Judith Redling, PhD, Associate Provost
B.E., Engineering Physics, Stevens Institute of Technology; M.S. & Ph.D., Biomedical Engineering, Rutgers University.
Joining the administrative team in the CLA Dean’s office in July 2014, Dr. Redling has extensive experience in undergraduate retention efforts, managing initiatives to advance student success. As Associate Dean for Academic Services at Drew, Dr. Redling directs initiatives to identify at-risk students and coordinate interventions, connecting students with academic services and promoting academic engagement with the Drew community of advisors, teachers and peers.
Dr. Redling’s teaching and research experiences focus on learning assessment and pedagogy to improve outcomes for students in STEM disciplines. Her faculty affiliation at Drew is with the Department of Physics.
Dorothy Helmken, M.Ed., Director of the Center for Academic Excellence
Dorothy (she/her/hers) is a graduate of Drew University (C’22, G’24) who earned her BA in Chemistry with a minor in Environmental Studies and Sustainability, her M.Ed. in Teaching and Learning, and a Certificate of Teaching Writing. Prior to attending Drew, Dorothy earned her AA in Elementary and Secondary Education from Warren County Community College of NJ. In addition to being the Director of the Center for Academic Excellence tutoring centers, Dorothy works with both the Fair for Emerging Researchers (FER) and the Queer Mathematics Teacher (QMT) as a staunch advocate of seeking equity in education to create welcoming, engaging, and joyful learning environments, both in and beyond the classroom. Dorothy has previously worked in both the University Writing Center and the Center for Academic Excellence as a Peer Tutor, Writing Specialist, Peer Academic Coach, Graduate Assistant Coordinator, and Center Coordinator. Using all of these experiences, Dorothy works with the peer tutors and staff at the Center for Academic Excellence and University Writing Center to meet Drew students where they are in their academic support journey!
Cassandra Davis, MA, Director, EOS Program
Cassandra E. Davis is the Director of Educational Opportunity Scholars. As Director, Ms. Davis is responsible for managing initiatives that advance student success, retention, and programming for eligible EOF students at Drew University.
Ms. Davis joined Drew University in July 2023. She earned her MA in Education and a BA in Communications from Seton Hall University of South Orange, New Jersey. Ms. Davis has worked in higher education for over 30 years and has served as Associate Dean of Student Affairs at Seton Hall, as Executive Director of GEARUP Newark at Essex County College, in Directorship capacities at Kean and Rutgers University; and, most recently at Passaic County College where she increased the number of students served in TRiO Student Support Services from 160 to 420 by influencing the writing of two additional grants.
Ms. Davis is a successful effective leader and communicator in articulating and fostering a commitment to inclusive and transformative education from students from diverse backgrounds.
Dana Giroux, MA, Director of Accessibility Resources
Dana Giroux is the Director of Accessibility Resources. As Director, Dana works to develop accommodation plans for students who have temporary or permanent disabilities.
Dana joined Drew University in November 2018. She earned her MA in Counseling from Montclair State University and her BA in Psychology from Kutztown University of Pennsylvania. Dana has worked in higher education for over 10 years. She has served as an Admissions Counselor and Disability Services Office Liaison at Centenary University (formerly Centenary College) and most recently as the Assistant Director of Disability Services at Seton Hall University.
Dana is driven to improve the lives of students through interaction, guidance and advocacy as well as building relationships with and being a resource for faculty and staff.
Johulin Zuluaga, Student Success Adviser
Johulin graduated from Drew University in 2011 with a B.A. in Sociology and French. She is a first-generation, Colombian-American and also a graduate of the Education Opportunity Scholars (EOS) program. Currently she serves as the student success adviser working with Drew’s first year students as they adjust to college.
Before returning to The Forest, Johulin worked with SEEDS (formerly known as NJ SEEDS), where she gained wonderful experience working with students ranging from middle to high school and college. Prior to SEEDS she also served as an AmeriCorps member in City Year New York for an East Harlem middle school.
Mary Yenesel, Administrative Assistant
Mary is an administrative professional with experience in many areas, including budgeting, accounts payable and public relations. She holds a bachelor’s degree in English from Rutgers University – Newark and earned her MBA from the Rutgers Graduate School of Management while working in the telecommunications industry. Prior to joining the CAE staff, Mary held administrative positions at another university and at a municipality.