Office of Academic Support Staff

Dean of academic support, Executive Director of the academic resource center, Entrepreneurship pathway co-coordinator, Adjunct assistant professor of economics

Joining Connecticut College in 2013, Noel serves as both the Dean of Academic Support and the Director of the Academic Resource Center. As dean, he oversees the Academic Resource Center and the writing center. Noel serves as a liaison between the Dean of the College and faculty regarding areas that have to do with student academic success. Along with his student involvement, he also collaborates with all deans in the Office of the Dean of the College in providing effective and timely academic support to Connecticut College. Earning his doctorate in clinical, cognitive, social, and developmental psychology, Noel brings a wealth of knowledge and experience, having previously worked as class dean at Wesleyan University.

“Dare you have the courage to know who you really are.” - Rumi

ngarrett@conncoll.edu

CLASS OF 1970 DIRECTOR OF THE ACADEMIC RESOURCE CENTER, LEARNING SPECIALIST AND ESOL (ENGLISH FOR SPEAKERS OF OTHER LANGUAGES) COORDINATOR, ADJUNCT ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF SLAVIC STUDIES

Chris Colbath is the Director of the Academic Resource Center at Connecticut College. He holds a Ph.D. in Russian Literature from the University of California, Los Angeles. With a diverse background encompassing various learning specialist roles, language instruction (Russian and English), and teaching in the humanities – particularly comparative literature and film – Chris brings a unique blend of expertise to his role.

Chris offers one-on-one appointments to any student wishing to take their academic skills to a higher level. He supervises and trains the College’s peer tutors. And he delivers or oversees academic success workshops both in and out of the classroom.

Chris is a published translator and professional musician who takes the “lifelong learner” label seriously. He loves to help others to refine their learning process and meet their goals.

ccol@conncoll.edu Phone: 860-439-2815

Director of the Writing Center

Lauren comes to the ARC with an extensive background in student support services including disability services, writing support, and information literacy and research support. She has worked as a learning and writing specialist, an instruction and curriculum support librarian, and as an instructor of first year writing. Lauren has a track record of building productive relationships with students and helping them to identify and work towards achieving their academic goals. Her experience working with first year students and students with learning differences make her a welcome addition to our team.

lconsolat@conncoll.edu Phone: 860-439-5309

Director of Student Accessibility Services

Jill Heilman came to Connecticut College with over twenty years of experience in Rehabilitation Science and Disability Advocacy work. Before coming to Conn, Heilman worked at the University of South Florida in Tampa, Florida and also as a consultant.

At USF, Heilman was Assistant Professor and Program Coordinator for the Rehabilitation Counseling and Disability Science program. She developed this program to train professionals to work with persons with physical, mental, emotional, and chemical disabilities. Heilman also ensured that students in the program received appropriate accommodations at the university and founded the first ever Student Accessibility Task Force on USF’s three campuses.

Heilman received her PhD in Rehabilitation Science from the University of Florida where she specialized in Rehabilitation Counseling and pediatric disabilities. She is also a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor and professional speaker.

jheilman@conncoll.edu Phone: 860-439-2439

Student Accessibility Coordinator

Lillian has been employed at Connecticut College for a little more than ten years, the first seven years with the College Bookshop. In 2011, she returned to her primary vocation and true passion as an advocate and resource for people with disabilities, becoming the Student Accessibility Services Coordinator and continuing as part of the vibrant Connecticut College community. Prior to Connecticut College, Lillian worked in various residential, vocational and educational support services.

lillian.liebenthal@conncoll.edu Phone: 860-439-5428

Quantitative Skills Center Director

Originally from Türkiye, Semra comes to our college from New Hampshire and steps into the role of the Director of our Quantitative Skills Center. Semra earned her Ph.D. in Mathematics from University of New Hampshire, her M.Sc. from University of Saskatchewan in Canada, her B.Sc. from Middle East Technical University in Türkiye. In this role, Semra’s vision is to collaborate with colleagues across the college to identify quantitative skills needed across disciplines and establish a robust support infrastructure. As an immigrant, a first-generation college student, and a woman mathematician, Semra recognizes the need to provide equitable access and opportunity for all our students. She is driven to help them achieve their career aspirations by cultivating their quantitative skills.

skilicbah@conncoll.edu

Learning Specialist

Sarah joined the Office of Academic Support in the spring of 2023. She brings years of experience working in secondary education and as an occupational therapy provider to her role as a Learning Specialist in the Academic Resource Center at Connecticut College. In addition to providing individual academic support, Sarah works closely with Student Accessibility Services to create programming to support students’ development of executive functioning skills and an inclusive campus environment for students with disabilities and neurodivergence.

smockalis@conncoll.edu Phone: 860-439-2821

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR FOR OPERATIONS, ARC ONBOARDING COORDINATOR

Providing the backbone to the Academic Resource Center, Patricia assists in the behind the scenes work that allows the ARC to run smoothly. As Assistant Director, not only does she manage office workers and organize events, she always greets visitors with a smile. Originally working as an assistant for the Gender and Women’s Studies department, Patricia made the transition to the ARC in 2013. With a degree in English, she’s the perfect fit for an environment that is geared toward student education.

“Treat others the way you want to be treated.”

PDALLAS@CONNCOLL.EDU Phone: 860-439-2815