SCE Staff Directory

Mary Loeffelholz is dean of Cornell University’s School of Continuing Education (SCE) and a professor in the Department of Literatures in English in Cornell’s College of Arts and Sciences. As SCE’s dean, Loeffelholz serves as a key member of Cornell’s academic leadership team, partnering with deans, vice provosts, and vice presidents to design and implement innovative academic programs, guide strategic growth in enrollment, and advance university initiatives in support of faculty and students. Read more about Dean Loeffelholz.

Daniel Kratochvil supervises academic program development, delivery, and quality assurance for SCE.

Ben Balkaya is the associate dean for administration for Cornell’s School of Continuing Education. He brings more than 20 years of experience in higher education, with expertise in financial stewardship, enrollment operations, technology modernization, organizational development and strategic planning. At SCE, he helps strengthen the administrative systems and services that support the school’s programs and students.

Ben began his career in admissions and enrollment management. He later served as country director for the State University of New York in Turkey, where he developed international partnerships and supported students pursuing educational opportunities in the United States. Before joining Cornell, he held leadership roles in graduate education and finance and administration at Binghamton University.

Ben holds an MBA from Binghamton University and a bachelor’s degree in economics from Bilkent University.

Beth Beach serves as executive staff assistant for SCE, providing administrative, operational and project support to the school’s three deans. Her work helps advance SCE’s mission of expanding access to educational opportunities.

Before joining Cornell, Beth built her career in administrative support roles in the corporate sector, developing expertise in executive support and project coordination.

Through her work with academic and administrative leaders, Beth supports SCE’s community of learners, faculty and staff.Outside of work, Beth enjoys watching birds in her backyard and attending concerts

Samantha “Sam” Elebiary directs Cornell’s Precollege Studies program, overseeing strategy, planning and operations to connect high school students with Cornell courses, faculty and community.

Sam joined SCE in January 2026 with more than a decade of experience in higher education, student affairs, career development and program administration. She focuses on expanding institutional partnerships, improving the student experience and strengthening program processes.

Before Cornell, Sam held leadership roles in career education and student development, most recently as associate director of the Center for Career Exploration and Development at Ithaca College. She holds a master’s degree in higher education and student affairs administration and a bachelor’s degree in psychology. She is committed to creating inclusive, supportive environments where students can explore their interests and build confidence.

Outside of work, Sam enjoys spending time with her family and exploring the Finger Lakes region.

Chris Hinman administers proposals for courses at Cornell during the Summer and Winter Sessions through collaborations with academic departments across the university.

Collins Peters represents SCE in the administration of cooperative arrangements, such as with the National Education Equity Lab and Shoals Marine Laboratory.

Jamie Calabris is director of communications for SCE. She develops and implements communications strategies that use digital technologies to strengthen messaging and promote enrollment across the school’s programs. She holds a bachelor’s degree in fine arts with a minor in graphic design and has spent much of her career developing digital campaigns and in-person events.

Jamie has helped develop key elements of the Precollege Studies residential program, including events for students and families, while adhering to Cornell’s standards for programs involving children and youth.

Outside of work, Jamie volunteers with the girls swim team and drama boosters in her local school district.

Shelley Preston writes and produces stories, videos, social media content, advertising materials, and more for SCE and oversees events.

Donna L. Haeger is the academic director of curriculum for the School of Continuing Education’s Bachelor of Professional Studies degree in organizations, markets and society. She is also a professor of practice in the Charles H. Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management, part of Cornell University’s SC Johnson College of Business. She brings expertise in business analytics, leadership and management to support innovative, accessible education for diverse learners.

Haeger has more than 20 years of professional experience working with people, processes and technology. She holds a doctorate in management and designing sustainable systems from Case Western Reserve University. At Cornell, she has designed and taught business analytics courses from the introductory to graduate level in in-person, hybrid and fully online formats, including eCornell’s global Business Analytics Certificate program. She chaired the task force that designed and launched Dyson’s business analytics concentration and serves as its coordinator. Her research explores technology in the workplace, leadership and teams.

