Career Center Team

Dan Naegeli is the Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs, Career. Dan earned an M.S. in Community Counseling from the University of Central Arkansas and a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. He likes helping UNT students find the start to their professional careers and seeing their excitement when they land that job or internship. When he’s not at UNT, he enjoys golf, swimming, and working on projects around the house. The best piece of advice he received was, “Always try to have fun in everything you do. If you do that, the good times will be great, and the bad times won’t be terrible.” He has been described as responsible, supportive and fun.

Want to learn more about what the UNT Career Center has to offer? Email Dan at dan.naegeli@unt.edu.

Jeanette Hickl is the Senior Associate Director for Student Engagement and Operations. Her primary functions include supporting Student Employment Team and the Internship Teams as well as overseeing our marketing and assessment efforts. Jeanette earned a M.S. in College Counseling from Radford University and a B.S. in Human Development with a concentration in Human Services from Virginia Tech. She likes helping UNT students because she loves hearing about a student’s experience and ensuring UNT Career Center is helping students reach their career goals. When she is not at UNT, she is spending time with her husband and two dogs. As a newbie to the area, she likes exploring what Denton has to offer. The best piece of advice she received was, “If you do not like where you are, move. You are not a tree.” She has been described as nerdy, empathetic, and a fixer.

Want to learn more about what the UNT Career Center has to offer? Email Jeanette at jeanette.hickl@unt.edu.

Chaun’ta Laurent is the Senior Administrative Specialist. Chaun’ta earned an A.S. in Business from the University of Phoenix She likes helping UNT students by listening to what they need. When she is not at UNT, she is cooking, baking, planning parties, and traveling with her children. The best piece of advice she received was, “Do what makes you happy, there is no greater self-fulfillment.” She has been described as goal-oriented, independent, and true-hearted.

Want to learn more about what the UNT Career Center has to offer? Email Chaun’ta at chaunta.laurent@unt.edu.

Patricia Chastain is the Associate Director of Student Employment. Patricia earned an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. She likes helping UNT students grow from their student employment jobs into careers. When she is not at UNT, she enjoys photography and travel. The best piece of advice she received was, “When given the opportunity to jump off a cliff, do it, something will catch you.” She has been described as passionate, strong, and adventurous.

Want to find out more about Student Employment opportunities, events, and policies? Email Patricia at patricia.chastain@unt.edu.

LeAndra DiNicola is the Student Employment Coordinator. LeAndra earned a B.B.A. from Northwood University. She likes helping UNT students because they are the reason faculty and staff are here and she believes in providing excellent customer service to the entire UNT community.  In fact, having a student come in discouraged by the job search process and being able to help them locate, apply and land an on-campus position makes her day! When she is not at UNT, she is often gardening, reading, spending time with family, and her many rescue pets. The best piece of advice she received was, “Do the job you have now to the best of your ability. Always have pride in a job well done no matter how big or small.” She has been described as short, sassy, and customer-service oriented.

Want to find out more about our student employment opportunities, events, and newsletter? Email LeAndra at Leandra.Dinicola@unt.edu.

Hannah Eblen is the Office Support Associate. Hannah earned a B.A. in General Studies from the University of North Texas. She likes helping UNT students because as a UNT alumnus, she could not have succeeded without the assistance she received from different UNT resources. She enjoys being able to feel like she can return that support to the community. When she is not at UNT, she likes to stay involved and up to date on current events and trends to better understand what the students and our upcoming generations are experiencing and the problems they are facing. The best piece of advice he received was, “As a perpetual renter, always buy and use an oven thermometer. Appliances are almost never calibrated correctly!” She has been described as empathetic, creative, and inquisitive.

Want to learn more about what the UNT Career Center has to offer? Email Hannah at hannah.eblen@unt.edu.

Betsy Chea is the Assistant Director-Internships. Betsy earned a M.A. in College Counseling from Western Michigan University and a B.A. in Psychology from Michigan State University. She likes helping UNT students find successes in their career development journeys and navigate their college pathways with preparation and utilization of invaluable resources. When she is not at UNT, she is attending outdoor concerts, traveling, running half marathons, enjoying restaurants, and catching up on Netflix series. The best piece of advice she received was, “Have you given it your best? That is all I ask of you.” She has been described as gregarious, thoughtful, and dedicated.

