine arts with a minor in graphic design and has spent much of her career developing digital campaigns and in-person events.

Jamie has helped develop key elements of the Precollege Studies residential program, including events for students and families, while adhering to Cornell’s standards for programs involving children and youth.

Outside of work, Jamie volunteers with the girls swim team and drama boosters in her local school district.

Donna L. Haeger is the academic director of curriculum for the School of Continuing Education’s Bachelor of Professional Studies degree in organizations, markets and society. She is also a professor of practice in the Charles H. Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management, part of Cornell University’s SC Johnson College of Business. She brings expertise in business analytics, leadership and management to support innovative, accessible education for diverse learners.

Haeger has more than 20 years of professional experience working with people, processes and technology. She holds a doctorate in management and designing sustainable systems from Case Western Reserve University. At Cornell, she has designed and taught business analytics courses from the introductory to graduate level in in-person, hybrid and fully online formats, including eCornell’s global Business Analytics Certificate program. She chaired the task force that designed and launched Dyson’s business analytics concentration and serves as its coordinator. Her research explores technology in the workplace, leadership and teams.

Haeger is committed to helping students, particularly adult and nontraditional learners, connect their education to their individual goals. She strives to create flexible, engaging and inclusive learning environments that build confidence, develop practical skills and make educational goals attainable.

Beyond Cornell, Haeger serves her community through mentoring and initiatives that promote financial literacy and lifelong learning.

Shelley Preston is a communications specialist for SCE. She helps make Cornell’s continuing education opportunities accessible to a wide range of learners through clear, engaging communications. She brings more than 20 years of experience in journalism, editing and higher education communications, along with a master’s degree in journalism from Columbia University and a bachelor’s degree in anthropology from the University of Colorado Boulder.

Shelley writes and produces stories, emails, web content, videos and other materials about Precollege Studies, summer and winter courses, and professional programs. Previously, she communicated faculty research at Florida Institute of Technology.

Shelley focuses on giving prospective students and families the information they need to understand their options and take the next step with confidence.

Outside of work, Shelley enjoys traveling, exploring classical music with her family and hanging out with her sweet whippet.

As director of admissions and college registrar, Emily Ivory leads SCE’s student services unit, overseeing admissions, enrollment, student records and support services for a range of learners.

With more than 18 years of experience in student support, administration and leadership at Cornell, Emily has developed and strengthened systems, processes and services that advance student success across undergraduate, graduate, non-degree, community and adult education programs.

Drawing on her professional expertise and experience as a first-generation undergraduate and adult graduate student, Emily is committed to creating accessible, student-centered paths that help learners achieve their academic and professional goals.

As assistant director of enrollment operations, Amie Goble helps deliver SCE’s programs through her work in enrollment and registration. In more than a decade at SCE, she has developed extensive knowledge of the school’s academic offerings and student populations. She uses that knowledge to support students throughout the enrollment process.

Amie earned her bachelor’s degree from Rochester Institute of Technology. She continues her professional development through Cornell training programs and recently completed the Harold D. Craft Leadership Program.

Outside of work, Amie enjoys crafting, spending time with her family and caring for her two collies.

Sam Hamilton is a Slate systems analyst who manages SCE’s admissions database and supports application and registration processes for its courses. With extensive experience in admissions and enrollment management, she uses technology to improve the experience of prospective and current students, faculty and staff.

Drawing on her background as an admissions counselor and enrollment manager, Sam helps make application systems easier to use and more efficient. She has earned annual Slate professional certifications through SCE as part of her ongoing professional development.

Outside of work, Sam enjoys reading and exploring historical sites. She has visited more than 30 presidential homes and libraries.

As a student services assistant, Ashley Keister answers calls, monitors department inboxes and helps students navigate registration and enrollment. She has spent approximately three years supporting SCE students and program participants.

Ashley works with visiting students, precollege students, Cornell employees taking courses and undergraduates. She helps learners find the information and resources they need to enroll and participate in their programs.

Ashley is also available for individual advising appointments about enrollment, registration and SCE programs. She enjoys connecting with students and helping make their experience welcoming and straightforward.

Tiffany Jordan is an accounts representative with nearly 15 years of service at Cornell University. She brings extensive experience in finance and accounting to her current role in student services. She supports students and families by monitoring student accounts, processing payments and refunds, and working with campus departments to make the student experience efficient and positive.

