Sherri A. Crahen, Ph.D.
Dean of Students
E-mail - scrahen@jcu.edu

Sherri joined the division of Student Affairs at John Carroll University as the Dean of Students in 2004.  She has over 20 years of experience in Student Affairs working at both private and public institutions around the country.  Sherri moved to Ohio in 2004 after spending the previous ten years in Minnesota and appreciates the warmer winters!  After receiving a B.S. in Psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, Sherri attended Penn State University and earned a Master’s degree in Counseling.  Sherri completed her Ph.D. in 2001 from the University of Minnesota and focused her research on better understanding the experiences for African-American students who attend predominantly white institutions.

Donna Byrnes
Associate Dean of Students
E-mail - dbyrnes@jcu.edu

When Donna arrived as the Assistant Director of Housing/Head Resident of Murphy Hall in August of 1978, Sutowski Hall was just opening.  She lived on campus for eight years.  When she was asked to assume the duties of Director of Residence Life, she moved off campus.  Donna has lived in University Heights, South Euclid, Reminderville, Streetsboro, Coventry Village, and currently resides in Lyndhurst.  Donna has served as the Associate Dean of Students since 2006.  Her areas of responsibility include JCU Dining, commuter students, off-campus students, city relations (as they relate to student behavior), student conduct, and working with parents and guardians.  As an avid Blue Streak fan, you are likely to see Donna at many athletic events.  She also has been fortunate to lead three immersion trips, two to Tijuana, Mexico and one to Duran, Ecuador.  Donna is from the Philadelphia area and spent her formative years with the Franciscan Sisters.  She received her B.S. in Health Sciences and Physical Education from East Stroudsburg University and her M.A. in Counseling with a concentration in Student Personnel Services from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.  Her parents, as well as her sister and her family, live in southern California and her brother and his family make their home in Atlanta.  Donna's life’s ambition is to act justly, love tenderly, and walk humbly with my God. (Micah 6:8)

Ryan C. Knotts
Coordinator for Developmental Programming
E-mail - rknotts@jcu.edu

Ryan joined John Carroll University as the Coordinator for Developmental Programming in June of 2005.  His main responsibilities include coordinating educational programs related to alcohol and sexual-assault, wellness initiatives and serving as a student conduct administrator.  He currently advises John Carroll University’s “Every Two Minutes” group, “One in Four” group, and the Student Union Hearing Board.  Prior to moving to Cleveland he worked at the University of Wisconsin-Stout as a Hall Director for five years.  Ryan has an M.B.A. in Management from the University of St. Thomas, an M.S.Ed. in Higher Education Administration from the University of Kansas and a B.A. in Psychology from Rockhurst University.

Linda Paci
Administrative Assistant
E-mail - lpaci@jcu.edu

Linda Paci joined John Carroll University in November 2006 and she is excited about providing administrative support and office management to the Dean of Students.  She also coordinates the disciplinary process for students including scheduling hearings.
Linda served as the Assistant to the Vice President of Students Affairs and as Office Coordinator in the Division of Student Affairs for 12 years at Cleveland State University.  She received Certificates of Appreciation from the STARS and Mentoring Programs.  Linda also received the Distinguished Service Award for invaluable service to the Curtis Wilson Scholarship Fund and recognition from the Women's Comprehensive Program as a CSU Woman Who Made a Difference.