Meet Our Staff

At Living the Dream University (LTDU), our staff is made up of passionate educators, clinicians, administrators, and advocates who are deeply committed to empowering adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Each team member brings specialized expertise, lived experience, and a shared belief that every learner deserves access to meaningful, inclusive higher education. Together, our staff works collaboratively to support students, families, faculty, and the broader LTDU mission, turning dreams into achievable futures.

Admin Staff

Blake Newsom, M.S.

President & Chancellor

President's Office Hours

Tuesday: 2:00–8:00 PM CST

Wednesday: 2:00–8:00 PM CST

Thursday: 2:00–8:00 PM CST
By appointment only: Tuesday–Thursday (limited)

Dr. Eeman Salem, Ph.D.

Vice President

Dr. Candy Jones-Martorell, Ed.D.

Dean of Education 

Dr. Tony Schellenberger, Psy.D.

Department Chair 

of

Behavioral & Social Sciences

Dr. Naomi Cortez, Ed.D.

Department Chair 

of

English

Dr. Amanda Walker, Ph.D.

Department Chair

of

Communications

 

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Department Chair

of

African American Studies

 

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Department Chair 

of

History

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Department Chair 

of

Mathematics 

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Department Chair

of

Science

 

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Department Chair

of

Latin American Studies

 

Human Resources 

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Director of Human Resources

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HR Operations Manager

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Faculty & Staff Recruitment Coordinator

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Compensation, Payroll & Benefits Administrator I

 

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Compensation, Payroll & Benefits Administrator II

 

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Employee Relations & Performance Coordinator

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HR Compliance & Policy Coordinator

 

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Contracts & Records Coordinator

 

 

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Training & Professional Development Coordinator

 

Kendra Hayes

Social Media and Recruitment Coordinator

 

 

Finance, & Operations  Division

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Chief Financial Officer

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Director of Finance & Budgeting

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Director of Operations

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Accounting & Grants Manager

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Operations & Compliance Manager

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Risk Management & Insurance Coordinator  

Compliance, Accreditation & Quality Assurance Division

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Director of Institutional Compliance

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Accreditation & Authorization Coordinator

 

 

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Title IX Coordinator

 

 

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ADA / Section 504 Compliance Officer

 

 

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FERPA Privacy Officer

Student Affairs

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Dean of Student Affairs

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Student Affairs Manager

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Academic Success Coach I

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Academic Success Coach II

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Academic Success Coach II

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Registrar Operations Coordinator I

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Registrar Operations Coordinator II

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Academic Success Coach IIII

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Academic Success Coach V

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Advising & Registration Coordinator I

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Advising & Registration Coordinator II

Department of Behavior Staff 

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Chief Behavioral Services Officer

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Licensed Psychologist I

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Licensed Psychologist II

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 Licensed Professional Counselor I

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 Licensed Professional Counselor II

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Behavior Analyst Certification Board I

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Behavior Analyst Certification Board II