Golden Gate University

Cherron was named Dean of undergraduate programs for the Ageno School of Business in July 2006. Prior to that appointment, Cherron served as the director of admissions and student affairs since November 2000. She came to Golden Gate University in 1999 as the assistant dean of student affairs. Her career includes experiences at a mid-sized public institution and small, private institutions for both traditional undergraduate students and non-traditional, working adults seeking degree completion or graduate degrees. Her recent experience includes leadership for both recruitment and retention activities by managing services related to outreach and recruitment, admissions, academic advising, international student services, career and internship services, counseling, disability services, student life, graduation certification and commencement. In addition, she has also worked in the areas of marketing and collateral development, strategic planning, institutional research and maximizing the use of technology to support enrollment and student services via the internet.

Cherron received a bachelor of science in criminal justice and a master of public administration, both at New Mexico State University in Las Cruces, New Mexico. She also holds an Ed.D. from the University of Alabama.

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Ayana joins Golden Gate University with over 12 years of experience in higher education administration. Born in Chicago, IL and raised in Ithaca, NY, Ayana pursued her undergraduate degree at New York University. After receiving her Bachelors of Science in International Business and Finance, Ayana returned to Ithaca as a Financial Aid Counselor in the Office of Financial Aid and Student Employment at Cornell University.

After moving to Chicago, IL to attend graduate school at Roosevelt University in Chicago, IL, she received her Masters of Science in Hospitality and Tourism Management in 2005 and returned back to Ithaca. Over the past 8 years, Ayana has held positions at the Cornell University Graduate School as the Registrar and Director of Student Services and at Ithaca College as the Assistant Dean of Student Services in the School of Business.

As a longtime enthusiast of learning and education, Natalie began her career in university education as an undergraduate at UC Davis. After earning a BA in English with a minor in political science, Natalie continued on to grad school at Sonoma State University, pursuing a MA degree in literacy criticism. During her time at Sonoma State, she taught composition and served as coordinator for the university's graduate writing requirement. She has also held positions with the California Department of Education and Educational Testing Service. A native of Sonoma County, she happily took up residence in the bay area.

Natalie joined GGU as the Program Coordinator for Undergraduate Programs, and continues her work with GGU’s undergraduate population as the Manager of Administration and as an adjunct in the English Department.

Natalie enjoys painting, drawing, and travel in her free time, and is a devoted reader.

Beth began working in student affairs as a resident assistant while attending San Francisco State University. While at SFSU she worked in residence life for many years and received a bachelor of science degree in kinesiology. Though science is still something she enjoys, working in student affairs has always been where her true interests lie.

She started working at Golden Gate University in early 2005 in admissions and student affairs. After taking a short leave from GGU she is glad to be back and working in undergraduate programs where she can get to know students better. Beth is also currently studying for her M.B.A. here at GGU.

Beth enjoys running and has completed a marathon, as well as several half marathons and adventure races. She is also the proud aunt of two nephews and a niece and loves to spoil them whenever possible!

Jennifer returns to GGU with over 12 years of experience in enrollment services. After serving as a licensed social worker, her career in education began in a more traditional setting at Plymouth State University (PSU) in NH, where she worked for 8 years. Since that time, including a year with GGU Enrollment Services in 2005, she has worked with non-traditional and online students as while recruiting transfer students for a degree completion program at Indiana State University. She holds a BA in Social Work with minors in Gerontology and Health Management Policy at the University of New Hampshire, and is currently finishing an M.Ed. in Human Relations from PSU.

As Jennifer and her husband raise their passionate and curious toddler, the whirlwind of admissions travel no longer felt fitting. Upon her family’s move back to the bay area and through the support of an amazing leadership team in Undergraduate Programs, Jennifer has smoothly transitioned into her current advising role and is able to work remotely. She has found her niche advocating for and partnering with students along their unique and individual educational journeys.

In her free time, Jennifer loves spending time with family and friends, reading, playing Scrabble and exploring the Bay Area, once again, but through the eyes of her toddler. She also hopes to become a hospice volunteer.

Alliah comes to GGU with 4 years of academic advising experience, as well as experience in other areas of student services including student accounts, financial aid, enrollment, and career advising. Her passion for providing quality service to students makes her a resource in the GGU educational journey. Alliah is originally from Brooklyn, New York and moved to the Bay area to pursue her goal of completing her Bachelor of Arts in Research Psychology at Mills College in Oakland, CA. She is now working on a Master of Arts in Counseling with a focus on College Student Services and Career Counseling at Saint Mary’s College of CA.

Alliah loves the beauty and sunshine of Northern California and now calls it home! Her main hobbies range from watching and discussing Japanese animation to restaurant-hopping with friends. She has a pet guinea pig named Peanut Buttah and unsuccessfully tries to teach him tricks.

Oscar began his career in education at Golden Gate University School of Law where he worked as an administrative coordinator before going into student affairs. Prior to joining the undergraduate team, he worked as a graduate academic advisor at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco. He earned his bachelors degree in International Relations with a concentration in Middle East and Islamic studies from California State University Sacramento and will soon complete a master's degree in Higher Education Administration from Northeastern University. He strongly believes that commitment to ongoing education is key to social sustainability and growth and is very excited to be working at Golden Gate University. He is an avid reader, classically trained cellist and loves to travel in his free time.

Jamie joined Golden Gate University in 2012 with 10 years of experience working in education spanning several areas of student services, including enrollment, guidance counseling, and academic advising. Most recently, Jamie worked as an academic advisor for Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, AZ. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Northern Arizona University and completed a Master of Arts in Education in 2005.

Jamie was born in New Hampshire but spent most of her life in Scottsdale, AZ. She has also lived in Colorado and Southern California before moving to the Bay area this year. She enjoys the weather and beauty that Northern California has to offer. When Jamie is not working she is spending time with her husband, two Boxers, and cat. She is an animal lover and actively volunteers with a local Boxer rescue organization. Jamie also enjoys traveling, cooking, reading, and spending time with her family, including two nieces and nephews, all of whom live in AZ.

She is passionate about higher education and enjoys helping her students achieve their goals of earning their degree.