Office of Student Affairs
Walden’s Office of Student Affairs is committed to engaging and supporting students in and outside of the classroom with programs, initiatives, and opportunities. Our exceptional team of committed and dedicated professionals look forward to supporting you with pathways that offer remarkable experiences on your journey of lifelong learning, discovery, and engagement.
Staff
Dean, Student Affairs: Gina Dyson, JD
Gina Dyson, Senior Director of Student Affairs and Title IX Coordinator, has worked for Walden for over 17 years. Prior to Student Affairs, Gina served as a manager in Customer Care with responsibilities that included New Student Orientation. Gina earned her Masters’ in Education Technology from Georgetown University and her JD from the University of Baltimore.
Associate Director: Carolyn Roney
Carolyn Roney, Sr. Director of Disability Services, has worked in the field of disability and higher education for 30 years. She’s been in her current role at Walden University since August 2005 and held a similar role at a Minnesota state university for 12 years prior to that. She has worked as a sign language interpreter in college settings, as well. Her Master’s degree is in Higher Education Administration from the University of Minnesota. Ms. Roney is active in Disability Studies and still teaches a college course in the History of the Disability Rights Movement.
Manager: Angie Kukielka
Angie Kukielka has been with Walden University since 2014. Prior to her work with technology and communications, she held positions in admissions, financial aid, academic advising and career services. Angie is also a faculty member who coordinates Walden University’s Experiences Abroad. In addition to a bachelor’s degree in Communications and an associate’s in Web Design and Interactive Media, she holds a master’s degree in Higher and Post-Secondary Education.
Student Resolution and Judicial Services
If you have a concern related to university policy, a conflict with faculty or staff, or need assistance communicating with someone in the university system, Student Resolutions and Judicial Services can direct you to the right path for resolution and can review decisions and options once attempts at resolution within the applicable department or university processes have not been successful. We support students, faculty, and staff in addressing concerns and providing guidance on reasonable and fair resolutions. The Office of Student Affairs also oversees the university’s Code of Conduct and Title IX policy and processes and can provide guidance on these concerns as well. Contact Information: Email: [email protected]
Student Resolution and Judicial Services Staff
Associate Director: Joe Underwood, MA
Joe Underwood, the Director of Student Affairs, has proudly worked at Walden for eight years. Prior to Student Affairs, he served as an Associate Director for Customer Care, an HR Manager, and an Student Success Advisor. Prior to Walden, he worked in the Human Resources industry for 10 years and focused on employee relations. He graduated from Claremont Graduate School with a MS in Human Resource Management and a MS in Cognitive Psychology.
Manager: Dennison Peters, MBA
Dennison Peters, the Associate Director of Student Affairs, has worked for Walden for over 7 years. Prior to Student Affairs, Dennison served as a Manager of Services and Operations and thereafter a Financial Aid Manager with responsibilities that included providing frontline customer and financial services support in addition to an oversight of student accounts and financial aid processing. Dennison earned his Bachelor’s in Finance in 2009 and his Master’s in Business Administration in 2010 from Andrews University. Dennison has over 14 years of experience in higher education and customer service.
Manager: Joseph Kvamme, MA
Joseph Kvamme, Student Affairs Manager, has worked for Walden University since 2013 first in Student Success Advising and now in Student Affairs. Prior to working for Walden University, Joe spent over 10 years working with individuals with disabilities helping them to be as independent in their communities as possible. Joe earned his BA in Psychology from Hamline University and a Master’s degree in School Counseling in 2010 from The Adler Graduate School.
Student Life, Leadership, and Engagement
The Student Affairs office is proud to assume support for the diverse array of Walden student groups that serve as ambassadors of positive social change within their professional and local communities. Contact Information Email: [email protected]
Student Life, Leadership, an Engagement Staff
Associate Director: Julie Ogren, MA
Julie Ogren joined the Office of Student Affairs in May 2015 as Associate Director of Student Affairs. Prior to Student Affairs, Ms. Ogren spent 3 years a Student Success Advisor for Walden University. Ms. Ogren earned a master’s degree in counseling and psychotherapy and has over 12 years of experience in higher education. Prior to higher education, she taught 9th-12th grade Creative Writing in Sydney, Australia.
Manager: Charity Adams, DBA, MBA
Dr. Adams, Student Affairs Manager, has worked for Walden University since 2005. She joined the Office of Student Affairs in 2017. Prior to Student Affairs, Dr. Adams worked in business development as a Strategic Alliance and Southeast Regional Manager with oversight of grassroots efforts in Georgia, Florida, and the Carolinas.
Dr. Adams earned a Bachelor's in Business Administration from Georgia State University, a Master's and a Doctorate of Business Administration from Walden University as well as obtained graduate certificates in Applied Project Management and College Teaching and Learning. She has over 20 years of experience in higher education, human resources, project management, sales, leadership, training, and development.
Career Planning and Development
Career Planning and Development coaches and advises students and alumni on workplace and professional skills. We provide the following resources and offerings:
- A website featuring links to career exploration tools, job and internship opportunities, sample resumes and cover letters, networking and interviewing strategies, and career-related webinars and videos.
- One-on-one career advising for students and alumni focusing on building career management skills and achieving individual career goals.
- Online office hours events.
- Interest-specific resources for students in Health Sciences, Social Behavioral Sciences, Education, and Management and Technology programs.
- The Walden Job and Internship Locator job board.
- GoinGlobal job and internship search system with U.S. based and global listings.
- Optional internships and volunteer sites to engage in experiential learning.
- The SkillsFirst career management system for students and alumni to build resumes, cover letters, career portfolios, and practice mock interviewing skills.
- LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook groups to connect Walden students and alumni for professional networking and share career-related information.
- A blog to share student career success stories and tips for proactive career management.
Contact Information
Website: https://careercenter.waldenu.edu
Email: [email protected]
Career Planning and Development Staff
Manager: Dina Bergren
Dina Bergren joined Walden in 2006. She started as a Student Success Advisor and transitioned into Career Planning and Development in 2008, assuming a managerial role in 2015. Prior to Walden, Dina Bergren held positions as an Assistant Director of Education, Career Advisor, and National Admissions Representative at two technical colleges. Her experience also includes freelance partnerships with trainers and consultants on career-related projects. Dina enjoys helping adult learners build workplace skills, navigate career transitions, and find inspiration in their professional lives. She holds a B.A. in Psychology from Grinnell College and a M.A. in Human Resource Development from the University of St. Thomas.
Specialist: Denise Pranke 
Denise Pranke, Specialist Career Advisor, joined the Career Planning and Development team in 2011 after serving in the role of Student Success Advisor for four years. Prior to Walden, she held positions as a program coordinator, adjunct instructor, and academic advisor in public, private, and community-based adult education programs. Denise has an M.Ed. in Adult Education from the University of Minnesota.