Apartment and Off-Campus Living Staff

Aisha Shanes

Aisha joined Residential Living in October 2023 as a Residence Director for South Campus. Her educational journey began with her undergraduate studies at Buffalo State, followed by the pursuit of a master’s degree in Communications at Virginia State University. Aisha also teaches at Onondaga Community College, providing guidance and advisement to others. Her relationship-building skills have equipped her with the ability to effectively communicate and achieve goals within diverse student populations, faculty, and various service areas. Aisha thrives in various communication environments and finds fulfillment in adapting to them all. Aisha is proud to be part of the esteemed Syracuse University community and is eager to contribute to its continued success.

Chelsea Buck

Chelsea started her journey here at Syracuse University in 2023. Originally from Syracuse, Chelsea previously working for Disney World in Orlando, Florida. She received a B.A in American Sign Language Interpreting from Rochester Institute of Technology/National Technical Institute for the Deaf, where she also worked as a Resident Advisor and was the school mascot. During her time in Rochester, she was very involved in the Deaf community and enjoyed teaching free ASL classes and competing in the Deaf Volleyball Association. Chelsea was also part of the music Interpreting team that started the work collaboration with Rochester’s Drag club “ROAR.” During her free time, Chelsea can be found thrifting, plant shopping, reading, or eating Korean Barbecue. She is also an avid TV binger and is waiting for the next season of Stranger Things.

Kimmie Barr

Alex Root

Alex joined Residential Living in January 2023 as a Residence Director for Apartment and Off-Campus Living. He develops and implements large-scale programmatic initiatives for off-campus and commuter students, and supports the South Campus living experience. Alex has numerous academic degrees: a master’s degree in Business Administration from Florida International University; a master’s degree in Sports Management from Real Madrid Graduate School – Universidad Europea; a certificate of advanced study in Intercollegiate Athletic Advising & Support from Syracuse University; a bachelor’s degree in Management & Leadership and with a minor in Communications from LeMoyne College; and an associate’s degree in Business Administration from Onondaga Community College. Outside of work, Alex enjoys spending time with his family and friends, working out, helping others, and always trying to better himself overall.

Rachel Froelick

Rachel joined Syracuse University in October 2021 as the Residence Director for Apartments and Off-Campus Living. Previously, Rachel was the Assistant Director of Residence Life and Deputy Title IX Coordinator at Keystone College. She is a Pennsylvania native who earned her bachelor’s degree in Communications at Keystone College. Rachel also earned her master’s degree in Higher Education Administration from Purdue University Global. Rachel loves spending time with her family, reading psychological thrillers, watching baseball and football, and has a goal to visit every major league baseball stadium.

Eric Nestor

Eric returned to Residential Living in 2021 as Director of Apartment and Off-Campus Living, where he oversees South Campus, off-campus, and commuter student communities along with department operations, technology, and budget. He previously served as Associate/Interim Director of Student Rights and Responsibilities (2013–2021) and held multiple roles in Residence Life (1998–2013). He has contributed to university wide efforts through the Chancellor’s Task Force on Sexual and Relationship Violence, the Threat Assessment Management Team, and the Behavioral Coordinating Committee. Eric earned both his M.S. in Counseling/College Student Personnel Work and his B.A. in History from Shippensburg University (PA). Outside of work, he enjoys family time, rooting for the Syracuse Orange, Miami Dolphins, Florida Panthers, and New York Yankees, and relaxing with beach trips, hiking, or a good political/spy thriller.

Joe Personte

Joe joined Residential Living in 2019 as Assistant Director of Apartment and Off-Campus Living. In his role, Joe assists his director overseeing the South Campus, off-campus, and commuter student communities. Prior to joining SL, Joe served as the Manager of Off-Campus and Commuter Services from 2017 to 2019. In addition, Joe previously worked in the Whitman School of Management managing the IMPRESS Program and as an academic advisor. Joe started his career at Syracuse University in the Office of Admissions. Joe has been on Syracuse University’s campus serving students since 2000. Joe bleeds Orange as well as Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Sabres royal blue! Joe enjoys spending time with his wife, son, and his dog. Joe’s undergraduate degree was earned at SUNY Fredonia where he earned his degree in elementary education. Joe served for 10 years as an elementary school teacher here in Central New York and in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Joe enjoys sports, the outdoors, spending time with his bandmates, and classic rock.

Melinda Secor

Melinda has worked at Syracuse University for over 20 years. She enjoys fun with family, good films and books, good friends, and her cat.