Want to find out more about our internship opportunities and events? Email Betsy at Elizabeth.chea@unt.edu.

Corey Davidson is an Internship Specialist and the Technology Lead for the UNT Career Center. He supports students in the Mayborn School of Journalism and the College of Science. Corey earned a B.A. in English from the University of North Texas. He likes helping UNT students because so many students come into the office stressed and overwhelmed by the thought of trying to plan their career. He loves being able to help them break down the process and remove some of that stress. When he is not at UNT, he enjoys spending time with family, reading books, drinking coffee, playing and listening to music, and drinking more coffee. The best piece of advice he received was, “Pursue what you are passionate about.” He has been described as a context seeker who works from intellection and a place of humor whenever possible.

Want to find out more about our internship programs for Journalism or Science?  Students can schedule an appointment through Navigate. Want to find out more about what technology we are using to ensure the success of our students? Email Corey at corey.davidson@unt.edu.

Caroline Frey is an Internship Specialist and supports the College of Engineering, College of Information, College of Merchandising, Hospitality and Tourism, College of Music, and College of Visual Arts and Design. Caroline earned a Master of Science in Industrial and Organizational Psychology from University of Texas at Arlington and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Hardin-Simmons University. Caroline likes helping UNT students because it gives her the opportunity to play a role in the career journeys of students and because of the positive impact that career services made when she was student herself. When she is not at UNT, she enjoys strolling through antique shops, going to the dog park to meet other people’s puppies, and watching Friends. The best piece of advice she received was “life rarely goes according to plan, but plan anyways.” She has been described as energetic, loyal, and playful.

Want to find out more about our internship programs for Engineering, Information, Music, Visual Arts and Design, Merchandising, Hospitality, Tourism and how Caroline can assist you? Students can schedule an appointment through Navigate. You can also email Caroline at caroline.frey@unt.edu.

Aaron Anderson is an Internship Specialist who supports the Colleges of Education, Health and Public Service and Liberal Arts and Social Sciences. Aaron earned a Bachelor of Arts in English and a Master of Arts in English Literature and Creative Writing from the University of North Texas. He likes helping UNT students because their creativity and determination to succeed is inspiring. When he is not at UNT, Aaron can be found listening to records in his garage or chasing his twin boys around one of Denton’s amazing local parks. The best piece of advice he received was “life goes by too fast, so you’d better make time to enjoy it.” He has been described as empathetic, laid back, and devoted to his friends and family.

Want to find out more about our internship programs at UNT for Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, Science, or Health and Public Service? Students can schedule an appointment through Navigate. Email Aaron at aaron.anderson@unt.edu.

Deidre Leslie is the Associate Director for Career Education and supports the Career Coaches. Deidre earned an M.B.A. Strategic Leadership from Amber University and a B.S. in Business and Public Administration from the University of Texas at Dallas. She likes helping UNT students on their journey to graduation and ultimately assisting students with their successful transition to the workplace. It is very rewarding for Deidre to support students while they develop marketable skills critical to their professional success. It’s a pleasure to witness students have their “Aha Moment” when they can identify and articulate their skills and accomplishments and then be offered that special employment opportunity. When she is not at UNT, she is maintaining her status with her nieces and nephews as the “Coolest and Best Auntie.” She enjoys attending their dance and music recitals, theatrical productions, sporting events, and sleep-overs, going on family vacations, enjoying family lunches/dinners, shopping with her nephews and nieces, and having long conversations with them about anything and everything. The best piece of advice she received was, “You become what you believe. Having positive thoughts will give positive results.”  She has been described as professional, confident, reliable, realistic, and fair.

Want to find out more about how Deidre can help you? Her office is located in Sage Hall, Suite 202, and students can schedule an appointment through Navigate.

