Admissions Counselors

Partners in Your College Process

As you navigate the college process, we’re here to help you discover the things about St. Lawrence that excite and inspire you. That means answering any and every question you have, passing on stories from our community, and connecting you with students, professors, and staff who are eager to share their experiences with you. 

Our counselors are assigned regions, states, and territories so they can better understand you and where you’re from. If you're considering St. Lawrence, connecting with your counselor is a great place to start. You can find their information below.  There's never a bad time to reach out so we can start getting to know your goals, passions, and what you might bring to our vibrant and active community of athletes, artists, performers, advocates, trailblazers, and changemakers.

Sincerely, 

Florence Hines 
Vice President for Enrollment Management & Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid 
fhines@stlawu.edu

Meet Our Counselors

Musa Khalidi, Executive Director of International Admissions and International Transfer Coordinator

Contact Information: mkhalidi@stlawu.edu | (315) 229-5646

Recruitment Territory: All countries and territories outside the United States, including Canada

What is your favorite St. Lawrence tradition?

I really enjoy our Kaleidoscope tradition which celebrates the diversity and inclusivity of our community with a series of musical performances, dances, poetry readings, and more. The International House (known as I-House) hosts this celebration every spring. During the winter season, I love attending our men and women’s hockey games in Appleton Arena.

What’s your biggest piece of advice for prospective students during the college process?

The Admissions process has multiple steps.  Avoid cutting corners and go through each step carefully in order to make it to the finish line.  I often compare this to flying to a new destination.  In order to get from one location to the next one you need to buy a ticket, travel to the airport, go through the check-in process, and then board the flight. Stay calm, observe, but get excited.  Everything will be ok and you will find the right place at the right time.

What is your favorite North Country adventure?

I have many but my favorite is to cross the bridge between the U.S. and Canada in Ogdensburg.  It is 20 minutes from campus and it is beautiful!

Lyndsay Malcomb '10, Executive Director

Contact Information: lmalcomb@stlawu.edu | (315) 229-5647

Recruitment Territory: Connecticut (select schools), Massachusetts (select schools), New York (select schools), and Washington, D.C.

What’s one thing prospective students/families shouldn’t miss on their tour?

The third-floor tree houses in Owen D. Young Library. Studying above the distraction line helps our students focus and be more attentive to their studies. Plus, they’re just fun to climb if you need a study break!

What is the most unique thing about the St. Lawrence community?

Our Theme House community is incredible and an amazing residential housing option for our upper-class students. I really believe in living and learning environments and I love that St. Lawrence has modeled these upper-class living options after the First-Year Program but with some additional autonomy and flair. I also think it’s really neat that the themes change based on student interests. 

What opportunity should every Laurentian take advantage of during their four years on campus?

One of my biggest regrets from my own St. Lawrence experience was not taking more classes that piqued my interests. There are so many neat and fascinating course topics that I wish I had taken, so don’t be afraid to dive into classes that have nothing to do with your major but just sound super fascinating.

Braulio Acuria '13, Associate Director and New York City Regional Recruiter

Contact Information: bacuria@stlawu.edu | 315-229-5280

Recruitment Territory: New York (Bronx, Dutchess, Nassau, New York, Orange, Putnam, Richmond, Rockland, Suffolk, Sullivan, and Ulster Counties)

What’s one thing prospective students/families shouldn’t miss on their tour? 

My go-to place to be on campus is the Sullivan Student Center! It's the central hub on campus and gives you a great vibe of our community. If you stop by the Pub, make sure to get a Dr. Feel Good or strawberry-banana smoothie.

What opportunity should every Laurentian take advantage of during their four years on campus?

What makes St. Lawrence unique is our traditions—soak up every one of them. My favorite moments are when students work hard to organize and run cultural celebrations like Eid, the Lunar New Year, or Black History Month. I encourage you to seek out and attend these celebrations even if you don't culturally identify with them. They're absolutely worthwhile—not to mention the delicious food too!

