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.
Faith Haley
Vice President for Admissions & Enrollment Services
Vicepresidenta de Admisiones
Elvia Cardenas
Admissions Counselor
Consejera de Admisiones
Araceli Manzo
Admissions Counselor
Consejera de Admisiones
Araceli was born and raised in Chicago and graduated from William Jones College Prep High School in 2018. She earned her associate degree from Moraine Valley Community College in 2020 before transferring to the University of Illinois at Chicago, where she completed her Bachelor’s in Sociology with minors in Disability & Human Development and Psychology in 2022. As a first-generation college student, Araceli is passionate about supporting students as they navigate the college admissions process. In her free time, she enjoys attending concerts, exploring nature, and spending time with friends and family.
Ana Mendoza Pineda
Admissions Counselor
Consejera de Admisiones
Alondra Ordaz
Community Outreach & Relations Coordinator
Coordinadora de Relaciones Comunitarias
Alondra provides outreach to the community, with a 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.
Maggie Stevenson
Associate Director of Graduate & Adult Degree Admissions
Directora Asociada de Posgrado y Finalización de Títulos para Adultos
Maggie assists in directing the the efforts of the graduate admissions team.
Rock Allen
Admissions Counselor
Consejero de Admisiones
Rock assists adult degree completion and graduate program applicants. He also assists with international admissions.
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.
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.
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
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.
