Ranjan Daniels

Senior Associate Dean of Student Recruitment and Global Outreach

Ranjan is responsible for student recruitment and admissions, financial aid, executive education, new program development, and international partnerships. Ranjan has twenty years of experience building relationships and products, opening new markets, and driving innovation at the University of Chicago, Kaplan, Berkshire Hathaway, the Tribune Company, and the City of Chicago. He recommends that visiting students eat at the Medici on 57th—his favorite spot in Hyde Park—because of the diverse mix of people and the stellar milk shakes.

“We have a global student body who are united by a passion to make a difference in their communities and countries—from the South Side of Chicago to New York City to Delhi to Mexico City. They all share a common sense of curiosity, desire to make an impact, and drive to take on the big questions and challenges. Hearing their individual stories and what motivates them to make a difference is inspiring.”

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Jenny Erickson

Director of Enrollment 
Management &
Marketing Strategy

Jenny spends most of her days talking with prospective students about Harris Public Policy and UChicago, addressing questions, helping with the application process, and recruiting the right-fit individuals who will go on to make a positive impact on the public policy space. Previously, she worked in graduate and international student recruitment at Benedictine University, where she earned both her BA and Master's degrees. In the summer, you can find Jenny enjoying the outdoor dining spots in Hyde Park, particularly at Medici on 57th.

“Whenever I’m talking with students about joining Harris, I take the opportunity to learn about their public policy interests, issues within their communities, and passions. As someone who is a political science graduate and cares deeply about policy, it’s special to be in a role where I get to learn about things I’m passionate and enthusiastic about from people who care to make a difference.”

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Devon Reber Drehmer

Director of Student 
Recruitment 
and Operations

Devon Reber Drehmer is the  Director of Student Recruitment and Operations University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy. In this role, Devon leads outreach to prospective students for Harris Public Policy’s degree programs.

Devon has considerable experience working with graduate students committed to social impact. She spent nearly four years as the Director of Social Work Field Education at Wheelock College, where she was responsible for 150 students community-based internships and community outreach building. 

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Alyssa Szynal

Associate Director of Recruitment Operations and Analytics

Alyssa spends her time traveling across the country to Grad Fairs and events, answering questions for prospective students, and helping applicants through the admissions process. Alyssa previously worked in graduate admissions at Benedictine University, and she has an MA in leadership studies in higher education from North Central College and a BS in journalism from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

“Harris students go on to do incredible things. I work here because I get to support individuals who will use this program to change the world for the better.”

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Shilin Liu

Director, International 
Partnerships & 
Executive Education

Shilin focuses on developing programs and partnerships that help the Harris team better recruit diverse international students and young professionals to attend degree or non-degree programs. She enjoys meeting students from diverse backgrounds and supporting them from creating and application to navigating their future plans. Shilin has a bachelors degree from Fudan University in China and an MPP degree from Harris Public Policy.

“I love contributing to our vibrant community and helping more students (especially international students) to explore Harris and Chicago. I especially love the small, family feel of Harris and the ways in which people support each other and learn and grow with each other—from students to faculty to staff.”

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Samantha Ng

Assistant Director of Student Recruitment

Samantha Ng is an Assistant Director of Student Recruitment at the University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy. She oversees the international development, policies, and recruitment activities for both the Master of Arts in International Development and Policy and the Obama Foundation Scholars Program. Previously, she worked at DePaul University as an Admissions Officer for the College of Computing and Digital Media.

“I decided to work for Harris because of my passion for social justice and international students. I’m excited about the opportunity to recruit students who will change the world. And since Obama was the first president I ever voted for and also a “neighbor” of mine during my college days in Washington, D.C., I feel a personal connection to the Obama Foundation.”

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Andrew (Andy) Wolanski

Assistant Director

Andrew (Andy) Wolanski is an Assistant Director of Student Recruitment at the University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy. His responsibilities range from being the initial point of contact for prospective students to dealing with the day-to-day administration of the Recruitment office and the execution of department events. 

“As a recruiter, I quickly realized how rewarding it is to sit down with prospective students and learn about their backgrounds, their interests, and their plans to help change society for the better. Engaged citizens, young and old, can be tremendous catalysts for positive change. I’m encouraged that so many people are furthering their education in public policy issues that are important to them, their communities, and the planet.”