Throughout her Cornell career, Tiffany has completed professional development courses and certifications in accounting, capital assets, inventory management, payroll, internal controls, asset reconciliation, and diversity, equity and inclusion.

Outside of work, Tiffany is an avid sports fan who enjoys following football and baseball. She also enjoys exploring new hiking trails and photographing the Finger Lakes region.

Mitch Wiedemann is a user interface and user experience specialist who has spent nearly three decades making SCE’s websites and digital systems accessible, secure and easy to use.

Since 1998, Mitch has helped develop SCE’s first dynamic online course catalog, content management systems that streamline publishing for staff, and secure enrollment portals for students. He continues to adapt these systems as technology changes.

Outside of Cornell, Mitch is a local musician who curates a website about Ithaca’s live music scene. He also serves on the board of a regional nonprofit that offers creative programs combining music and technology for underserved groups.

Ruby is a senior human resources business partner for SCE. She manages human resources functions, including recruiting, onboarding, compliance and employee relations, and serves as a bridge between leadership and staff. With an understanding of how HR decisions affect organizations, Ruby guides day-to-day people management, maintains discretion and approaches sensitive conversations with empathy. She also helps shape workplace culture and develop the talent pipeline needed to sustain SCE’s mission.

Ruby’s bachelor’s degree in mathematics and computer science provides a strong analytical foundation for using people analytics, technology and data to inform HR strategy and decision-making.

As an HR leader, Ruby’s goal is to create lasting impact by helping people grow, leaders succeed and organizations thrive.

As a senior administrative assistant, Bailey Rose provides data analysis, reporting and transactional support for human resources, finance and administrative operations. Bailey’s work supports compliance with university requirements and collaboration across campus.

Bailey holds a bachelor’s degree in human resource management and has experience in payroll administration, staffing, recruiting and office operations. Bailey has streamlined processes, supported teams across departments and provided service to employees, clients and the broader community.

Outside of SCE, Bailey enjoys watching true crime documentaries and spending time outdoors with her Australian shepherd mix.

As finance manager, Jesse Kreager leads financial planning, analysis and operations for SCE. He works with school leaders and program teams to inform decisions, strengthen operations and support Cornell’s educational opportunities.

Jesse’s background spans higher education, research administration, manufacturing and supply chain finance. Before joining SCE, he was a senior research administrator in the Cornell Ann S. Bowers College of Computing and Information Science. Earlier, he was assistant controller at PaperWorks, where he oversaw cost accounting. He also led finance for Rite Aid’s largest distribution center, managing operational performance measures and assisting with the center’s purchase by Walgreens.

Jesse holds executive MBA degrees from Cornell University and Queen’s University, a bachelor’s degree in corporate finance from St. John Fisher University and Lean Six Sigma training.

Outside of work, he enjoys traveling, playing hockey, restoring classic cars and spending time with his family.

As a finance specialist, Deanna Eastwood helps manage SCE tuition and scholarships and plays a key role in financial reporting and budgeting. She has more than 23 years of accounting experience, most of it in higher education.

Deanna organizes office donations for the Cornell Elves Backpack and Holiday programs. She is also a member of Community Fire & Rescue, where she serves as a certified first responder, fire police officer and treasurer. She helps organize the department’s fundraising and community outreach events.

Deanna enjoys spending time with her family and pets.

Beth Underwood is an accounts representative and a member of SCE’s finance team. She has more than 40 years of experience in financial processing.

Beth prepares financial documents, analyzes data, reviews and reconciles accounts, and produces reports using information from multiple systems. Her expertise includes student financial services, transaction processing, program budgeting and financial reporting. Her background in student services and computer programming also informs her analytical work.

Outside of SCE, Beth supports local fundraising efforts through local businesses. She owns a small business making handmade soaps and enjoys spending time with her family, dog and cat.

Melissa Cole develops and maintains in-house applications, websites, databases, data visualizations, and systems that support SCE’s work. She helps staff create accessible application experiences that support SCE’s mission to expand learning opportunities for students, from high schoolers to adults pursuing a degree.

Melissa is a Cornell alumna with more than 20 years of experience in technology. She also supports Cornell’s Experience Modernization Initiative (CEMI) and other university technology initiatives, helping build more accessible, connected systems that advance Cornell’s educational mission. She has worked at Cornell in a variety of positions, bringing a broad understanding of university operations to her role at SCE.