Meet SUNY Broome’s Admissions Team!

By Elisabeth Costanzo Stewart

When prospective students are interested in studying at SUNY Broome, their first stop is the Admissions Office. SUNY Broome’s dedicated team of Admissions Counselors and Student Records Specialists have one goal – to make navigating the enrollment process as seamless as possible. Whether you meet our team on campus for a one-on-one appointment or tour, or on the road at your local high school or college fair, our team is ready, willing, and delighted to help you make the most of your SUNY Broome experience.

Owen Conklin – Director of Admissions

• Learn More about Owen: Owen Conklin: Tackling Enrollment Management One Coffee at a Time

Susan Wellington – Assistant Director of Admissions/International Student Services

• Hometown: Arkport, NY
• Joined SUNY Broome’s Admissions Team: May 2015
• First Impression of SUNY Broome: “There is such a great family atmosphere on campus. I noticed it the moment that I arrived in 2015, and I still feel it eight years later.”
• Advice for Students: “Please never be afraid to ask for help! I might not be the right person to help you with your specific questions, but I will happily help you navigate to the people and resources that can.”
• Students Should Visit: “The Admissions Office. People think that once they are admitted and enrolled that they are done with Admissions, but we are always here to help connect you to other offices, resources, and opportunities all across campus.”
• Fun Fact about Susan: “I commute two hours each way to come to SUNY Broome every day. I truly love my job and this campus!”

 

 

 

Tara Clancy – Senior Staff Assistant 

• Hometown: Binghamton, NY
• Joined SUNY Broome’s Admissions Team: May 2023
• First Impression of SUNY Broome: “I spent three semesters at SUNY Broome before I transferred to SUNY Cortland. Now coming back as a member of the Admissions Team, I try to always share my personal experiences with prospective students. I want them to take advantage of everything that I loved as a SUNY Broome student and also to learn from my mistakes.”
• Advice for Students: “Keep an open mind! You’ll be surprised about which experiences and opportunities shape your life.” 
• Students Should Visit: “Academic Advising! You should check in with your Academic Advisor each semester to review your schedule and academic plan! Communication is critical!” 
• Fun Fact about Tara: “While I was a student at SUNY Broome, I took BIO 200 Ecology: The Everglades with Dr. Richard Firenze and I loved it. I took that class over ten years ago, and I still keep in touch with classmates from that course. Sign up for the 50th Anniversary section of Bio 200 Ecology: The Everglades!

 

 

Janie Spears – Senior Staff Assistant 

• Hometown: Endwell, NY
• Joined SUNY Broome’s Admissions Team: July 2023
• First Impression of SUNY Broome: “My first experience with SUNY Broome was as the parent of a prospective student. My daughter came to SUNY Broome in 2021, and I helped her to navigate the enrollment process. I was and am so impressed with how kind and invested everyone was in supporting her success. Now I get to be part of the team that supports other prospective SUNY Broome students and their families.” 
• Advice for Students: “Embrace the college experience and get involved. My daughter played volleyball at SUNY Broome, and her time as a student-athlete was truly enriching.”
• Students Should Visit: “Counseling Services. We have a wonderful team that can help you support your mental health and wellness.” 
• Fun Fact about Janie: “I am a licensed attorney. I practiced for several years, but eventually switched to a more family-friendly career. I still maintain my license.”

 

 

Odessa Quinonez – Staff Assistant 

• Hometown: Johnson City, NY
• Joined SUNY Broome’s Admissions Team: July 2023
• First Impression of SUNY Broome: “One of my closest friends went to SUNY Broome after struggling at another college. He thrived here and is finishing his bachelor’s degree at SUNY Oneonta. I watched firsthand the transformative power of a SUNY Broome education.”
• Advice for Students: “Consider staying in the SUNY system. I am a product of two SUNY schools (SUNY New Paltz and Binghamton University) and am so glad that I took advantage of such a great network of state colleges and universities.” 
• Students Should Visit: “The Career, Transfer, and Bachelor Partnership Office. It’s never too early to start building your career readiness skills.” 
• Fun Fact about Odessa: “I love to travel internationally. So far, my favorite country to visit is the Czech Republic.”

 

 

 

Maria Basualdo (BUBC ’99) – Staff Assistant/Coordinator for Study Abroad Program

• Hometown: Apalachin, NY
• Joined SUNY Broome’s Admissions Team: May 2009
• First Impression of SUNY Broome: “I was and am always impressed by our students.”
• Advice for Students: “Consider studying abroad. College is a wonderful time to explore the world and learn about other cultures.”
• Students Should Visit: “The Learning Assistance Department. Professional and student tutors are available to support students with every class and subject matter.”
• Fun Fact about Maria: “I am from Chile and try to go home at least once a year to visit family and friends.”

 

 

 

Kris Lans (ISAT ’15) – Student Records Specialist

• Hometown: Afton, NY
• Joined SUNY Broome’s Admissions Team: February 2006 (Financial Aid) and 2012 (Admissions) 
• First Impression of SUNY Broome: “I always appreciated and still appreciate how much our faculty and staff want our students to succeed. I felt that as both a student and as an employee.” 
• Advice for Students: “Attempt and complete every assignment you’re given. You don’t necessarily have to master each assignment, but try to do your best to complete everything that is given to you. It’s easy to get overwhelmed when you think in terms of semesters or years, but if you think about it one assignment at a time, it is much more manageable.”
• Students Should Visit: “I agree with Maria that the Learning Assistance Department is a must for all students. There are so many resources available for students to be academically successful in each class.”
• Fun Fact about Kris: “I met my wife at SUNY Broome!”

 

 

Steven Fetterman (BUBA ’08; ISAS’ 19) – Student Records Specialist

• Hometown: Binghamton, NY
• Joined SUNY Broome’s Admissions Team: August 2015
• First Impression of SUNY Broome: “I always get the hometown feeling 
• Advice for Students: “Take your studies seriously and don’t hesitate to ask for help.” 
• Students Should Visit: “This isn’t an office to visit, but I highly recommend that all SUNY Broome students study our region’s history. When I was a student on campus, my favorite class was a local history course. If you are not able to take the class, there are lots of local history resources in our library.” 
• Fun Fact about Steve: “I love history and love to collect rare items. The oldest piece in my collection dates back to over 100 years ago.”

Tags: Admissions