Graduate and Online Admission Staff

Emily Morales

Assistant Vice President of Graduate Enrollment and Business Development

Phone: 630-844-7836
Email: emorales@aurora.edu

Educational background: BS in Economics, Illinois State University, Normal, IL; MBA, Aurora University

How long have you been at AU: Since June 2007

What advice would you give to a prospective graduate student: Your graduate degree is so much more than a resume builder. You'll build lifelong personal and professional connections and discover what matters to you. Allow yourself to be open to the transformative power of learning.

Words to describe AU: Every person at AU, staff and faculty, is dedicated to each individual student's success from the time they start the application until they walk across the stage at commencement.

Ann Benjamin

Graduate Advisor

Phone: 630-844-5471
Email: abenjamin@aurora.edu

Educational background: BA in Communication Studies, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA; MLD, North Central College, Naperville, IL

How long have you been at AU: Since October 2021

What advice would you give to a prospective graduate student: My advice is to be an advocate for yourself—ask for what you need, share your ideas, and use the resources on campus to make this the best possible experience for yourself.

Words to describe AU: AU is a community of approachable individuals who collaborate to help students achieve their goals.

Jennifer Everhart

Assistant Vice President for Online Enrollment

Phone: 630-947-8921
Email: jeverhart@aurora.edu

Educational background: BA in General Studies, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL; MBA, Aurora University, Aurora, IL

How long have you been at AU: Since January 2014

What advice would you give to a prospective graduate student: Ask lots of questions! We are here to help you achieve your educational goals!

Words to describe AU: AU is a university that focuses on the needs of our students and helping them gain education and experience to prepare them for life after graduation!

Lindsey Hanson

Senior Graduate Admission Counselor

Phone: 630-947-8907
Email: lhanson@aurora.edu

Programs:
Accelerated Advantage Master of Arts in Teaching (Secondary Education)
Accelerated Advantage Master of Business Administration Program
Accelerated Advantage Master of Science in Criminal Justice Program
Master of Science in Computer Science

Educational background: BA in Communication, Aurora University, Aurora, IL; MBA, DeVry University's Keller Graduate School of Management, Naperville, IL

How long have you been at AU: Since January 2022

What advice would you give to a prospective graduate student: Your graduate education is a chance to hone your skills in a particular area. Take this opportunity to choose a program that you are passionate about, one that excites you to dive in and learn more.

Words to describe AU: A welcoming community that provides an abundance of opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Markesha Harden

Online Enrollment Specialist

Phone: 630-844-7802
Email: mharden@aurora.edu

Educational background: BA in Sociology, Augustana College, Rock Island, IL; MS in Human Service Counseling, Liberty University, Lynchburg, VA

How long have you been at AU: Since April 2024

What advice would you give to a prospective graduate student: Take all the knowledge that you've soaked up here and use it to your advantage. Never be afraid to follow your dreams. You've worked hard to make those dreams a reality! We are rooting for you!

Words to describe AU: A warm and embracing community that is dedicated to preparing our students for success!

Valerie Jackson

Graduate Admission Counselor

Phone: 630-947-8938
Email: vjackson@aurora.edu

Programs:
Graduate Social Work Programs

Educational background: BA in Communication, Western Illinois University, Macomb, IL

How long have you been at AU: Since November 2018

What advice would you give to a prospective graduate student: Visit—whether it be virtually or in-person—and ask questions in the process! Campus visits are the best way to get a feel for the programs you are considering. Once you are an AU student, be sure to get to know your instructors!

Words to describe AU: A tight-knit, flexible, and student-centered community.

Caryn Jakielski

Graduate Admission Counselor

Phone: 630-947-8903
Email: cjakielski@aurora.edu

Programs:
Alternative Principal Endorsement Program
Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction: Teaching Diverse Learners
Master of Arts in Educational Leadership
Master of Arts in Educational Technology
Master of Arts in Reading Instruction
Graduate Education Endorsements

Educational background: BS in Recreation Administration and Management, Western Illinois University, Macomb, IL; MS in Continuing Education and Training Management and MBA, University of St. Francis, Joliet, IL

How long have you been at AU: Since June 2017

What advice would you give to a prospective graduate student: Don't wait. Start now. There will never be a perfect time to start, so don't put it off.

Words to describe AU: Diverse, inclusive, and a gem in the suburbs.

Bridget LeMaire

Senior Graduate Admission Counselor

Phone: 630-947-8942
Email: blemaire@aurora.edu

Programs:
Family Nurse Practitioner – Doctor of Nursing Practice
Master of Arts in Teaching: Elementary Education
Master of Science in Athletic Training
Master of Science in Nursing Entry to Practice

Educational background: BA in Public Relations and Marketing Communications, St. Ambrose University, Davenport, IA; MS in Higher Education Administration, Southern New Hampshire University, Hooksett, NH

How long have you been at AU: Since November 2020

What advice would you give to a prospective graduate student: Don't keep putting off your degree! The longer you wait to start, the bigger the chance you take at never starting it.

Words to describe AU: Inclusive. Between the autism-friendly residence hall for undergraduate students and the diverse group of students coming from all walks of life, you will find a place and group of friends to fit in.

Cody Mars

Online Enrollment Specialist

Phone: 630-947-8901
Email: cmars@aurora.edu

Educational background: Coursework at Waubonsee Community College, Sugar Grove, IL; BA in Psychology with minors in Anthropology and Sociology, and a certificate in Multicultural Studies, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO; MSW and MBA degrees in progress, Aurora University, Aurora, IL

How long have you been at AU: Since March 2021

What advice would you give to a prospective graduate student: Schedule time for self-care and remain patient with yourself as you progress through your graduate program.

Words to describe AU: Committed to student success and development.