Serving South Campus, Off-Campus, and Commuter Students
Aisha Shanes
Residence Director | acshanes@syr.edu
South Campus Apartments and Skyhalls
Aisha joined Student 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.
Alex Root
Residence Director | ajroot@syr.edu
Apartment and Off-Campus Living
Alex joined Student 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.
Chelsea Buck
Residence Director | chbuck@syr.edu
South Campus Apartments and Skyhalls
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.
Eric Nestor
Director for Apartment & Off-Campus Living
Areas of Responsibility: Apartments and Off-Campus Living and Student Living Operations
Eric returned to Student Living as as Director of Apartment and Off-Campus Living in 2021 and 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. 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 | rmfroeli@syr.edu
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 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.