The School of Data Science Welcomes Eight New Staff Members
The School of Data Science welcomes eight new staff members across the school. From admissions to student affairs, and development to marketing, the new team members bring years of experience in higher education, support, and creativity.
Jess Beverly, Assistant Director of Student Affairs
Jess joins the School of Data Science from James Madison University (JMU) where she worked with over 450 student organizations including Student Government Association, professional fraternities, acapella groups, and fun social groups like the Bigfoot Club and Taylor Swift Society. During her time at JMU, she focused on student leader development. Jess is excited to “help develop student services for all SDS students while encouraging a close-knit community.”
Fun Fact: Jess once spent a long weekend in Reykjavik, Iceland just to see an Ed Sheeran concert.
Contact Information: wyu6rd@virginia.edu | Dell I, Room 103A
Stephanie Fentress, Director of Development
Stephanie comes to the School of Data Science with a career in corporate philanthropy and higher education fundraising where she focused on K-12 science, engineering, and math programs. Prior to SDS, she previously served as an associate director of development with the UVA School of Engineering’s advancement team.
Stephanie is excited to join SDS because of the explosion of growth happening at the School. “I look forward to keeping the momentum going and finding new and innovative ways to support our students and programs through various avenues of philanthropy.”
Fun Fact: Stephanie loves to cook, all cuisines and with any ingredient. “My favorite cookbook author and food personality is Ina Garten.” She also loves to eat, and when not working you can find her at one of her favorite local restaurants.
Contact Information: smf8pm@virginia.edu | Elson, Room 169A
Kristen Greer, Associate Director of Admissions
Kristen brings a decade of experience in higher education, previously serving as a senior assistant dean in UVA’s Office of Undergraduate Admission where she directed on-Grounds programming and co-chaired Days on the Lawn. Kristen is a double Hoo with a BA in English Language and Literature and M.Ed. in Higher Education Administration.
Kristen is excited to join the School of Data Science because of the “limitless potential for growth.” She’s excited to help build the School and its programs.
Fun Fact: “I have danced since I was two years old and am currently taking adult classes at the Charlottesville Ballet.”
Contact Information: kmg9nb@virginia.edu| Dell II, Room 118
Chrissie Holt-Hull, Administrative Generalist
Chrissie joins the School of Data Science with 10 years of experience in administrative support and leadership in personnel and financial operations. She previously served with the Office of the University Counsel, the Dean's Office at the College of Arts and Sciences, the Department of Art at the College, and the School of Architecture. Chrissie is most excited about the comradery amongst the administrative team, acknowledging that “teamwork makes the dream work.”
Fun fact: When she’s not at work, you can find her canvassing the outdoors, creating recipes, or sifting through thrift shops. She also loves to trampoline.
Email: hff2vf@virginia.edu |
Hannah Pede, Assistant Director of Career and Professional Development
Before joining the School of Data Science, Hannah worked as the Career Counselor for Science & Technology at the UVA Career Center where she advised students on career and professional development opportunities related to STEM fields.
Hannah is excited to continue her career work with students at SDS and “learn from a collaborative and caring team.”
Fun fact: When she is not at work, you can find Hannah at King Family Vineyards. “I did a research-abroad project in the Bahamas as an undergrad!”
Email: hff2vf@virginia.edu | Dell I, Room 103B
Kirsten Samuels, Marketing Manager
Kirsten comes to the School of Data Science from Plow and Hearth where she served as the Associate Content Director. With a background in creative, marketing branding, and project management in both traditional print and digital, she’s excited to use her “power for good.”
Kirsten is a UVa alumna who lived In Charlottesville as a child.
Fun fact: “My dad took me to see Richard Nixon leave the White House when I was five years old. I vividly remember him holding my hand and telling me, “This is history, Kirst.”
Email: kco6d@virginia.edu | Elson, Room 168
Rebecca Schmidt, Associate Director of Equity and Belonging
Rebecca brings 15 years of leadership and project management experience in public policy, program development, implementation, and evaluation for nonprofit and government agencies. She has learned from and worked with communities and policymakers around embedding diversity, equity, and inclusion within organizations while reflecting that commitment externally.
Rebecca is excited to join the School of Data Science because of the synergy between her background in public health and data science. She says while the fields differ in age, they are both in transformational stages.
Fun fact: “I play Gaelic football.”
Email: bzb2jy@virginia.edu | Dell I, Room 106
Kristy Simpkins, Assistant Director, Online Student Success and Engagement
Kristy comes to the School of Data Science with a background in mental health and college counseling. She has dedicated her career to supporting and building programming for student success at several two and four-year institutions across Virginia. Prior to joining SDS, Kristy worked for Student Health and Wellness where she facilitated WahooWell, a well-being resource for UVA students at Student Health and Wellness.
Kristy is excited to join SDS because she thrives on new challenges and looks forward to helping others, designing programming, and creating community.
Fun Fact: “I am also a certified health and well-being coach. I’m always happy to chat about well-being!”
Email: kms8k@virginia.edu | Dell II, Room 118