Associate Director

Andrew Cappuzzello currently serves as the Associate Director of the Engagement Center for the Division of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement. In this role, he serves Kent State University by providing leadership, oversight and strategy to the reimagined Engagement Center, which has traditionally been one of the university's primary outreach tools to alumni and friends.

Andrew began working at Kent State University in October 2022. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Education degree in Integrated Mathematics and a Master of Education in Higher Education Administration and Student Personnel, both from Kent State.

Andrew’s favorite thing about working for Kent State is being able to give back to the university that has helped shape and develop so many areas of his life and to help provide that opportunity to others.

Jodi Gabor currently serves as associate director of board engagement for the Division of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement. In this role, she acts as a liaison with current and former Foundation Board members by building relationships and creating engagement opportunities.

Jodi began working at Kent State University in 2022. She graduated from Iowa State University in 1993, and holds a bachelor’s degree in art and design.

Her favorite thing about Kent State is the beautiful campus and the energy students and alumni bring with them.

Dr. Schell is a licensed psychologist and the Associate Director of CAPS.  He has extensive experience in college mental health and has spent his career working at Kent State University.  In addition to providing clinical services and offering leadership to the department, he oversees psychological testing and assessment, clinical training, supervision of interns and externs, substance use services and our Collegiate Recovery Community, and social media and website development.  Beyond his role with CAPS, Dr. Schell is also a part-time Adjunct Professor on the graduate faculty in the Department of Psychological Sciences and is part of a local group practice in a neighboring community.  

Education:

B.A., Psychology, Northwestern University 1988
Ph.D., Clinical Psychology, Kent State University 1998
Predoctoral Internship, Clinical Psychology, Yale School of Medicine 1998
Postdoctoral Fellowship, Clinical Psychology, Yale University 2000

Clinical Specialties:

• Depression
• Anxiety and OCD
• Relationship Difficulties
• Identity Development and Life Transitions
• Trauma
• ADHD
• Substance Use Concerns

Position:

I'm the Associate Director of University Outreach and Engagement and I'm responsible for pipeline initiatives and directly oversee the enrollment and retention of District of Columbia College Access Program students as well as LeBron James Family Foundation students. Additionally, I oversee the recruitment and retention efforts of Choose Ohio First Scholarship students and assist with the recruitment needs and retention tracking of Upward Bound Classic, Upward Bound Math and Science as well as Akron Public Schools students.

Experience:

I've earned a Bachelor of Arts in Media Studies from the University of Mount Union, a Masters of Arts in Journalism and Mass Communication from Kent State University, and am anticipated to receive my Ph.D. in Cultural Foundations, in the College of Education, Health and Human Services at Kent State University in May 2024. 

I've worked in higher education for 19 years and began my career in retention as an Assistant Director for the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs at the University of Mount Union where I assisted in the development of the multicultural orientation program Kaleidoscope, executed the programmatic efforts of the office, and served as the co-advisor to the Black Student Union (BSU) and the Director of the Great Expectations Program. 

For the past thirteen years, I've assisted in the recruitment efforts for the Enrollment Management Division at Kent State University. I've served as the Assistant Director of Multicultural Student Recruitment in the Admissions Office and for the past year have served as a Senior Assistant Director of First-Year recruitment. In these roles, I've worked directly with prospective students and families throughout Northeast Ohio with their enrollment goals and have planned several recruitment and yield events such as Multicultural Visit Day, the Northeast Ohio College and Career Day, and Golden Flash Night. 

I value community, communication, and collaboration and believe in the potential of all students. I strive to work smarter and in doing so advocate for opportunities to learn and grow. I encourage professional development and have hired, trained, and supervised both student and professional staff. Currently, I work closely with our LeBron James Family Foundation (LJFF) and District of Columbia College Access Program (DC-CAP) partners to assist in the enrollment plans and continued success of these students. 

Fun Fact:

I'm a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. I'm a native of Akron, Ohio where I attended Akron Public Schools and reside with my husband Courtney, son Brendan who will be a new freshman at Kent State Fall 2021, daughter Kortlyn who will be a new freshman at Firestone Community Learning Center, and my pug, Lavender.

As Associate Director of External Relations, Becki develops and stewards meaningful relationships with Kent State Geauga and Twinsburg Academic Center supporters and implements the philanthropic priorities of the University.  She believes in changing lives by making education accessible, affordable, and attainable.  Before joining Kent in 2022, Becki worked in public libraries and sports marketing.  She has a Bachelor of Arts in English from Ohio University.  Becki lives in Geauga County and volunteers for Leadership Geauga (class of 2020) and the League of Women Voters of Geauga.  She enjoys spending her free time doing anything outdoors, reading, playing bocce, and bowling.