Haeger is committed to helping students, particularly adult and nontraditional learners, connect their education to their individual goals. She strives to create flexible, engaging and inclusive learning environments that build confidence, develop practical skills and make educational goals attainable.

Beyond Cornell, Haeger serves her community through mentoring and initiatives that promote financial literacy and lifelong learning.

As director of admissions and college registrar, Emily Ivory leads SCE’s student services unit, overseeing admissions, enrollment, student records and support services for a range of learners.

With more than 18 years of experience in student support, administration and leadership at Cornell, Emily has developed and strengthened systems, processes and services that advance student success across undergraduate, graduate, non-degree, community and adult education programs.

Drawing on her professional expertise and experience as a first-generation undergraduate and adult graduate student, Emily is committed to creating accessible, student-centered paths that help learners achieve their academic and professional goals.

As assistant director of enrollment operations, Amie Goble helps deliver SCE’s programs through her work in enrollment and registration. In more than a decade at SCE, she has developed extensive knowledge of the school’s academic offerings and student populations. She uses that knowledge to support students throughout the enrollment process.

Amie earned her bachelor’s degree from Rochester Institute of Technology. She continues her professional development through Cornell training programs and recently completed the Harold D. Craft Leadership Program.

Outside of work, Amie enjoys crafting, spending time with her family and caring for her two collies.

Sam Hamilton is a Slate systems analyst who manages SCE’s admissions database and supports application and registration processes for its courses. With extensive experience in admissions and enrollment management, she uses technology to improve the experience of prospective and current students, faculty and staff.

Drawing on her background as an admissions counselor and enrollment manager, Sam helps make application systems easier to use and more efficient. She has earned annual Slate professional certifications through SCE as part of her ongoing professional development.

Outside of work, Sam enjoys reading and exploring historical sites. She has visited more than 30 presidential homes and libraries.

Ashley Keister supports administration, admissions, and enrollment operations; provides guidance to current and prospective students; and responds to wide-ranging inquiries as a main point of contact for SCE.

Tiffany Jordan manages financial transactions, conducts reporting and analysis, and ensures compliance, while supporting budget preparation and contract management for SCE.

Mitch Wiedemann, a user interface/user experience specialist, works on systems to support the Student Services team.

Ruby is a senior human resources business partner for SCE. She manages human resources functions, including recruiting, onboarding, compliance and employee relations, and serves as a bridge between leadership and staff. With an understanding of how HR decisions affect organizations, Ruby guides day-to-day people management, maintains discretion and approaches sensitive conversations with empathy. She also helps shape workplace culture and develop the talent pipeline needed to sustain SCE’s mission.

Ruby’s bachelor’s degree in mathematics and computer science provides a strong analytical foundation for using people analytics, technology and data to inform HR strategy and decision-making.

As an HR leader, Ruby’s goal is to create lasting impact by helping people grow, leaders succeed and organizations thrive.

Bailey Rose provides data analysis, reporting, and transactional support for human resources, finance, and administrative operations, ensuring university compliance while fostering collaborations across campus.

Jesse Kreager serves as SCE’s Finance Manager and is responsible for overseeing budgeting, financial operations, and compliance to support the school’s wide-ranging programs.

As a finance specialist, Deanna Eastwood helps manage SCE tuition and scholarships and plays a key role in financial reporting and budgeting. She has more than 23 years of accounting experience, most of it in higher education.

Deanna organizes office donations for the Cornell Elves Backpack and Holiday programs. She is also a member of Community Fire & Rescue, where she serves as a certified first responder, fire police officer and treasurer. She helps organize the department’s fundraising and community outreach events.

Deanna enjoys spending time with her family and pets.

Beth Underwood performs accounting transactions, supports program reconciliation, provides payment assistance, and ensures SCE compliance with university policies.

Melissa Cole focuses on in-house applications and website programming, database management, data visualization, and system administration.