I'd also advise you to take a Community-Based Learning (CBL) course. It's a great way to connect to the North Country and be part of the greater community outside of campus.

What is your favorite North Country adventure?

The North Country has so many opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. When I was a student, I would canoe parts of the Grasse River near campus. During my off-campus study in the Adirondack Semester, we met local farmers at Bittersweet, a small organic farm 25 minutes from campus. I loved volunteering there, feeding the chickens and pigs, and watering various plants and vegetables.

Laurel Brooks, Associate Director and Domestic Transfer Coordinator

Contact Information: lebrooks@stlawu.edu | (315) 229-5242

Recruitment Territory: Alaska, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Texas, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming, and domestic transfer students

What is your favorite St. Lawrence tradition? 

Pub Cookies!  They’re not a tradition, per se… but they’re awesome. You’ll get a chocolate-chip Pub Cookie if you set up a campus tour, info session, or in-person interview through Admissions. I’m pretty sure Dining Services puts a full stick of butter in each of them! 

What’s your biggest piece of advice for prospective students during the college process? 

Don’t rely solely on Google! Be sure to check (and double-check) every college’s website for the most up-to-date information on available majors, housing options, scholarships, and other important details.  Also, be careful about submitting your SAT or ACT scores to test-optional schools.  If your test scores aren’t as strong as your grades, submitting them could hurt your chances of receiving merit money. 

What is your favorite North Country adventure? 

Lake Placid is less than two hours from Canton and is a cool spot to visit.  The village hosted the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympics and serves as a home base for elite athletes in many sports.  Several of the Olympic venues and facilities are open to visitors—you can even take a bobsled ride!—and the downtown area has lots of shops and restaurants.

Chris Felix '08, Associate Director

Contact Information: cfelix@stlawu.edu | (315) 229-5648

Recruitment Territory: Delaware, New Jersey, New York (Jefferson, Oneida, and Onondaga Counties), and Virginia

What is the most unique thing about the St. Lawrence community?

The most unique thing about the St. Lawrence community is our connection to location. Nobody ends up in Canton, N.Y. by accident—we’re here on purpose. Our enthusiasm for the North Country and our campus is palpable on and off campus.

What opportunity should every Laurentian take advantage of during their four years on campus?

With signature programs like SLU Connect and LINC, plus a top-ranked alumni network, our Center for Career Excellence provides countless opportunities for students to gain experience, professional skills, and confidence as they consider life after St. Lawrence. Go visit them early and often!

What is your favorite North Country adventure?

My favorite North Country adventure is a sunrise round of golf with friends and some amateur birdwatching between shots!

Ayana Hartley '22, Assistant Director

Contact Information: ahartley@stlawu.edu | (315) 229-5643

Recruitment Territory: Connecticut (Fairfield and Litchfield counties), New York (Broome, Cayuga, Chemung, Chenango, Cortland, Madison, Monroe, Oswego, Seneca, Schuyler, Steuben, Tompkins, Tioga, Wayne, and Yates Counties), and Rhode Island

What’s one thing prospective students/families shouldn’t miss on their tour?

Herring Cole. It is my favorite building on campus and was my go-to place for studying as a student. It is quiet and cozy, especially in the winters when the large, iron radiators are on full blast. I'm definitely most focused when I'm there.

What is the most unique thing about the St. Lawrence community?

How willing everyone is to help and support each other, from big events such as sports games and musical performances to academics and coursework. Our students truly want to see each other do well and succeed.

What opportunity should every Laurentian take advantage of during their four years here?

The Center for Career Excellence's LINC Career Mentoring Program. Students are matched with an alum who acts as their mentor throughout the year, guiding them through things such as elevator pitches and handshakes, to resume building and job searching. Lots of students remain in touch with their mentors even after the program ends, which is really neat too.

How can a prospective student know St. Lawrence is the place for them?

