Student Life Division Staff
The student life office is located on the second floor of the University Commons. General questions for the student life team can be submitted to studentlife@emu.edu.
Jonathan Swartz - Dean of Students
Jonathan Swartz obtained his undergraduate degree in Psychology from Bethel College
(Mishawaka, IN), a Masters of Divinity (M.Div) degree from Eastern Mennonite Seminary
(2014) and a Masters in Conflict Transformation (MACT) degree from the Center for
Justice and Peacebuilding at EMU (2014). During seminary and graduate school studies
at EMU, Jonathan served as a Campus Ministries Intern and as Restorative Justice Facilitator/Assistant
Resident Director in Residence Life. Jonathan has served as EMU’s Restorative Justice
Coordinator with primary focus on student support and accountability. In 2014 he spent
a year researching the student conduct response system at EMU, which resulted in the
writing of the report: Student Conduct and Restorative Justice Assessment.
jonathan.swartz@emu.edu
(he/him)
(540) 432-4128
Brian Martin Burkholder - University Chaplain, Director of Faith and Spiritual Life
University Chaplain, previously worked as a public school teacher, school counselor
and program director of Christian retreats, environmental education and outdoor ministries.
While studying at Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary, Brian served as interim
campus pastor at Goshen (IN) College. He enjoys mentoring and encouraging young adults,
leading music and worship, and participating in spiritual retreats. He is energized
by chaplaincy, bluegrass and folk music, contra dancing, hiking in beautiful natural
settings, gardening and almost everything water-related.
brian.burkholder@emu.edu
(he/him)
(540) 432-4115
Celeste Thomas - Director of Multicultural Student Services
Celeste Thomas has a passion for helping students from a variety of backgrounds feel
included in the EMU campus community.
celeste.thomas@emu.edu
(she/her)
(540) 432-4458
Micah Shristi - Director of International Student Services
Micah Shristi works with international students in his role as Co-director of International
and Multicultural Student Services. He served in Nepal with Mennonite Central Committee
(2008-2012) and in Colombia with Mennonite Mission Network (2003-2005). In his free
time, Micah enjoys spending time with his two young sons, solar energy projects, gardening
and cycling.
micah.shristi@emu.edu
(he/him)
(540) 432-4459
Allen Clay Jr. - Associate Dean for Campus Life
Allen Clay Jr. serves as the Associate Dean for Campus Life at Eastern Mennonite University, where he leads with a deep commitment to student success, belonging, equity, and holistic development. In his role, Allen provides strategic oversight for campus life, student engagement, community development, case management, campus recreation, and co-curricular programs that support learning beyond the classroom.
With a strong background in student affairs, student conduct, and operational leadership, Allen brings a wealth of experience to EMU. At The George Washington University, he managed large-scale residential operations, led crisis response and safety initiatives, and implemented inclusive practices to better serve diverse student populations. His earlier work at Florida State University focused on restorative conduct processes, assessment and data analysis, and advancing student-centered policies—all while contributing to published research in the field.
Allen’s leadership is collaborative, systems-focused, intentional, and grounded in the belief that students are essential partners in shaping the campus experience. He is passionate about designing sustainable, efficient processes that uplift both students and staff, and he consistently integrates data, lived experience, and institutional context into his decision-making.
He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Hispanic Studies from Davidson College, a Master of Science in Higher Education Administration from Florida State University, and a Master of Business Administration with a graduate certificate in Project Management from The George Washington University.
allen.clay@emu.edu
(540) 432-4974
Venissa White - Program Director for Safer Together
Venissa works with students who experience sexual violence as the Program Director
for Safer Together; EMU's Sexual Assault Prevention initiative. As the previous Assistant
Director of the Rape Victim Advocacy Program at the University of Iowa, Venissa brings
a wealth of experience in leading victim centered programming and creating systems
that support student healing. Beyond working with students Venissa has a deep commitment
to rebuilding educational systems, policies, and procedures that impact students who
experience sexual violence, and have the potential to reduce and prevent sexual assault.
Venissa is a new Virginia resident and enjoys spending time with her five college
age daughters, baking, gardening, reading, writing, watching college football, and
being in the sunshine.
venissa.white@emu.edu
Nikki Dovel - Associate Dean of Student Wellbeing
nicole.dovel@emu.edu
(she/her)
Tyler Goss - Director of Student Engagement and Leadership Development
Tyler Goss organizes orientation, oversees student clubs and orgs, provides leadership
to campus "Engage Events," and supports the incredible work of our student leaders
in Common Grounds and Student Government Association. Previously, Tyler served in
EMU's Residence Life from 2016-2023 and organized campus-wide activities through Student
Programs from 2018-2023. He has a Master of Divinity from Eastern Mennonite Seminary
and a Master of Arts in Conflict Transformation from EMU's Center for Justice and
Peacebuilding. Tyler is passionate about creating spaces of belonging and can be found
on the ultimate frisbee field or on a run in his free time.
tyler.goss@emu.edu
(he/him)
Jennifer North Bauman - Executive Assistant to the Vice President of Student Affairs
Jennifer has worked at EMU since 1992 in a variety of roles and departments including
Advancement and Church Relations, Admissions and most recently Alumni and Parent Engagement.
She is excited to be working more closely with students again and facilitating the
work of the Student Life Division.
In her spare time Jennifer enjoys taking advantage of what the Shenandoah Valley has
to offer through hiking, biking, camping as well as disc golf. She is married to Kendal
Bauman and has 2 children.
baumanj@emu.edu
(she, her)
