Meet our Counselors
- James Coker
- james.coker@wilkes.edu
- (800) WILKES-U ext. 4400
What should high school students expect from their college admissions counselor?
Students who apply to Wilkes should expect to interact with energetic, enthusiastic and empathetic admissions counselors. Our staff does everything it can to provide the best information to benefit and serve you — the student. Whether it's understanding your financial aid, or discussing your academic plans, your admissions counselor will be there to guide you all the way through move-in day!
What do you love about Wilkes?
At Wilkes University, we value our own. I have found alumni working in Student Services, academic offices, the athletic department, and even in the Office of Admissions! We truly believe in the students we serve and the families we help along the way.
What might an incoming student be surprised to learn about Wilkes?
Here at Wilkes, the engineering major, the English major and the biology major are all treated the same. The faculty will allow you to experience hands-on training from your first year. And for those students who may not have an idea about their major, counselors in our University College dedicate their time to working with students to find their passion.
- Amy Patton, MBA '07
- amy.patton@wilkes.edu
- (800) WILKES-U ext. 4407
As an alumna, can you share something personal about your experience here?
I received my MBA from Wilkes. I often reflect on what I learned about leadership from Dr. Anne Batory's marketing class. I love James Joyce's Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man, so when asked to think outside the box while exploring leadership, I wrote letters between the main character in the novel and myself. This not only earned me an "A," but an inspiring note from Dr. Batory about novel ways to approach leadership.
What might an incoming student be surprised to learn about Wilkes counselors?
We celebrate each student's success as they grow and develop at Wilkes, going beyond the admissions process. Counselors often keep track of a student's progress by email, phone or just by chatting with them in the cafeteria.
What do you love about Wilkes?
The students! There's a very friendly, energetic feeling on campus. Wilkes is a place where you can relax and be YOU.
- Cheryl Gibson '71, MS '89
- cherylynn.gibson@wilkes.edu
- (800) WILKES-U ext. 4403
How is a Wilkes counselor unique from most other school counselors?
The counselors at Wilkes go above and beyond, and even to the airport! I've given students rides to catch planes home, pick them up from the airport and have even gotten a student his books when he was away playing professional baseball. And it's not just me—all the counselors at Wilkes are willing to take that extra step to help their students.
Name one of your most memorable moments as a Wilkes counselor.
I interviewed a high school student who had a C-average and low SAT scores, but as I spoke with him I had a strong feeling he could succeed at Wilkes. He didn't let me down: he made the Dean's List every semester and graduated with honors. I was extremely proud of him, and we still keep in touch.
What might an incoming student be surprised to learn about Wilkes counselors?
We have a special insight when it comes to Wilkes students—we can put ourselves in their shoes because we've walked in those very same shoes.
- Mike Fox '06
- michael.fox1@wilkes.edu
- (800) WILKES-U ext. 4466
- Territory: Lackawanna County, Northern Tier of Pennsylvania, Broome County, N.Y. & Connecticut
How do you make yourself available to your students?
Email, phone, Facebook, Text, Foursquare and Google Latitude — any method that a student prefers, I'm here to offer advice and answer questions.
Name one of your most memorable moments as a Wilkes counselor.
I worked with a refugee student who was struggling to gain citizenship to the US, which also complicated her financial aid and application process. She is particularly memorable and inspiring because after graduation she plans to return to her native country and help those trying to flee from persecution.
What might an incoming student be surprised to learn about Wilkes?
We really encourage students to explore programs outside of their major. This freedom to study different facets beyond their required courses makes a degree from Wilkes a unique experience—an experience not available at a lot of schools!
- Alex Sperrazza '07, MBA '09
- alexander.sperrazza@wilkes.edu
- (800) WILKES-U ext. 4465
- Territory: Luzerne County
As an alumnus, can you share something personal about your experience here?
Yes, I have my BBA and MBA from Wilkes, thanks in part to the first friend I made at Wilkes: Dr. Dean Frear. I transferred to Wilkes from PSU where I had over 200 people in many of my classes and couldn't even get an appointment with my professor if I had questions. Imagine my surprise when Dr. Frear called out my name in class based solely on the quizzical expression on my face. Not only were my questions answered, he became a source of great encouragement and inspiration to me during my time at Wilkes.
How is a Wilkes counselor unique from most other school counselors?
