Meet Dr. Shawna Cooper Whitehead

Melinda joined the Boston College Community in 2017 after having spent 14 years at Framingham State University where she served in various roles, including as the Associate Vice President/Dean of Students. Melinda is a licensed psychologist and is particularly interested in factors related to student wellness. Additional higher education experience includes providing counseling services at Radford University, Saint Mary of the Woods College, and Indiana University.

Melinda is an active member of her professional organization, NASPA: Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education. She has served at both the regional and national level and is currently the Region I Director-Elect. She was recognized by NASPA in 2017 as the inaugural recipient of the AVP/Senior-Level Student Affairs Professional Award.

Melinda earned her B.A. in Psychology from Smith College, an M.A. in Counseling Psychology from Radford University, and a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from Indiana State University.

Coming soon.

Jonathan Hinrichs is Director of Finance and Business Operations. He is responsible for financial planning, budgeting, accounting, resource allocation, and business services for the Division of Student Affairs.  Jonathan joined Boston College directly from the University of California, Santa Cruz where he managed the financial and business operations for a unit of the university.  Prior to that, he worked in finance and operations in the outdoor products industry and also spent time as a cartographer with National Geographic.  

Jonathan holds an M.B.A. from the University of Colorado and a B.S. from Mary Washington College.

Claire joined the Boston College community in 2017 after spending 11 years at Framingham State University where she served in various roles, including as the Director of the Office of Student Involvement and Leadership Development. Before her current role as the Special Assistant to the VPSA for Strategic Initiatives, Claire served as the interim AVP for Student Engagement and as the Director of the Office of Student Involvement.

Claire earned her B.A. in Secondary Education and History from Boston College, an M.A. in Higher Education Administration from Boston College, and an Executive Ed.D. in Higher Education from Boston College.

Judy Ferres is the Director of Administrative Services in the Division of Student Affairs.  In this role she is responsible for division related human resource activities, partners with Information Technology Services, Facilities, and Institutional Research and Planning on divisional projects, planning and improvements.  Prior to working in Student Affairs, Judy worked as Associate Director in the Office for Institutional Diversity at Boston College. In this capacity, her responsibilities included the development and implementation of the University’s affirmative action program and ensuring equal opportunity compliance.  As part of her work Judy is an integral part of the Disability Services Coordinating Committee which is working towards ensuring inclusion for all members of the BC community (students, faculty, staff, alumni, parents, and visitors). 

Before joining BC, Judy worked as an HR Consultant for an international law firm based in Boston, where her focus was affirmative action program development, I-9 audits and other compliance related projects. Prior to the law firm, Judy worked in various HR management capacities in non-profit, professional services, automotive and financial industries. This work include time working in London, England and in Michigan.

In addition to her human resources certifications (SPHR, SHRM-SCP and SCAAP), Judy holds a Master’s degree from Wayne State University and a Bachelor’s degree from Eastern Michigan University.

Lisa Berasi is the Senior Associate Director of Marketing and Communications. She is responsible for the execution of marketing strategies and communications, graphics, branding, and oversees the division’s online presence.

Previously, Lisa worked as a senior graphic designer and marketing associate for a financial services company, specializing in requests for proposal development, brand management, and the creation of print and web publications. Most recently she worked as a business development manager for a government relations firm and as a freelance graphic designer in the biotechnology, education, and financial services industries.

Lisa holds a B.A. in Studio Art from Lake Forest College, a Certificate in Graphic Design from the Museum School of Fine Arts in Boston, and an M.S.A. from Boston College.

Karen is the Administrative Assistant to the Vice President for Student Affairs. In her role, Karen is the Vice President's administrative point of contact for students, parents, and the Boston College community.  In addition, she supervises nine students working in the VPSA office.  Karen holds a B.A. and an M.A. degree from Boston College.

Amy Pildner is the Student Affairs Administrator. She is responsible for advancing the work of the Division of Student Affairs, with a particular focus on integrated learning, staff professional development, and creating student experiences and programs that align with the divisional strategic plan. She works closely with all thirteen departments within Student Affairs. Amy also assists with Student Affairs communication initiatives and digital engagement.

Before transitioning to the Division of Student Affairs, Amy joined Boston College in the Supported Employment Program, providing support to the employees on campus who have developmental disabilities. Additionally, Amy is on the BC Women’s Collaborative Steering Committee.

Amy earned her B.A. in Psychology from Ithaca College and graduated May 2024 with her M.S. in Leadership and Administration with a specialization in Executive Leadership and Organizational Development at Boston College.