Sean McNamara is an Assistant Director and supports the College of Liberal Arts and Social Science majors. He earned M.Ed. in Counseling from UNT and a B.A. in History from Seton Hall University. He likes helping UNT students because UNT students are such hard workers, with a wide range of experiences both inside and outside of the classroom. He enjoys listening to their stories and helping them translate that into a career they will love. When he is not at UNT, he likes to read, spend time outdoors, watch movies, and travel whenever he can. The best piece of advice he received was, “No great success was ever achieved without failure. The idea that one failure isn’t the end but a lesson has helped me to be brave enough to try new things even though I’m not certain to succeed.” He has been described as kind, determined, and curious.

Want to find out more about how Sean can help you? His office is located in Sage Hall, Suite 202. Current students can schedule an appointment through Navigate.

Susan Bradley is a Career Coach and supports the College of Science. Susan is currently working on a Ph.D. in Adult Education from the University of Arkansas, earned an M.B.A from Southern Methodist University and a B.S. in Marketing from the University of Arkansas. She likes helping UNT students because they are passionate about their futures and their education. When she is not at UNT, she is spending time with family and friends, including her four-legged family members, traveling, and reading novels. She is glad to have the opportunity to apply her experience in the business world, including owning her own business and working in leadership positions for Fortune 500 companies, to helping college students learn how to identify and achieve their career goals.

Want to find out more about how Susan can help you? Her office is located in Hickory Hall, 283B. Current undergraduate and graduate students can schedule an appointment through Navigate.

Laura Garza is a Career Coach and supports the College of Engineering (CENG) and College of Information (COI). Laura earned an M.S. in Counseling from Troy University and a B.S. in Psychology from the University of Maryland.  She also earned a Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity-Threat Detection through Webster University in 2017. Laura enjoys helping UNT students explore their majors and potential career paths which line up with their natural preferences. When she is not at UNT, she loves traveling. The best piece of advice she received was “Luck favors the prepared.” She has been described as a listener, creative, resourceful.

Want to find out more about how Laura can help you? Her office is located in Discovery Park, Suite C-111. Undergraduate and graduate students can schedule an appointment with Laura through Navigate.

Janice Lader is a Career Coach and supports the College of Merchandising, Hospitality and Tourism and the College of Health and Public Service. She earned an M.Ed. in Student Affairs from Regent University and a B.A. in English from Regent University. She likes helping UNT students because she enjoys getting to know students and helping them to identify career paths based on their interests and goals, and then establishing the route necessary to successfully reach their destinations.  When she is not at UNT, she is spending time with her daughter and two dogs, going to concerts and live theatre performances, working on her creative writing, and taking on DIY projects at home. The best piece of advice she received was, “If you bang on enough doors, one is bound to open. She has been described as compassionate, motivated, and creative.

Want to find out more about how Janice can help you? Her office is located in Sage Hall, Suite 202. Current students can schedule an appointment through Navigate.

Miaya Love is a Career Coach and supports the College of Education and the Mayborn School of Journalism. Miaya earned an M.S. in Counseling and an M.Ed. in Student Affairs from Texas A&M University and a B.S. in Psychology from Texas A&M University. She likes helping UNT students because each student is unique, very motivated, and open to change.  When she is not at UNT, she enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and her dog Bentley, traveling, listening to music, and watching zombie movies. The best piece of advice she received was, “Bloom where you’re planted!”. She has been as described kind, open, and honest.

Want to find out more about how Miaya can help you? Her office is located in Chestnut Hall, 103 and students can schedule an appointment through Handshake.

Margaret Oaikena is a Career Coach and supports First Year students. Margaret earned an M.Ed. in Counseling from Texas Christian University and a B.S. in Psychology from Texas Christian University. She likes helping UNT students to discover their gifts, talents, and skills. She believes it is rewarding to come alongside students and help them to recognize their potential.  When she is not at UNT, she is traveling, going out to eat, and spending time with family. The best piece of advice she received was, “Whatever you do, do your best at it.” She has been described as introspective, encouraging, and kind.

Want to find out more about how Margret can help you? Her office is located in Sage Hall, Suite 202, and current students can schedule an appointment through Navigate.

