The USF Admissions team is here to help you make great choices when it comes to your college search! Let them explain why becoming a Saint will be the best decision you’ll ever make, and how our welcoming community of learners has been just the right fit for 54,000 alumni who were once students just like you!
In a hurry? Click on a bulleted segment below to navigate to the admissions team you’re looking for.
Admissions Leadership
Eric Ruiz
Vice President of Admissions & Enrollment Services
Vicepresidente de Admisiones
Eric oversees all work being done by the Admissions, Enrollment Services, Financial Aid and Marketing Services offices at USF.
Eric graduated from USF in 2007 with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting and Finance and joined the admissions team in the same year. During college, Eric had fun being the man in the mascot suit, Bernie! He also was the vice president of finance for the Student Business Association, a Ministry Staffer and Saints Ambassador. Eric also earned his Masters of Business Administration from USF. He really enjoys spending time with his family, friends, and staying active. He grew up in Evergreen Park, and now resides in Joliet.
Alejandro Campos
Associate Director of Undergraduate
& Transfer Admissions
Director Asociado de Admisiones de Pregrado y Transferencia
Alex oversees the work of and provides strategic guidance to the undergraduate admissions staff.
Alejandro was born in Wisconsin, but raised in Joliet. He attended Joliet West High School, and after graduating from Joliet West he went into the United States Marine Corps Reserve. Alejandro served with Echo Company 2nd Battalion 24th Marines 3rd Platoon out of Chicago. He served as the 2nd squad leader and achieved the rank of Sergeant. Alejandro is a proud alum of the University of St. Francis, where he graduated in December 2015 with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. Alejandro has a strong connection with the school due to his mother (’92 & ’17), father (‘06), and grandmother (‘85) all receiving their Bachelors and/or Masters degrees from USF. In his free time, you can find him watching or working with the Chicago White Sox and being with family & friends.
Maggie Stevenson
Associate Director of Graduate & Adult Degree Admissions
Directora Asociada de Posgrado y Finalización de Títulos para Adultos
Maggie assists graduate education student applicants.
- Bachelor of Business Administration, University of St. Francis
- MBA, University of St. Francis
- Experience in education, graduate and degree-completion admission
Undergraduate Admissions
Kevin Czarnecki
Admissions Counselor
Consejero de Admisiones
Kevin assists first year student applicants with last names starting with N-Z.
Coming soon!
Crystal Macias-Nazario
Admissions Counselor
Consejera de Admisiones
Crystal assists first year students with last names starting with A-M. Crystal is also the admission liaison for USF’s Certified Recovery Support Specialist program.
Crystal grew up in the area and graduated from Governors State University in 2018 with a Bachelor in Arts in Psychology. She is a first generation college graduate. Crystal has a background in Criminal Justice, with a combination of both psychology and criminal justice. “Working with children in any capacity and being able to assist in aiding in their future is a high interest of mine.” She enjoys reading, arts, and crafts as well as spending time with friends and family.
Nicolina Perkins
Admissions Counselor
Consejera de Admisiones
Nicolina works with all students who want to transfer to USF.
Nikki graduated from USF in May 2018 with a Bachelor in History. She held a leadership role in the USF History Club and was a member of the Phi Alpha Theta Honor Society. After graduating with her BA, she completed an internship at the National Archives in Chicago. Her hobbies and interests include working out and reading historical memoirs.
Graduate Admissions
Community Outreach
Rock Allen
Admissions Counselor
Consejero de Admisiones
Rock assists adult degree completion and graduate program applicants.
Rock has an extensive background working in sports and has recently transitioned into the field of admissions. He is currently an assistant coach for USF’s Men’s Basketball team. He is originally from Grand Rapids, MI and is a double alum of Central Michigan University. He received his M.A. in Sport Administration. His hobbies include hanging out with friends, watching live sports, and playing pickleball.
Gino Vaccarella
Admissions Counselor
Consejero de Admisiones
Gino assists adult degree completion and graduate program applicants.
- M.B.A., University of St. Francis
- B.S. Applied Psychology, Loyola University Chicago
- Experience in financial aid and graduate recruitment
Gino works with all programs/populations of adult students and is the liaison to the MSW program. He has worked in higher education
since 1990.
Gino’s personal hobbies and areas of interest include cooking, sports and social media.
Alondra Ordaz
Community Outreach & Relations Coordinator
Coordinadora de Relaciones Comunitarias
Alondra provides outreach and community relations assistance to both the admissions team and the university, with special emphasis on Hispanic Serving Institution initiatives.
Alondra graduated from USF in 2023 with her Bachelor’s of Arts in Psychology. She joined the admissions team that same year. She was born and raised in Joliet and attended Joliet Central High School. She is a first-generation college graduate and was a member of the San Alberto Hurtado Latino Honor Society at USF. She really enjoys cooking and spending time with family and friends.
Welcome Center
Annette Jelinek
Welcome Center Coordinator
Annette has been with USF since March of 1988. She began in the Health Arts Program and joined the Undergraduate Admissions area in 2001. She is a mom to 35 kids– the Saints Ambassadors, who are her greatest enjoyment at USF! Annette was born and raised in Joliet and is very proud of and active in her Croatian heritage.
Emily Ellis
Welcome Center Assistant Coordinator
- eellis@stfrancis.edu
- Office: 815-740-2270
Emily has lived in Joliet for most of her life and graduated from Beloit College in 2008 with a degree in Studio Art and Museum Studies. Emily enjoys baking, reading and spending time with family and friends. She is excited to be a part of the Welcome Center.
