About

Staff

OAMI

“OAMI has meant a sense of family for me. Like a home away from home.” – OAMI Student

We have an open door policy. Each of us is here because we have an individual passion and commitment to developing students. We look forward to seeing you soon!

 

  • Julia J. Barron, M.S.

    Success Coach
    juliajb@umich.edu

    Julia holds a Master's degree in Developmental Psychology from the University of Michigan. Before UMich, she began her educational journey at Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC). Julia is passionate about connecting and supporting students to obtain their academic, personal, and professional goals

  • Sharon R. Burch, M.A.

    Associate Director
    sharbu@umich.edu

    Sharon manages administrative and operational functions to maximize outcomes of staff and programs that serve OAMI's mission. Her experience in higher education includes pre-college outreach, admissions, and program development. As a U-M graduate, she values student success as a paramount goal!

  • Gloria Derr Taylor, M.Ed.

    Director
    gtz@umich.edu

    Gloria directs the organization vision, and designs, develops and implements strategic plans to meet the mission goals of the office. Gloria brings experiences in student recruiting, student and program development, and fiscal management to execute the role of director.

  • Angela Espinosa

    Administrative Assistant
    ayespino@umich.edu

    Angela has 15+ years of experience in the realm of administrative assistance. Additionally, as a Southern California transplant, she brings with her the experiences of growing up in the diverse cultures of Los Angeles. Outside of the office, Angela enjoys being a foster mother.

  • Hector Galvan, M.A.

    Assistant Director, Success Coach
    hgalvan@umich.edu

    Hector leads Undocumented Student Initiatives, chairs the SAMI grant, is a DEI lead for the Office of Diversity Equity & Inclusion. He is also a success coach, coordinates the Dance for Mother Earth Powwow and various graduation celebrations. Hector was raised in Detroit and is a U-M graduate.

  • Lara HAMZA, M.F.A., M.A.

    M-CONNECT PROGRAM MANAGER
    larah@umich.edu

    Lara develops M-Connect programming to promote transfer student success and enjoys coaching students holistically. A former LSA Academic Advisor and first-gen graduate, she holds a BA and MA from UM and an MFA from OSU. She has taught creative and academic writing at UM, OSU, Oakland U, and HFC.

  • Alan

    Alan Hernandez, B.A.

    Success Coach
    alanher@umich.edu

    Alan is a Success Coach and coordinates the SuccessConnects Tutoring Initiatives, and works with the Michigan Hispanic Collaborative cohort. He graduated from the University of Michigan in 2019 with a B.A. in International Studies.

  • Erika Johnson, M.A.

    M-Connect Program Director
    hattrick@umich.edu

    As the director of M-Connect for community college transfer students, and a Success Coach, Erika strives to help each student realize that they belong here. She has worked with transfer students for over 25 years through roles in admissions and new student programs, and holds a BA and MA from U-M.

  • Janice Jones, Ph.D.

    SuccessConnects Program Director
    janjone@umich.edu

    Janice’s intent is student development and success through her role as program director for Success Connects. She is the Chair for the MLK Planning Committee and Co-Chair for the MLK Symposium. Bringing a wide range of experience in higher education, her interests is in resilience research.

  • Samrawit Kahsay, B.A.

    Program Coordinator, Success Coach
    skahsay@umich.edu

    Samrawit is a Success Coach and coordinates the Graduate Success Partners. She graduated from the University of Michigan with a B.A. in Women’s Studies. She is enthusiastic about mentorship and encouraging students to achieve holistic success.

  • Nrupali Kulkarni, M.S.

    Data Manager
    nrupalik@umich.edu

    Nrupali provides her expertise in managing data by ensuring the data systems and technological mechanisms are in alignment with OAMI's mission, goals and objectives. She graduated from Arizona State University, earning her MS in Information Systems Management with specialization in Data Analytics.

  • Gregory O. Thomas, M.A.

    Assistant Director, Success Coach
    gothomas@umich.edu

    Greg is the Program Director of the Men of Color Leading in the Classroom (M-CLIC) program, Co-Chair of the annual U-M MLK Symposium, Coordinator of the Black Celebratory and a Success Coach with SuccessConnects. He holds a Masters Degree in Higher Education/Student Affairs.