Shaun Patterson
Director of Academic Advising and Support Services

Shaun Patterson is a rising leader in higher education, known for his innovative strategies and commitment to student success. With over eight years of experience in academic advising and retention, Patterson has consistently demonstrated his ability to enhance student outcomes and drive institutional growth. Patterson began his career at Nyack College as a Testing and Tutoring Coordinator in 2017. He quickly advanced, becoming the Assistant Director of HEOP and Student Success at Alliance University in 2019. In this role, he played a crucial part in supervising HEOP program planning and development, coordinating year-round programming for students, and connecting them with essential instructional support services. His dedication to developing best practices fostered strategic and operational growth within the Division of Student Success. Patterson was then promoted to Dean of Student Success at Alliance University (formerly Nyack College) in New York City from 2021 to 2023. There, he managed the Office of Student Success, overseeing advisement, HEOP, testing, tutoring, and disability services. Patterson role involved evaluating students; academic performance and coordinating with career services to ensure graduates were prepared for the workforce.

Pattersons@mccc.edu
(609) 570-3292

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David Ortiz-Nunez
Mercer 1^st Generation Students

Day Ortiz-Nuñez graduated from Stockton University with a B.A. in Political Science and an M.A. in Higher Education Administration & Leadership. As a 2017 EOF student, he built a strong foundation for understanding the challenges faced by underrepresented populations. Ortiz-Nuñez has served as a faculty advisor for the Caribbean Student Association, demonstrating his commitment to student engagement and support. His professional experience includes serving as an admissions data-driven professional at Stockton University, where he applied analytics to enhance recruitment efforts. Additionally, he has taught in the Business Analytics program at Stockton, solidifying his expertise in both education and data analysis. With a background deeply rooted in EOF, Latino, and First Generation experiences, Ortiz-Nuñez embodies a transformational leadership style. His qualifications allow him to guide students with clarity and precision, fostering success through structured support and data-informed strategies.

Ortiznunezd@mccc.edu
(609) 570-3515

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Victoria McCormick

Victoria McCormick is a graduate of Johnson & Wales University with a degree in Sports Entertainment Event Management. Over the past 10 years, she has held various roles in higher education, program coordination, and student advocacy, while also running a successful bakery business. As a team manager at Johnson & Wales University and an assistant to the Athletic Academic Advisors at Rutgers University, she managed student degree tracking, day-to-day operations, and study schedules. For the past 3 years, she has worked as a Program Coordinator, guiding teens through their transition from high school to college. Victoria is excited to help transform students and support their success both in and out of the classroom.

Mccormickv@mccc.edu
(609) 570-3529

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Zhamari Seals

Zhamari Seals graduated from Louisiana State University with a Bachelor's in Psychology and earned a Master's in Education Curriculum & Instruction from Nicholls State University. She served in the Army National Guard throughout college, which has equipped her to effectively support veteran students. Recently, Zhamari worked as an Advising Specialist for the Bridge to Completion program here at Mercer, helping non-traditional students reenter higher education and complete their degrees. She also has experience as a Senior Behavior Technician at a clinic for students with disabilities, further enhancing her ability to support diverse learners. With a strong background in data analysis and presentation, she aims to enhance the advising center's effectiveness. Zhamari is dedicated to empowering students to achieve their academic and personal goals.

Sealsz@mccc.edu
(609) 570-3520

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Dr. Michelle Pierson

Michelle Pierson graduated from TCNJ with a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education, earned a Master’s degree in Reading/Language Arts, and received a Doctorate degree in Education with a specialization in Curriculum and Instruction. She has been an educator for over 28 years with experience teaching in the K-12 sector and higher-education.  She, also, has over 20 years of experience as a learning consultant/coach and enjoys training both students and staff. She has been an English professor at various colleges for nine years and continues to teach as a part-time English professor at Mercer. She has been an academic advisor for over 8 years, with previous advising experience at Bucks County Community College. With a strong and diverse background in education and advising, she has a deep understanding of how to provide support to students, faculty, and staff in various areas. Michelle’s entire career is, and has been, dedicated to supporting and escalating students to realize and achieve the outcomes they desire.

Piersonm@mccc.edu
(609) 570-3671

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Hannah Skarzynski

Hannah Skarzynski graduated from Rutgers University with a Master of Arts in Education and a Bachelor of Arts in English. Hannah has experience working as an Academic Advisor at Rutgers University, where she helped students create and register for a practical, appropriate first-semester schedule. As an Employment Counselor, Hannah advocated for individuals with disabilities to ensure that their employers followed ADA compliance laws. Hannah also has experience working with students with learning disabilities and social emotional needs, from her time spent at New Brunswick HS and Neptune HS. Hannah is dedicated to cultivating an environment where students feel they belong.  

skarzynskih@mccc.edu
(609) 570-3516

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Melissa Santiago

Melissa received her BA in Liberal Arts from Mount Holyoke College, where she majored in English and minored in Politics and the Non-elite World. She completed her Master of Arts in Teaching at The College of New Jersey. Melissa has worked at Mercer County Community College for 14 years as Adjunct Faculty and Academic Advisor. She has taught in the English Department at MCCC and in the Multicultural Studies Department at Rider University. During her time at MCCC, Melissa has served on the DEI Task Force, the DEI Committee and the Middlestates Committee, among others, and she is the founding advisor for JKC Creative Change, the new student club on the Trenton campus. Melissa is a passionate advocate for our students at the JKC campus and is deeply committed to our college mission.

Santiagm@mccc.edu
(609) 570-3146