Meet the Vice President and the Student Life Team

Braelin Pantel Headshot

Braelin Pantel, Ph.D.Vice President of Student Life

  • BS, Union College, Schenectady, NY, Psychology
  • MA, University of Denver, CO, Higher Education Administration
  • Ph.D. University of Northern Colorado, Higher Education Administration

Started working at Mines in 2022

Welcome to Student Life at Colorado School of Mines! You are part of an exceptional student body, all of whom share the challenging and rewarding goal of becoming a Mines graduate. The Division of Student Life is here to support you in the pursuit of that goal. Through innovative programs and outstanding services, we work to enhance academic learning and help you achieve success. Mines is a place where we continually strive for excellence in everything we do. As part of the Mines family, you must dare to be the best you can be, and as you give your best, the Student Life staff is committed to doing the same.

Mines is an international community of scholars. Your opportunities to learn and interact with faculty and fellow students go far beyond the classroom. Outside of their teaching, research and public service activities, Mines faculty and staff are highly accessible to students. Their collective wisdom and experience is a valuable resource and one that we encourage you to explore.

I encourage you to take full advantage of everything that Student Life has to offer. To offset the rigors of your studies, you can participate in one of the many professional, special interest, athletic, intramural and recreational sports opportunities at Mines. By living on campus, exploring new interests, building relationships, accepting greater responsibilities, and discovering who you are – you are preparing yourself to take on the challenges ahead. This is where you can develop your leadership qualities and further refine your interpersonal skills and talents. It’s also where you can release stress and just have fun!.

If you have any problems, concerns, or suggestions, there are many people willing to both listen and help. If there is anything we can do to assist you please just let us know. Good luck on your journey at Mines!

All the best,

Braelin Pantel, Ph.D.
Vice President of Student Life


Holly Jackson
Executive Assistant to the Vice President of Student Life

  • BA University of Colorado, Boulder

Started working at Mines in 2024

David Hansburg
David Hansburg
Director of Athletics

  • BA, Amherst College, History
  • MA, Northwestern University, Higher Education Administration and Social Policy

Started working at Mines in 2013.

Derek E Morgan
Derek E. Morgan, Ph.D.
Dean of Students

  • BS, University of Evansville, Communications
  • MS, Colorado State University, Student Affairs in Higher Education
  • PhD, Colorado State University, Educational Leadership

Started working at Mines in 2003.

Colin A. Terry, Ph.D.
Assistant Vice President for Student Life I McBride Honors Faculty Fellow

  • BA, Gonzaga University, Political Science
  • MA, New York University, Educational Leadership
  • PhD, Michigan State University, Educational Psychology and Educational Technology

Started working at Mines in 2010.

Sheena Martinez

Sheena Martinez
Assistant Vice President of Student Life for Equity and Engagement

  • BA, Colorado State University, Sociology
  • MS, Colorado State University, Student Affairs in Higher Education

Started working at Mines in 2022.

Mary Elliott, EdD

Mary Elliott, EdD
Executive Director of Residence Life and Auxiliary Services

  • BA, Cornell College, Secondary Education and History
  • MA, University of Iowa, Student Development and Higher Education Administration
  • EdD, Research on Austistic Student experience in Residence Halls

Started working at Mines in 2014

Katie Joyce, MEd

Katie Joyce, MEd
Special Projects & Operations Manager

  • BA, University of Massachusetts Amherst, History
  • MEd, University of West Alabama, Student Affairs and Higher Education

Started working at Mines in 2023.

Caroline Fuller

Caroline Fuller
Program Assistant for Student Life

  • BA, University of Colorado, Boulder, International Relations

Started working at Mines in 2012

Helen Cooley Feiner

Helen Cooley Feiner
Administrative Assistant III for Student Life

  • BA, University of St Thomas, Business Administration

Started working at Mines in 2023.