Meet The Professional Staff!

Keith Blankenship

Assistant Dean of Students/Director

Keith is the Assistant Dean of Students & Director of Residence Life here at Lehigh. Prior to arriving at Lehigh, Keith worked with the Residential Life staff at Columbia University. Academically, he has an MBA from Lehigh, a degree in International Educational Development with a concentration in Humanitarian Issues from Columbia University, and a degree in Philosophy from Gettysburg College. As part of his academic experience he is fortunate to spend a year studying at the University of Melbourne in Melbourne, Australia. And while he thinks of Australia as his adopted home, Keith is originally from Providence, Rhode Island. Outside of his work with the Residence Life team Keith enjoys the performing arts and going to concerts, walking around and exploring a new city, being by the ocean, playing sports and staying active through cycling, kayaking, hiking, and playing golf, and is a huge fan of 90s disaster movies. He's also known around Williams Hall for his office plants and responding to emails with well-timed gifs.

Jean Barnard

Associate Director, The Residential Experience

Jean is one of the Associate Directors of Residence Life. She received her master's degree in Student Affairs in Higher Education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Her graduate degree was preceded by a Bachelor of Arts degree in History from Lock Haven University. Post undergrad, she has been a Hall Director, a Graduate Assistant within an Academic Department, an Assistant Director of Residence Life, and a Director and Academic Coach of an Academic Coaching & Tutoring Center at various colleges and universities in Virginia, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. Jean joined the Lehigh University family in June of 2022 and enjoys working with the Residence Life Team. Outside of work, Jean loves spending time with her family. She also enjoys playing board games, gardening, and going on adventures.

Chloe Webb-Barnes

Associate Director, The Gryphon Experience

Chloe is the newest Associate Director of Residence Life at Lehigh. She received her master's degree in Higher Education Counseling/Student Affairs from West Chester University. Her graduate degree was preceded by a Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematics with a concentration in Finance from West Chester University (WCU). Chloe fell in love with Residence Life as a Resident Assistant, and chose higher education because of it. She also served as a Graduate Assistant, Graduate Hall Director, Resident Director, and Area Coordinator all at WCU before joining her new Lehigh family in January 2023. What brings Chloe the most joy in higher education? She'd say it's creating those transformational experiences for her students and staff at all levels. Outside of her passion for Residence Life, she enjoys playing with her two daughters, movie nights with her spouse, cuddles with her puppy Roman, and playing the Sims 4 when she gets the chance. She also loves crafting with her Cricut, cooking, gardening, and baking cakes & cookies!

Mikki Maderas

Coordinator

Mikki joined our Res Life team in November 2021, but she has been with Lehigh for over 10 years in various coordinator positions. Her passion and dedication is to be a valuable resource to our Lehigh community by connecting with our students and providing them with the best experience with our office. Outside of work she enjoys the outdoors, hiking, swimming, camping with family and friends and trips to the beach, which by the way, is her happy place.

Angie Rizzo

Assistant Director- The Centennials

Angie received her Master's degree in Secondary Education from Lehigh University, as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Global Studies with minors in Anthropology and Latin American Studies. Angie joined the Office of Residence Life as a professional staff member in 2022 and enjoys her work immensely. Her favorite part of this role is working with students- both residents and her staff of 24 Gryphons. Outside of work, Angie enjoys spending time with her dog (Ellie), volunteering, hiking, traveling, reading, art, and paddling.

Bobby Frankenfield

Assistant Director- Dravo, Drinker, & Richards Houses

Bobby is so excited to join the staff and serve as one of the Assistant Directors of Residence Life! Bobby obtained his masters degree in Student Affairs in Higher Education last May from Kutztown University. Prior to that he received a degree in Elementary and Special Education from Kutztown. Throughout his undergraduate years Bobby served in every role that Residence Life offered for its students at KU including being a: Desk Receptionist, Community Assistant, and Assistant Resident Director. After graduating with his masters degree, Bobby was an Admissions Counselor working at Lehigh in the Office of Admissions recruiting prospective students and overseeing the campus tour guides. Bobby joined the team in December of 2024 and is eager to support his student staff and residents and bring his positive attitude to this office! In his free time, Bobby spends a lot of time watching and playing sports. His favorite sports at the moment are tennis and pickleball. He has also recently gotten into traveling and loves to run.

Erica Nemitz

Assistant Director- Brodhead House, Farrington Square Apartments, Trembley Park Apartments, & Warren Square Houses

Erica will receive her Master’s in Higher Ed: Student Affairs this upcoming May from Kutztown University. Her graduate degree was preceded by a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Moravian University. Erica found her passion for Residence Life as a Resident Assistant, and chose higher education because of it. She also served as a Graduate Assistant in Student Conduct prior to joining Lehigh. Erica loves to give back to residents and help them create transformational learning experiences. Outside of her passion for Residence Life, she enjoys trying new recipes, spending time with her nephew, and date nights with her partner. She also loves baking, reading books in her free time, and spending time with friends!

Mackenzie Donatelli

Graduate Assistant

Mackenzie came to Lehigh in August of 2024 and is currently pursuing her Masters of Public Health (MPH) in the College of Health here at Lehigh University. She obtained her undergraduate degree from Ursinus College, graduating with a Bachelors of Science in Biology with minors in both psychology and neuroscience. Mackenzie held various leadership positions at Ursinus and mentored a number of students. She enjoys supporting students by helping them navigate their college years! During her free time, Mackenzie enjoys going on nature walks, spending time with friends, and visiting local coffee shops! She is also passionate about volunteering and attends the farmers market every week.

Sean Miller

Assistant Director- McClintic-Marshall House (M&M), Singleton, Hitch, & Maida Houses

Prior to starting at Lehigh, Sean lived in Virginia while completing a Master’s in College Student Personnel Administration at James Madison University. Originally from New Jersey, Sean studied Politics at the Catholic University of America in Washington, DC, while serving as a Resident Assistant for three years. While at Catholic U, Sean was an active member of CUAllies, a student-run LGBTQ+ advocacy group. Sean has a passion for supporting students as they transition through their college experience. As a first-generation college student, Sean is especially interested in supporting students who are the first in their families to attend college. Most of all, Sean is looking forward to joining the Village staff in fostering a safe and supportive learning environment!

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