We rarely transfer a call. We work hard to learn as much as possible about everything a student may need. I have found that we become the face of Wilkes for most of our incoming students and we stay with a student until they are here as a freshman and often after they are here for years. We also are the primary financial aid counselors whereas most schools hand students off to another person or team for this phase of the process.
What do you love about Wilkes?
Personally, I was reborn at Wilkes. I came here as a college dropout, and was given a second chance to succeed. It required a lot of hard work and long hours, but with all the support and encouragement from classmates, administrators and professors I managed to turn my life around for the better.
- Alexandria (Allie) Duffney
- alexandria.duffney@wilkes.edu
- (800) WILKES-U Ext. 4404
- Territory: Carbon, Wayne, Pike and Monroe counties, Eastern New York, New England, and all other areas
How is a Wilkes counselor unique from most other school counselors?
Counselors at Wilkes are extremely active with prospective students in answering questions and being available to students and families. They forge relationships and follow through with them — not just until students enroll, until students graduate.
What might an incoming student be surprised to learn about Wilkes counselors?
Students might be surprised to know that we stay late Fridays and have "office hang-outs" after business hours.
What might an incoming student be surprised to learn about Wilkes?
Wilkes was originally founded as Bucknell University Junior College.
- Colleen Goodwin
- colleen.goodwin@wilkes.edu
- (800) WILKES-U Ext. 4410
- Territory: Central Pennsylvania & Western New York
What do you love about Wilkes?
I love that at Wilkes the community is so close-knit that you have the chance to connect with your professors, making the opportunities endless.
What might an incoming student be surprised to learn about Wilkes counselors?
Each counselor cares for the student and is available to speak to the student at any time. The counselors give you the attention you need to help make one of the most important decisions in your life a seamless process.
What might an incoming student be surprised to learn about Wilkes?
What's surprising about Wilkes is the historical significance that each building on campus has. The beautiful mansions and buildings are complete with fireplaces, spacious rooms and a story behind each building.
- Michael McCree '99 MBA '10
- michael.mccree@wilkes.edu
- (800) WILKES-U Ext. 4412
- Territory: Lehigh Valley & Northern New Jersey
As an alumnus, can you share something personal about your experience here?
If it wasn't for football coach Frank Sheptock building the personal relationship while he was recruiting me, I would have never come to Wilkes. I grew up in New Jersey and really didn't know much about Wilkes University and the area. I took a visit to campus one Saturday on a football visit and fell in love with the place. The campus was beautiful, it fit my needs academically, and when the day was over, I knew I was going to Wilkes. Many years later, I still am here, hopefully giving students the same opportunity that I had.
What might an incoming student be surprised to learn about Wilkes?
You might be surprised that the head basketball coach at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Bo Ryan, is a Wilkes University graduate. And the head football coach at the University of Cincinnati, Butch Jones, began his coaching career at Wilkes. On a lighter note, comedians such as Adam Sandler, George Carlin and Carrot Top have performed at Wilkes, and Bill Cosby has been the keynote speaker at graduation.
What might an incoming student be surprised to learn about Wilkes counselors?
You may be surprised that a Wilkes counselor will be there for you during the entire college process from the counselor visiting you at school or a college fair, to meeting with you on campus, assisting you through the application process, and even walking you through the financial aid process. We do not pass you off. We are going to build a relationship with you. You will be sure to see me on graduation day with a big smile.
- Amy Shuleski
- amy.shuleski@wilkes.edu
- (800) WILKES-U Ext. 4409
- Territory: Philadelphia, Bucks, Montgomery and Chester counties; western Pennsylvania; Maryland; Delaware; and southern New Jersey
What might an incoming student be surprised to learn about Wilkes counselors?
Wilkes counselors are here to help you through the admissions process, but we also take pride in our student's academic and professional success. We understand that those first steps can be stressful and we take the time to build personal relationships to help determine the right path for YOU. We take pleasure in continuing those relationships throughout a student's entire collegiate journey.
What do you love about Wilkes?
The welcoming, energetic atmosphere. It's refreshing to know that you will always see a friendly face!
What might an incoming student be surprised to learn about Wilkes?
How diverse our student population is. Whether you are from the area, an international student, or decide to study abroad, Wilkes' Center for Global Education and Diversity focuses on efforts to enrich your education experience and professional development.