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Sparkle Dalphinis

Associate Director of Student Recruitment

As Associate Director of Student Recruitment at the University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy, Sparkle Dalphinis educates prospective students about the school’s offerings while assisting them through the application process. She is especially committed to supporting underserved populations and her own education and professional experience are ideal for finding students who fit the diverse and policy-driven environment of the Harris School of Public Policy. 

"One of the many reasons I look forward to recruiting and speaking with Harris students is that they are such socially conscientious individuals.  I’m also inspired by the way Harris enables students of different backgrounds, talents, and interests to study and work together. I know that their education here will provide them with a unique opportunity to learn from one another as well as from Harris’ excellent professors."

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Andie Ingram Eccles

Student Recruitment and International Programs Specialist

Andie Ingram Eccles first joined the recruitment team of the University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy in April 2018 as an assistant helping recruit the inaugural cohort of Obama Foundation Scholars. In her current position she’ll be focusing on assisting international students, including hosting recruitment events in international markets, cultivating international partnerships, and developing new and existing non-degree and summer programs. 

“Harris School of Public Policy is an intersection point where passionate students and dedicated faculty collaborate on ideas, research, and innovations in many fields.  My work at Harris offers me the unique opportunity to support an institution where these extraordinary alliances not only enrich the lives of individuals, but in doing so, have a positive impact on the future of our world.” 

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Riyanna Coleman

Student Recruitment Specialist

As a member of the recruitment team at the University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy, Riyanna Coleman will be the first point of contact prospective students have with the school.  She and her colleagues will answer questions, provide informational materials, and welcome prospective students to campus events by phone, email, and in person. In addition, Riyanna provides administrative support for the team by managing travel arrangements and keeping track of the department’s inventory of informational and promotional materials.

“I’ve always questioned ‘the norm’ and carefully analyzed and critiqued situations that did not make sense to me. The fact that Harris promotes the same concept to their students is amazing. I love being part of a place that not only encourages students to challenge the status quo, but also provides them with the necessary tools to develop innovative and sustainable solutions to a wide range of social issues.”

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Marnie L. Van der Voort

Interim Director of Student Recruitment, Mid-Career Programs

Marnie focuses primarily on the part-time Evening Master's Program for and the Obama Foundation Scholars Program. Prior to joining the University of Chicago, she enhanced global relationships in her roles in the public policy sector, including Senior Advisor at the Consulate General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Chicago, Deputy Director of the Mayors Office of International Relations at the City of Chicago, and Director of Special Projects for the Chicago 2016 Olympic bid committee. Marnie has a master's degree in public policy from Harris Public Policy and a bachelor's degree in communication studies from Northwestern University. 

“I chose to attend Harris (and now work here) to make a greater impact on the world. The strong quantitative focus that sets Harris apart from other policy schools is the best avenue to do that. Harris helps students make a real difference in the world.”

 

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Blake Edwards

Associate Director for Marketing and Communications

Blake develops and implements cohesive marketing and communications plans designed to drive student enrollment. He collaborates with his colleagues in Enrollment Management, Marketing, and Student Recruitment to deliver consistent voice, tone, and messaging across multiple platforms. Prior to joining Harris, Blake served as Project Manager and Marketing and Advertising Coordinator for Governors State University. Before GSU, Blake taught English and literature at community colleges throughout the Chicaogland area.Blake earned a dual bachelor’s degree (English and Creative Writing) from University of California, Riverside and an MFA in Creative Writing (fiction concentration) from Brown University.

"I enjoy working at Harris because I am a strong believer in evidence-based solutions, and I thrive in a collaborative environment where those solutions are often realized."

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Cheistha Kochhar

Advisor of Strategic Initiatives, UChicago Delhi Center

Cheistha focuses on student recruitment and executive education throughout India, as well as activities related to building the visibility and brand recognition of Harris throughout the country. Cheistha’s adviser role represents the first time she is working for a global initiative. Prior to Harris, she developed and sold her own technology platform that curates reviews for blue-collar services across India called Aadharit and worked for the Indian government for six years. Cheistha was also a consultant at McKinsey & Company in Delhi. She graduated with BA honors in economics from Delhi University and holds an MA in liberal arts from Ashoka University.

“I enjoy working in public policy because impacting policy means that you can create something that will last long after you; it’s part of the human desire to be immortal.”

 

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