Serving South Campus, Off-Campus, and Commuter Students
Aisha Shanes
Residence Director
South Campus Apartments and Skyhalls
Joining Student Living in October 2023, Aisha is thrilled to embark on her journey as the newest Residence Director for South Campus. A Syracuse, NY native, Aisha has deep roots in the local community. Her educational journey began with her undergraduate studies at Buffalo State, followed by the pursuit of a Master’s in Communications at Virginia State University. Throughout her career, Aisha has found the greatest joy in teaching at Onondaga Community College and 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. Whether in the office or classroom, her genuine passion for people enables seamless communication and fosters a strong sense of teamwork. She 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.
Alex Root
Residence Director
Areas of Responsibility: Apartment and Off-Campus Living
Alex joined Student Living as Residence Director for Apartments and Off-Campus Living in January 2023. From Syracuse, NY his whole life, Alex is no stranger to the weather that may come in the area. Alex earned an Associate’s degree in Business Administration from Onondaga Community College and then went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Business: Management & Leadership, with a minor in Communications from Le Moyne College. He is currently working towards a Master’s degree in Business Administration from Florida International University and another Master’s degree in Sports Management from Real Madrid Graduate School. Outside of work and school, Alex enjoys spending time with his family and friends, watching and playing sports, and making a difference in his community.
Chelsea Buck
Residence Director
South Campus Apartments and Skyhalls
Chelsea Buck (she/her) started her journey here at Syracuse University as the newest Residence Director for South Campus in 2023! She is originally from Syracuse and has recently returned to the area after working for Disney World in Orlando, Florida. Chelsea 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 the school mascot. During her time in Rochester, she was very involved in the Deaf community and enjoyed teaching free ASL classes as RITs “No Voice Zone” and competing in the Deaf Volleyball Association. She 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.
Eric Nestor
Director for Apartment & Off-Campus Living
Areas of Responsibility: Apartments and Off-Campus Living and Student Living Operations
Serving as Director of Apartment and Off-Campus Living since 2021, Eric oversees our South Campus, off-campus, and commuter student communities as well as all department operations within Student Living. Eric has worked at Syracuse University since in 1998, serving in a variety of roles during his time. Previously, Eric served as Associate/Interim Director of Student Rights and Responsibilities from 2013-2021 and in several roles in Residence Life from 1998-2013.
Eric currently serves on the Chancellor’s Task Force on Sexual and Relationship Violence. He previously served on a variety of University committees, including in the Threat Assessment Management Team and the Behavioral Coordinating Committee. Eric earned his Master of Science degree in Counseling/College Student Personnel Work and his Bachelor of Arts in History from Shippensburg University in PA. He enjoys rooting for his favorite sports teams: the Syracuse Orange, the Miami Dolphins, and Florida Panthers, and the New York Yankees. When not at work, he enjoys spending time with his wife and three daughters, his dog, relaxing at the beach, reading political/spy thrillers and history books, and hiking. Eric is also a fan of country music and the Rolling Stones.
Joe Personte
Assistant Director
South Campus and Off-Campus Living
Joe joined Student Living (SL) 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
Administrative Specialist - South Campus
Areas of Responsibility: Apartment and Off-Campus Living
Melinda has worked at Syracuse University for over 20 years. She enjoys fun with family, good films and books, good friends, and her cat.
Rachel Froelick
Residence Director
Areas of Responsibility: Apartment and Off-Campus Living
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 where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Communications at Keystone College. Rachel is also earning her Master’s 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.