Meet Our Team

Kaci Kortis

Kaci Kortis
Director
Transfer & Transition Advising Center

E: kaci.kortis@uc.edu
P: 513-556-9000
L: 200 University Pavilion


About Kaci

Kaci Kortis, M.Ed., hailing from her hometown of Waverly, Ohio, is a dedicated educator and two-time graduate of UC, whose passion for helping students find their unique paths led her on a fulfilling journey through various educational roles. Starting her career in a museum and later as a high school teacher, she eventually found her calling in higher education, where she serves as a fierce advocate for transfer students and those going through academic transitions. As a devoted mother to Theo and a loving wife to Adam, Kaci brings empathy, understanding, and unwavering support to her role as an educator, guiding and inspiring students to achieve their full potential.

Dan Wright

Dan Wright
Assistant Director
Transfer & Transition Advising Center

E: daniel.wright@uc.edu
P: 513-556-9000
L: 200 University Pavilion


About Dan

Dan is a graduate of the University of Cincinnati in 2013 and has worked as an academic advisor in the University of Kentucky College of Arts and Sciences from 2015-2018. He is excited to work with the Transfer & Transition Advising Center team here at the University of Cincinnati, as it offers him the opportunity to continue his research and work on student success at a University that he calls home.

Nancy Coscia

Nancy Coscia
Sr. Academic Advisor, Clermont Campus

E: nancy.coscia@uc.edu
P: 513-558-1816
L: 100 Student Services Building


About Nancy

Nancy joined the TTAC team in 2019 when she returned home to Williamsburg, Ohio, and to work at UC. Her career has been focused on higher education and she served in several areas of student life prior to becoming an academic advisor. Nancy’s educational journey included Mars Hill College, the University of South Carolina for a master's in higher education, and Indiana Wesleyan University for a doctorate in organizational leadership.

Tom West portrait

Tom West
Sr. Academic Advisor, Blue Ash Campus

E: tom.west@uc.edu
P: 513-558-7723
L: Muntz Hall 125


About Tom

Tom received his master's degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City in Higher Education Administration and has been in educational leadership for 30+ years. He is making a return to UC (Graduate Program Director at Procter Hall, UC College of Nursing, 1995-99) and looks forward to assisting transfer and transition students at UC Blue Ash. He is a family man, married to Tara for 34 years and has three adult children. Tom recently became a grandpa to Wren and she is practically perfect in every way. Tom loves watching intercollegiate volleyball and is glad to call UC home again!

Josh Brittingham portrait

Josh Brittingham
Sr. Academic Advisor, Clifton Campus

E: joshua.brittingham@uc.edu
P: 513-556-9000
L: 210 University Pavilion


About Josh

Joshua is originally from Medway, Ohio, He was both a major-changing student and a transfer student before completing a bachelor's degree in History and Philosophy from Capital University. A master's degree in Student Affairs in Higher Education from Wright State University led to a career in academic advising, with roles serving students at Clark State Community College and Northern Kentucky University before coming to UC. Joshua's professional interests include contributing to the advancement of the field of academic advising, and he has served in various volunteer and leadership roles in NACADA: The Global Community for Academic Advising. When he is not working with students, Joshua can be found running, cycling, collecting music, and playing tabletop and online RPGs.

Megan headshot

Megan McCarren
Academic Advisor, Clifton Campus

E: mccarrmn@ucmail.uc.edu
P: 513-556-9000
L: 210 University Pavilion


About Megan

Megan is a UC graduate and a proud transfer student. She spent much of her undergraduate career working with and advocating for transfer students. She is excited to once again use her passion to help Transfer Bearcats feel at home!

Manuela Botaka

Manuela Botaka
Academic Advisor, Clifton Campus

E: botakamk@ucmail.uc.edu
P: 513-556-9000
L: 210 University Pavilion


About Manuela

Manuela grew up in Lexington, Kentucky and is a graduate of the University of Louisville in 2019. Her passions lie in teaching and mentoring. During her time at UofL, Manuela served as a peer mentor helping first-year college students persist and achieve their goals. She is now excited to channel her passions into helping transfer students thrive and find their paths at UC. She enjoys the outdoors, Qdoba, and quality time with family & friends.

Bailey headshot

Bailey Bamonte
Academic Advisor, Clifton Campus

E: bamontba@ucmail.uc.edu
P: 513-556-9000
L: 210 University Pavilion


About Bailey

Bailey is from Norwood, Ohio and a graduate of UC. She was a transfer student and started at the Blue Ash campus, eventually transitioning to the college of Arts and Sciences. For four years, Bailey was an admissions student worker and helped students get started at UC. Bailey was a first-gen student and wishes to help students who may feel lost on their college paths. In her free time, she likes to play The Sims, read, and spend time with her family.

 

Transfer mentors

Ashlyn Garter

Ashlyn Garter

P: 513-556-9000


About Ashlyn

Ashlyn is a senior from Kings Mills, Ohio. She is majoring in Mathematics-SA with plans to attend graduate school for statistics. She transferred from OSU after her second year. She enjoys hiking, running, reading, and watching movies.

Brooklyn Wentz

Brooklyn Wentz

P: 513-556-9000


About Brooklyn

Brooklyn is from Avon, Ohio, and is a second-year Chemical Engineering student planning to pursue a minor in Materials Engineering. She just completed her first co-op at Lincoln Electric in Cleveland, Ohio. She is involved in Phi Sigma Rho, a social sorority for engineers. She transferred from George Washington University in Washington, D.C., where she majored in Mechanical Engineering with a concentration in Aerospace Engineering and was committed to play for the women's soccer team. 

Carly Kwiatkowski

Carly Kwiatkowski

P: 513-556-9000


About Carly

Carly is a second-year student from Cleveland, Ohio. She transferred to UC from Ohio State after her freshman year. She is earning her bachelor’s degree in Biology and looking to also get a minor in Spanish. She enjoys lacrosse, jet skiing, and helping transfer students adjust to UC.  

Holland Tolliver

Holland Tolliver

P: 513-556-9000


About Holland

Holland is a fourth-year student from Mason, Ohio majoring in Biological Sciences. She is going to optometry school after she finishes her undergraduate studies. She transferred from Slippery Rock University after her freshman year where she played softball. She loves working out, hanging out with friends, and reading.

Jimmy Tran

Jimmy Tran

P: 513-556-9000


About Jimmy

Jimmy is an international student from Vietnam. He transferred to UC from Lane Community College in Eugene, Oregon in Fall 2019 and is a freshman in Industrial Design. He enjoys working out in the gym, playing sports, and listen to lo-fi music when working on projects.

Katelyn Dennery

Katelyn Dennery

P: 513-556-9000


About Katelyn

Katelyn is from Dayton, Ohio. She is a Health Science student on the Pre- Physician's Assistant track with a minor in Psychology. She is involved with Club Bowling and 4 Paws for Ability. She transferred from Miami University after her freshman year. She enjoys bowling, hiking, and mentoring peers.

Nikki Carfora

Nikki Carfora

P: 513-556-9000


About Nikki

Nikki is a second-year student from Dayton, Ohio majoring in Business Analytics with a Spanish minor. She transferred from Indiana University, where she was involved with the IU Track & Field/XC team. She enjoys the outdoors, rock climbing, and being involved in her community.