Our team prepares students holistically through leadership development, co-curricular programming, community engagement, and dialogue around inclusion and diversity. We strive to create a community of learners that think critically and act responsibly both within the Stevens community and beyond.
To contact the Office of Student Life, please email [email protected].
Leo Pedraza, Ph.D. | Assistant Dean of Students | Director of Student Life
Email: [email protected] | Phone: 201.216.5679
Dr. Leo Pedraza joined Stevens in November 2018, and he has dedicated the last 20 years to helping students succeed in college. Dr. Pedraza earned his Ph.D. in Higher Education Leadership, Management, and Policy at Seton Hall University, an M.Ed. in College Student Services Administration at Oregon State University, and a B.A. in Communication Studies at Cal State Long Beach. He is originally a Southern Californian but has been an East Coast resident since 2002. Outside of work, he enjoys a good burrito, traveling, playing volleyball, and lots of Disney Plus and HBO Max.
Responsibilities:
Oversight of Student Life programs, organization policy, and operations
Budget oversight, financial approval, and contract negotiations
Advisor to the Student Government Association, Commuter Student Union, and liaison to arts & music organizations
Civic engagement and parent/family programs
Mediation, crisis management, and judicial hearings
Danielle Maxson | Associate Director of Student Life
Email: [email protected] | Phone: 201.216.8962
Danielle rejoined the Student Life team In April 2022, after previously serving in the office from 2018-2021. Before starting at Stevens, Danielle received her M.Ed. in Higher Education Administration from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and her B.A. in English and Educational Studies from Arcadia University. Born and raised in Bayville, NJ, Danielle is a Jersey girl through and through. Outside of Student Life, you can find her baking up a batch of cupcakes, enjoying a Broadway show in the city, or eating all the pizza Hoboken has to offer! Danielle’s areas of oversight in Student Life include:
Responsibilities:
New student and transition programs
Community service and civic engagement opportunities
Administration of student engagement platform, DuckLink
Leadership development initiatives
Student organization support and liaison to professional organizations
Annual campus-wide large-scale events and traditions
Peer Leader Program
Kevin Grunder | Assistant Director of Fraternity & Sorority Life
Email: [email protected] | Phone: 201.216.3366
Kevin (he/him/his) joined the Student Life team in December 2021. Kevin earned his M.A. in Student Affairs Administration in Higher Education from Ball State University and his B.A in Public Relations and Theatre Studies from Rider University. Kevin is a proud member of a fraternal organization, and is passionate about working with student leaders to identify and lead with their “why” of fraternal membership. Outside of work, Kevin enjoys attending live theatre productions, watching Netflix series and movies, trying new coffee shops and restaurants, and exploring the city.
Responsibilities:
Advisement to 20 Greek-lettered social organizations, 3 governing councils, and 2 programmatic councils
Oversee Primary Recruitment for three governing councils
Provides education on risk management, social events, hazing prevention
Serves as liaison between chapters and other students, campus partners, headquarters staff
Shaya Morgan | Student Life Coordinator
Email: [email protected] | Phone: 201.216.3403
Shaya Morgan (she/her) joins the Student Life Team in Fall 2021 as our Student Life Coordinator. Before Stevens, Shaya's collegiate career included receiving her A.A. from Seminole State College of Florida, her B.A from the University of Central Florida (Go Knights!) in Interdisciplinary Studies and her M.A from New York University in Higher Education Student Affairs. Her background is founded in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs/trainings to create inclusive and equitable spaces for students. Originally from Orange City Florida, Shaya moved to NYC in 2018 and has made it her home. Some fun facts about Shaya include her love for anime and Disney so if you ever want to have a conversation about either she is your go-to person!
Responsibilities:
Leadership Programs for students through workshops, courses, and events
Advisor to the Entertainment Committee and co-advisor to Student Government Association
Advisement of student organizations
Annual campus-wide large-scale events and traditions
Recruitment, selection, and training of Peer Leader team
New Student Programs
Natasha Oramas | Student Life Administrative Assistant
Email: [email protected] | Phone: 201.216.5206
Natasha Oramas (she/her) joined Stevens in September 2021, after three years in Medical Device Sales and Marketing. She graduated from Boston University with a B.A. in International Relations, focusing on China and Japan. Natasha is a Hudson County native and knows some of the best local spots in NJ and NYC! Outside of work, she enjoys reading in excess, watching C-Dramas, and playing video games. She is currently replaying the Mass Effect series for the Nth time...She also enjoys bad puns and the occasional dajare.
Responsibilities:
Recruitment, selection, and training of Student Center Assistants
Budgetary allocations, compliance, and financial transaction processing
Training and advisement of Student Organization Treasurers
Liaison to recreational, electronics, and gaming organizations
Caitlin Gurgone | Graduate Coordinator for Fraternity & Sorority Life
Email: [email protected] | Phone: 201.216.5532
Caitlin (she/they) joined the Student Life team in August 2022. Caitlin earned their B.A. in History from Susquehanna University and is pursuing an M.A. in Higher Education and Student Affairs at New York University. Caitlin is a proud member of Zeta Tau Alpha Women’s Fraternity which influences her passion to advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion in the Fraternity & Sorority Life space, and make all students feel comfortable and safe in their homes away from home. Outside of work and school, you can find Caitlin watching anime, playing video games, enjoying a Mets game, and dancing.
Responsibilities:
co-advisement of fraternities and sororities
IMPACT Leadership retreat for Greek students
Educational programs for new members of the Greek community
Risk management, social events, and hazing prevention