Academic Advising Staff

Laurie J. Wenchell, MS.Ed.

Senior Director
Email: lwenchell@iona.edu

With more than 30 years in education, from high school classrooms and guidance offices to college admissions, career services, dean of students offices, as well as schools of communication and Arts & Science, her goal has remained the same: to work to engage students in a meaningful dialogue about how all forms of education, in and out of the classroom, enrich perspective and broaden one’s options beyond that which can be seen today.

Patti came to Iona more than 10 years ago as an academic adviser in the School of Business. Patti’s background includes experience in athletics, having been a competitive soccer player in school, during her first job working with Division I athletes guiding them in volunteerism and community engagement, and now, as the moderator to the Iona softball team. As an adviser and director, Patti has worked with all levels of students, from honors to those on probation, as they progress from admission to graduation, and continues to do so in the Center.

A native of New Rochelle, Stephen grew up in the shadow of Iona University. He has worked in various capacities at the University for nearly three decades, and has been advising Arts & Science students for 20 of those years. At various points, he has specialized in the academic advisement of freshman, transfer students, non-traditional/adult students and at-risk students. Stephen is also an Iona University alumnus, having earned degrees in 1996 and 1998.

Nicole returned to Iona, as an academic adviser in 2016, after having graduated in 2010. Her career in higher education began in an admissions office where she engaged students in all steps as they moved from inquiry to enrollment. Nicole also worked in financial aid, where she guided students in all things FAFSA, and eventually, moved to advising. She enjoys assisting students as they create their first schedule, discussing major and program options as students make their path toward a degree program, and is excited to help them as they confirm their final semester and move on to graduation.

Leslie has over 20 years of experience in education, from starting in residence life as a hall director, to working in international admissions, as a kindergarten teacher and most recently as a member of the Center for Student Engagement. Throughout her career she has worked to create seamless processes to help students succeed and attain their goals. She is excited to continue working with students at the advising center. Her broad experience in education is a resource to help students reach their academic and career goals.

Graduating from Stony Brook University with her MS in Physiology and Biophysics, Laurin has been advising students and working in several different academic and student development roles at her alma mater. With a background steeped in the sciences and a keen interest in seeing students meet their goals, Laurin looks forward to helping students gain the perspective and stamina needed to see them through to degree completion. 

With a background working with students at the collegiate and postgraduate levels, Michael joins the academic advising office having worked in both higher education and the not-for-profit world.  Having been a resident of New Rochelle for his entire life, Michael is excited to join the Iona community after attending college in Providence, Rhode Island.  He hopes to apply his mentoring experience and his forward-thinking mindset to help students create clear and concise plans for their present, and their future.

Graduating from Stony Brook University with his MA in higher education administration, Matthew has experience helping students as a graduate teaching assistant, student athlete tutor and graduate admissions reader. Helping students from all walks of life has given him the ability to see higher education from the student perspective, even after his graduation. He is a native of Rye, New York, and is excited to embark on his advising journey.

With lots of patience, and an equal amount of humor, Elaine helps keep the Advising Center running smoothly. She joins us with a background in the high-pressure temp field and is very adaptable and quick to assess situations. Elaine also has experience working in higher education, which brings with it its own idiosyncrasies and challenges. She is happy to be at Iona, not only because she is now in her own neighborhood and loves her new commute, which sometimes means you will see her enjoying a walk in to work.