Marcy Bishop-Lilley is a Career Coach and supports the College of Visual Arts and Design and the College of Music. Marcy earned an M.F.A. in Painting and Drawing from the University of North Texas and a B.A. in Art Education from University of North Carolina at Pembroke. She likes helping UNT students by facilitating an environment n which students can find and acknowledge their strengths to pursue their dreams. When she is not at UNT, she is brunching, traveling, snuggling her puppies, and gardening with her husband. The best piece of advice she received was, “Don’t worry about a thing, ’cause every little thing gonna be all right.” She has been described as creative, calm, and thoughtful.  

Want to find out more about how Marcy can help you? Her office is located in Sage Hall, Suite 202. Current students can schedule an appointment through Navigate.

Schedule an Appointment

Would you like to meet with Amy? Appointment options include in-person, phone, Zoom, and email. Alumni can schedule an appointment through Handshake. For assistance with appointment scheduling (including Handshake and Zoom), go to Schedule an Appointment.

About Amy

Amy Hicks is a Career Coach, and she supports all UNT Alumni. Amy earned an MBA from Texas Woman’s University and a BGS in Criminal Justice and Health Studies from Texas Woman’s University. Amy likes helping UNT students by providing resources and tools for their career journey, assisting students during job transition and change, and helping to connect education with meaningful work through career advising, teaching, and mentoring. When she is not at UNT, she is spending time with her three fantastic children and dear friends, exploring the outdoors, visiting new places, cooking, and listening to music. The best piece of advice she received was, “Take every opportunity to make memories – They are a gift you will hold close and treasure. Look for ways to help others create great memories too – they will end up being some of your best!” She has been described as curious, encouraging, and energetic.

Brian Hirsch is the Senior Associate Director and supports the G. Brint Ryan College of Business. Brian earned an Ed.D. in Higher Education Administration from the University of Southern Mississippi, a M.Ed. in College Counseling and Student Personnel Administration from Southern Mississippi University, and a B.S. in Zoology from LA Tech. He likes helping UNT students because they are very coachable, they are very hard workers, and they care about what they do when they go out into the “world.” When he is not at UNT, he enjoys reading and hanging out with his family. The best piece of advice he received was “You need to learn to laugh at yourself.” He has been described as dedicated, focused, and a learner.

Want to find out more about how Brian can help you? His office is located in the Business Leadership Building – BLB 037. Current undergraduate and graduate students can schedule an appointment through Navigate, and alumni can schedule an appointment through Handshake.

Destiny Price is a Career Coach and supports the G. Brint Ryan College of Business. She earned an M.S.A. in from Ohio University and a B.B.A. in Marketing from the University of Texas at Arlington. She likes helping UNT students because she loves seeing students win. When she is not at UNT, she enjoys working out and spending time with family and her micro French bulldog. The best piece of advice she received was, “Identify a problem then work to become the solution.” She has been described as passionate, determined, and giving.

Want to find out more about how Destiny can help you? Her office is located in the Business Leadership Building – BLB 037, and students can schedule an appointment through Navigate.

Dee Wilson is a Career Coach and supports the G. Brint Ryan College of Business. Dee earned an M.Ed. in Higher Education from the University of North Texas and a B.B.A. in Business Administration & B.S. in Government from Texas Woman’s University. Dee likes helping UNT students because she enjoys seeing students succeed in developing themselves, discovering their passions and finding a career that is rewarding to them. When she is not at UNT, she spends time with her family, watches and attends sports events, watches movies, and goes to concerts/plays. The best piece of advice she received was “Be humble and listen more than you speak while showing interest in others.” She has been described as caring, detail-oriented, and dependable.

Want to find out more about how Dee can help you? Her office is located in the College of Business, BLB 037, and students can schedule an appointment through Navigate.

Beth Kent is a Career Coach and supports the G. Brint Ryan College of Business. Beth earned a BBA in Management from Michigan State University.  Beth likes helping UNT students because she believes all students can find their ‘success’ when we take time to coach and guide them on developing their skills and talents, teach them to follow their passions and challenge them to be leaders.  When she is not at UNT Beth enjoys working in her yard and gardens, doing anything outdoors, and spending time with family and friends.  She has two grown successful kids and loves to travel to Colorado to visit her daughter and go hiking when she can.  The best piece of advice she received was “Life is short, take time to smell the roses and live with purpose!”  She has been described as detail oriented, strong and a good listener.