If they come to visit and have an indescribable feeling that they are home. The other big thing is if they can see the ways in which they could contribute to multiple facets of campus life for the well-being of themselves and others.

Mary Kelley '07, Associate Director 

Contact Information: mkelley@stlawu.edu | (315) 229-5259

Recruitment Territory: Arkansas, California, Hawaii, Nevada, New York (Albany, Columbia, Delaware, Greene, Otsego, Rensselaer, Schenectady, and Schoharie Counties), North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Utah; and Canada (Ontario)

What’s one thing every prospective student/family should ask on their tour?

Ask about something that you love and can’t imagine not doing anymore, whether it’s community service, a club or activity, an academic subject, a sport, music, or anything else that comes to mind.

What is your favorite St. Lawrence tradition?

My favorite St. Lawrence tradition is one that happens every day. At 5 p.m., the Chapel Bells ring, and it’s a great reminder to begin the transition from day to evening. It’s also fun to hear the different songs that our student bell-ringers play. They range from traditional school songs to pop music, and community members can request different songs (like "Happy Birthday" for a friend’s special day).

How can a prospective student tell that St. Lawrence is the place for them?

This is a little different for everyone. You may know that St. Lawrence is for you as soon as you set foot on campus, or it may happen after you learn more about all of the pieces that are going to be important for your college experience. I think there’s a feeling of home that comes with whichever college is going to be right for you, and we hope you feel that way at St. Lawrence!

Hannah Kingsley '18, Assistant Director

Contact Information: hkingsley@stlawu.edu | (315) 229-5241

Recruitment Territory: Maine, Massachusetts (select schools), New Hampshire, and New York (Clinton, Essex, Hamilton, and Warren Counties)

What’s your favorite St. Lawrence tradition?

The Adirondack theme dinner takes place at the start of the fall semester and is a campus favorite. With a menu that features local ingredients and recipes, this is a perfect way to welcome students for another year. Plus, this is just the first of many theme dinners that happen throughout the year so there is always more to look forward to!

What is the most unique thing about the St. Lawrence community?

Your St. Lawrence experience doesn’t end once you graduate because there are so many ways to stay engaged with the Laurentian community. Not only are we the no. 4 alumni network in the nation, but we embrace the phrase “Laurentian for Life” by staying connected to classmates, professors, and the campus even after graduation. I have had the chance to meet alumni in multiple countries and it’s great to have that instant connection.

What’s your biggest piece of advice for prospective students and families during the college process?

Don’t be afraid to ask questions! The Admissions Team is here to help you throughout this process, and we want to help answer any questions that you may have about St. Lawrence or how to apply. We can also help you get in touch with coaches, professors, and current students so you can hear from more members of our community.  

What is your favorite North Country adventure?

I love to browse through all the book selections at Birchbark Bookshop. With over 75,000 used books to choose from, you can easily spend an afternoon (or two) discovering hidden gems or finding a beloved favorite.

Brianna Larrabee '22, Assistant Director

Contact Information: brlarrabee@stlawu.edu | (315) 229-5923

Recruitment Territory: New York (Franklin, Lewis, and St. Lawrence Counties)

What do you think is the most unique thing about the St. Lawrence community?

The friendliness and familiarity that St. Lawrence provides Laurentians on campus and long after graduation. When traveling and wearing St. Lawrence apparel, it’s common for fellow alums to come up to me and say, “St. Lawrence? That’s where I went to school!” From there, we strike up a conversation about how St. Lawrence has shaped us into the people we are today. No matter where you are, you can find a welcoming Laurentian. 

What’s one thing every prospective student/family should about ask on their tour?

Our strong alumni network. There’s a reason why it’s consistently top-ranked in the nation by Princeton Review. Laurentians around the world are quick to connect with students who are seeking advice, internships, or career opportunities.

What opportunity should every Laurentian take advantage of during their four years on campus?

