Lori Saunders, MS
Director, Student Services

Lori received her Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama and earned a Master of Science degree in Leadership focusing on Education and Human Services from Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

With a diverse background in sports marketing and higher education, Lori joined the Office of Student Development in 2009 after working in the School of Public Health for two years. Her experience developing programs that engage various constituents supports her current role where she is oversees the execution of institutional events and programs, leadership development and student engagement.

She enjoys creating innovative opportunities for the campus community to actively support student success.

Strengths: Includer, Responsibility, Empathy, Ideation, Maximizer

Ashlee Jimenez, MS, CCLS 

Assistant Director, Student Services

Ashlee received her Bachelor of Science degree in Child Development and Family Living from Stephen F. Austin State University and earned a Master of Science degree in Child Development, with a focus in Child Life from Texas Woman’s University.

Ashlee has been at UNTHSC for over two years and was promoted to Assistant Director in June 2019. In this role she coordinates institutional events including Commencement, White Coat Ceremony, Discover myHSC Day and the Campus Crawl, as well as Social and Family Programming.

Ashlee’s background and passion for working with students and program planning comes from her previous career in healthcare, as she served as a Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) at Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston, TX for six years. There she supported a 36 bed unit, while also Chairing the Child Life Practicum Program, Internship and Practicum Student Supervisor, as well as Chair and member of the Remembrance Breakfast Planning Committee.

Ashlee enjoys providing opportunities that empower student leadership and inter-professional education practices.

Strengths: Discipline, Responsibility, Relator, Developer, Maximizer

Aubrey Rife, MS
Student Development Specialists

Aubrey received both her Bachelor of Science in Health Studies and her Master of Science in Health Sciences from The University of Texas at Tyler.

Prior to her arrival at The University of North Texas Health Science Center, Aubrey worked in Residence Life as well as in the non-profit sector.  Her experience in programming, leadership and student development assists her now in her current role working with student governments, student organizations, orientation and other programming across campus.

Aubrey is passionate about student engagement and helping students feel connected here at UNTHSC.  She hopes to be an encouragement and supportive resource to assist students in reaching their goals.

Strengths: Belief, Positivity, Includer, Empathy, Developer

Susan Duncan, M.Ed.

Student Development Specialist

Susan received her Bachelor of Arts degree in communications from Dallas Baptist University and her Master’s in Education in student development and leadership from Angelo State University.

Susan has almost 10 years of experience in higher education ranging from the community college setting to graduate school. She began her career working in financial aid, but she has also worked in the registrar’s office, graduation, and student development.

Susan is excited to apply her creativity and passion for supporting students in her current role as a student development associate. She gets joy from connecting with students, engaging in research and providing opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Strengths: Empathy, Connectedness, Developer, Belief, Input

Melissa Brand

Student Services Assistant

Melissa earned an Associate of Arts Degree from Rend Lake College Ina, IL.

For over fifteen years, she has excelled in administrative support services that extend from a veterinary clinic to a wealth management firm. Throughout her career, the extensive experience she has gained as an office manager and administrative assistant prove her expertise in customer service, team building, coordinating meetings and travel, gathering data and compiling performance reports, and managing budgets and projects.

Melissa joined UNT Health Science Center in 2017 and has enjoyed motivating, supporting and assisting students as they pursue their professional development.

Strengths: Responsibility, Individualization, Achiever, Harmony, Adaptability