Want to find out more about how Beth can help you? Her office is located in the College of Business, BLB 037 and students can schedule an appointment through Navigate.

Roxanne “Roxy” Verrelli is an Assistant Director at UNT Career Services @Frisco. Roxanne earned an M.Ed. in Higher Education with emphasis on Student Affairs from UNT and a B.B.A. in Organizational Behavior/HR Management from UNT. Roxanne likes helping UNT students feel less lost and for the reward of seeing those students get the internship or job. When she is not at UNT, she is running her own business. The best piece of advice she ever received was “Stay true to who you are – don’t ever change for someone else.” She has been described as an extrovert, smiley, and a jokester.

Want to find out more about how Roxanne can help you? Her office is located on the Frisco campus. Current students can schedule an appointment through Navigate, and alumni can schedule an appointment through Handshake.

Megan Namayi is a Career Coach and supports the UNT at Frisco campus. Megan earned a M.Ed. in Higher Education from the University of Arkansas and a Bachelor of Science in Secondary English Education and Secondary Speech/Theatre Education from Southwest Baptist University. Megan likes helping UNT students learn how to navigate the different challenges that come with figuring out what they want to do with their life, as well as helping students see their full potential. When she is not at UNT, she enjoys reading and spending time with her family and friends. The best piece of advice she received was “See every circumstance as an opportunity to learn.” She has been described as collaborative, dedicated, and funny.

Want to find out more about how Megan can help you? Her office is located on the Frisco campus. Current students can schedule an appointment through Navigate, and alumni can schedule an appointment through Handshake.

Amy Ferman is the Associate Director for Employer Development & Outreach. Amy earned a M.Ed. in Higher Education from the University of North Texas and a B.A. in Communications from Stephen F. Austin State University. She likes helping UNT students by recruiting employers to take part in career fairs and other campus events.  When she is not at UNT, she is exploring Denton’s Downtown Square or working out at the UNT Rec Center. The best piece of advice she received was, “Be yourself.” She has been described as caring, determined, and helpful.

Want to find out more about how you can recruit UNT students? Email Amy at amy.ferman@unt.edu or call 940.565.2622.

Tammy van der Leest is the Employer Development Coordinator. Tammy earned a M.A. in Organizational Management with a concentration in International Business from Ashford University and a B.S. in Professional Aeronautics from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Tammy likes helping UNT students to turn all the hours of studying and hard work into a great job offer! When she is not at UNT, she is traveling, kayaking, and out having fun with her kiddo. The best piece of advice she received was, “Get your education!” She has been described as energetic, fun, and curious.

Want to find out more about how you can recruit UNT students? Email Tammy at tammy.vanderleest@unt.eduor call 940.369.8656.

Desiree Johnson is the Scheduling & Events Coordinator. Desiree earned a B.A.A.S. in Business Administration from the University of North Texas. She likes helping UNT students because she loves seeing UNT students grow socially and market themselves. She believes if you are here at UNT, it is because you deserve to be here, and you have the right to showcase that. When she is not at UNT, she enjoys cooking because there is something about reading a recipe and attempting to create it that is exciting for her. Of course, Food Network is LIFE! The best piece of advice she received was, “You only get one life… have no regrets!” She has been described as dedicated, caring, and vivacious.

Want to find out more about our interview suites? Email desiree.johnson@unt.edu.

Daisy Gillam is the Assistant Director of Events & Employer Services. Daisy completed her B.A. in General Studies from Southern New Hampshire University in 2020 and is currently working on her Master’s in Organizational Leadership. She likes helping UNT students by being an end resource–either giving students the answer or getting students directly to the person who has the answer. When she is not at UNT, she is outdoors, crocheting, binge watching Netflix, or starting way more projects than she ever finishes. The best piece of advice she received was, “If someone offers you a breath mint, always take the breath mint; they probably offered it to you for a reason.” She has been described as motivated, result-oriented, and flexible.

Want to find out more about our special events and fairs? Email Daisy at daisy.gillam@unt.edu.