The multiple off-campus study experiences we provide through our Center for International and Intercultural Studies (CIIS). We offer programs in the U.S. and all over the world that two-thirds of our students take advantage of at least once throughout their time here. These opportunities range from spending your first semester in London, taking a semester off-campus, traveling on a shorter summer trip, or exploring new destinations with faculty members for research!

What’s your biggest piece of advice for prospective students during the college process?

Whether you know exactly where you want to be or have no idea—the hardest part of any process is simply starting! Explore your options by looking at college websites to see what types of academics, housing, activities, and opportunities they offer. I highly recommend scheduling a tour or attending an on-campus program. No matter where you end up, get excited for this next step in life and trust yourself throughout your college search experience.

Kiersten Larrabee '20, Assistant Director

Contact Information: klarrabee@stlawu.edu | (315) 229-1842

Recruitment Territory: Colorado, Massachusetts, (Barnstable, Bristol, Dukes, Essex, Middlesex, Nantucket, Norfolk, Plymouth, and Suffolk Counties), and Vermont

What’s one thing prospective students/families shouldn’t miss on their tour?

On a clear day, at the top of the steps of Richardson (the oldest building at St. Lawrence), you can gaze out over the quad and see the Adirondack foothills over the tree line. It’s very cool and something I wish more people saw.

What is the most unique thing about the St. Lawrence community?

In the St. Lawrence community, there is a unique spirit of cheering each other on, rallying behind one another, and supporting the success of each Laurentian. We want to help each other out, and this culture of collaboration spans decades of Laurentians.

What opportunity should every Laurentian take advantage of during their four years on campus?

The SLU Connect programs—our signature networking trips that take students to cities across the country to meet with parents and alumni and learn about various industries. These programs are a unique way to tap into our alumni network, which continues to be ranked one of the top in the country.

What’s your biggest piece of advice for prospective students during the college process?

Trust your gut and trust the process. When you walk onto a college campus and it feels like home, listen to that feeling. Or, if the opposite happens, that’s really important to acknowledge too. You want to be sure that the college you choose is the right fit for you, so the best thing to do is listen to your instincts throughout the process.

Connor McSweeney '18, Assistant Director

Contact Information: cmcsweeney@stlawu.edu | 315-229-5584

Recruitment Territory: Alabama, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, and New York (Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Fulton, Genesee, Herkimer, Livingston, Montgomery, Niagara, Ontario, Orleans, Saratoga, Washington, Westchester, and Wyoming Counties)

What is your favorite St. Lawrence tradition?

Our Candlelight Service during the holiday season is one of the most beautiful examples of our close Laurentian community. Being together in the Chapel singing by candlelight is something that will always stick with me.

What is the most unique thing about the St. Lawrence community?

We have a very unique ability to find joy and fun in any situation. I remember once after a storm in the middle of winter, I saw two students run out of their dorms and immediately start playing hockey on the ice.

What’s one thing prospective students/families shouldn’t miss on their tour?

The Sullivan Student Center! Seeing club banners hanging from the balconies and stopping by the Northstar Café are great ways to get a taste of campus life.

Mary Sherwin, Assistant Director

Contact Information: msherwin@stlawu.edu | (315) 229-1844

Recruitment Territory: Connecticut (Hartford, Middlesex, New Haven, New London, Tolland, and Windham Counties, plus select schools), Massachusetts (Berkshire, Franklin, Hampden, Hampshire, and Worcester Counties, plus select schools), and New York (Kings, New York [select schools], and Queens Counties)

What’s one thing every prospective student/family should ask about on their tour?

Ask about our First-Year Program. Our Student Ambassadors are a great resource for learning more about what you might expect from your FYP.

What is the most unique thing about the St. Lawrence community?

St. Lawrence is very involved with the surrounding community. Whether our students are volunteering at Campus Kitchen or participating in Make a Difference Day, our students are here to partner with our North Country neighbors.

What is your favorite St. Lawrence tradition?

My favorite St. Lawrence tradition is the UNITY Project, an annual event in which students celebrate their uniqueness through art.