Familiar faces accept new positions at Geneva

BEAVER FALLS, PA (08/10/2012)(readMedia)-- Kara Lee Mantinaos has been named Honors Program Director and Assistant Director of Crossroads and International Student Services, joining Christina Coulter, Director of Academic Counseling Center & Educational Support Services (ACCESS) as Geneva's most recent additions to the staff.

Mantinaos is a May 2012 graduate of Geneva's Masters in Higher Education program, and previously served as the graduate assistant for the honors program during her two years as a higher education student. She is currently a resident of New Castle, Pa., but will be relocating to Beaver Falls, Pa., this fall.

"The recent transformation of the Honors Program took place because Dr. Guthrie's insight as a higher education professional and former dean helped to reconfigure it so more student scholars can enjoy its benefits," Mantinaos states. "Moreover, our efforts to raise the profile of the students' work and build a strong community of motivated learners were blessed beyond description. I am excited for the opportunities to build on these successes with the new graduate assistant, Mary Gentz. We intend to encourage more of Geneva's high-achieving students to embrace these opportunities."

Regarding her new role as Assistant Director of Crossroads, Mantinaos says she is "honored to have the opportunity to learn from the professionals currently serving students in those programs," adding that "a true education necessarily involves inter- and intra-cultural competencies that are best acquired through the experiences offered in Crossroads."

Coulter, a resident of Beaver Falls, Pa., accepted the position as ACCESS Director in May, following her achievement of a master's degree in higher education from Geneva and a three-year stint as a residence director at the college. The ACCESS office provides open access to academic counseling and coaching, extensive peer-tutoring opportunities, and appropriate support for students with disabilities.

"This summer we've already began making some changes to the face of ACCESS through fresh, colorful paint and an updated and more user-friendly webpage," Coulter says, discussing the future of ACCESS under her direction. "We will be inviting in two graduate assistants, Stephen Milliken and Molly Christy. Stephen will work directly in our office: meeting with students, planning events, and other various tasks. And Molly is situated in the athletics office and will specifically provide services to our student-athletes."

Both Mantinaos and Coulter are excited for the upcoming school year. As Coulter sums up: "It is tough to say exactly what changes will take place in the coming months, but our hope is to help students succeed at Geneva-and to do whatever it takes to bring them to a place of overall thriving."

Geneva College is a comprehensive Christian college of the arts, sciences and professional studies. Founded in the tradition of the Reformed Christian faith, Geneva prepares students to serve Christ in all areas of society: work, family and the church. Geneva College's philosophy of education is based on the Foundational Concepts of Christian Higher Education. Geneva is a founding member of the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities (CCCU).