Living Learning Communities has four staff members who work to accomplish the office mission and manage the short-term and long-term development of the living learning community program. These staff members are supported by many different offices and people across campus who make the development and implementation of living learning communities possible.
Dan Cutler
Director of Living Learning Communities
Dan Cutler serves as the director of Living Learning Communities. In this role, Dan provides leadership to the development and implementation of over 30 different living learning communities, including partnerships with Housing, Student Living, Office of the Registrar and faculty and academic representatives from each of the University’s nine undergraduate schools and colleges. He holds a Bachelor of Science in biology and chemistry from the University of Wisconsin – River Falls, a Master of Education in guidance and counseling from Clemson University, and is currently pursuing his Doctorate in Higher Education Administration at Syracuse University.
Jessica Newsom
Assistant Director of Living Learning Communities
Jessica Newsom serves as the assistant director in Living Learning Communities. In this role, Jessica leads the assessment and evaluation of living learning communities' (LLC) impact, directs the vision for LLC student staff implementation and coordinates training and ongoing development for the LLC faculty and staff. In addition, Jessica is charged with the development and teaching of a Gallup Clifton Strengths-based LLC course, as well as the design and implementation of the LLC Industry Fellows program. Originally from Nashville, TN, Jessica earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Tennessee and a master’s degree from the University of Louisville.
Giuliana Painter-Rings
Coordinator of Living Learning Communities
Giuliana Painter-Rings serves as the Coordinator for Living Learning Communities. In this role, Giuliana oversees student staff and student leader recruitment, training and development, including the supervision of the Living Learning Community (LLC) Peer Mentors. Additionally, Giuliana is charged with the strategic oversight, planning and execution of LLC Large Scale Initiatives, including LLC Orientation, the fall semester Academic Initiative and the End of the Year celebration in the spring semester. Giuliana also manages the website and contributes to our marketing efforts. Giuliana is originally from Scotia, NY but has lived and worked in Buffalo, Rochester and Lexington, Kentucky. She holds a master's degree in Higher Education and Student Affairs Administration from Canisius College and received her Bachelor's degree from SUNY Plattsburgh.
Barb Norris
Administrative Specialist
Barb Norris serves as the administrative specialist for the Living Learning Communities. In this role, Barb assists with the day-to-day operations, budget management, and overall program planning and support. She holds an Associate of Applied Science in chemistry from Alfred State and a Bachelor of Science in business from SUNY Oswego.