Cora Bennett

Director

Cora Bennett is the director of Student Orientation Programs and manages the student ambassador program and orientation events. Since joining the division she has grown the office to meet the ever-growing interest in the UO from prospective students and visitors. The programs she manages employ 65 students as ambassadors who present the UO experience to new Ducks as well as to more than 40,000 visitors each year.

“I love the UO because it’s unlike any other place I’ve ever lived. People are warm and friendly, the campus environment is everything a university should be, and the pride and spirit the community has for the university is unmatched.”

Micah Howe

Associate Director of Prospective Student Programs

Micah Howe serves as the associate director of prospective student programs at the University of Oregon. In this role, she works to create a vibrant welcoming environment for prospective students, their families, and other visitors. She coordinates campus tours, supports virtual recruitment events, and oversees the Ambassador Program. Micah completed her bachelor’s degree at Gonzaga University, where she studied human resource management, sociology, and women’s studies. In addition, she received a master’s degree in college student affairs from Penn State University.

“There are so many reasons to love being a Duck! I appreciate the UO’s progressive campus culture, school spirit, and reputation for academic excellence as our state's flagship university.”

Michael Luna

Assistant Director of Welcome and Transition

Michael Luna serves as the assistant director for welcome and transition experience in Student Orientation Programs. In his role, he serves as part of the leadership that designs and executes the experiences as part of the university’s on-campus programs such as Duck Preview, Duck Days, and IntroDUCKtion, as well as the university’s off-site transition programs in various cities across the country. He works closely with campus partners as well as third-party companies to collaborate on concepts for events, programs, and sponsorships, and to determine the elements that best fit the theme and story of those events, programs, and sponsorships.

Michael completed his bachelor’s degree at the University of Oregon, where he studied public relations.

“One of the first things I’ve learned being a part of this campus is that the Oregon “O” stands for opportunity. Any student, staff or faculty member can truly immerse themselves in a wide array of possibilities that not only allow themselves to grow, but also connect them with an inclusive and passionate community of like-minded people.”

Jess Tallant

Associate Director of Orientation and Transition Programs

Jess Tallant (she/hers) serves as the associate director of orientation and transition programs at the University of Oregon. In this capacity Jess supports the planning and execution of orientation and transition initiatives including IntroDUCKtion and Week of Welcome. Jess completed her bachelor’s degree at Salisbury University, where she was a student athlete and received a degree in social work. She also has a master’s degree in student affairs in higher education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

“It’s an honor to be a part of an incoming Duck’s first experiences with the UO. There’s a richness and unwavering sense of pride in being a Duck that is unlike anywhere else. Who wouldn’t want to be a part of that?”

Camille Erskine

Coordinator of Pre-College Visit Programs

Camille Erskine serves as the coordinator of pre-college visit programs at the University of Oregon. In this role, she takes leadership in coordinating group visit events, planning the college-readiness program, and supervising the multicultural recruiter team. Camille completed her bachelor’s degree at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, where she received a bachelor’s degree in liberal studies with minors in child development and psychology. In addition, she received a master’s degree in counselor education (student affairs) from Clemson University.

“The University of Oregon has been the perfect combination of comfort and growth. I was immediately welcomed with open arms by students and faculty members, enjoyed the proximity to many outdoor activities, and learned numerous fun facts about academics, extracurriculars, and campus history. I truly believe the community feeling of the UO and the Eugene area is what makes the University of Oregon so unique.”

Madison Beine

Coordinator of Orientation Programs

Madison Beine (she/hers) serves as the coordinator of orientation programs at the University of Oregon. In her role, Madison supervises the student orientation staff and supports the planning and execution of IntroDUCKtion and Week of Welcome. Madison completed a bachelor’s of science degree in psychology from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. She also has a master’s of education in student affairs from Clemson University.

Molly Maxwell

Assistant Director for Administration

Molly Maxwell (she/hers) serves as the assistant director for administration. In this role she oversees professional and student staff onboarding, accounts payable and receivable, contracts, departmental budgets, and the administrative and operational functions of the department. She supervises the administrative coordinator and the Student Operational and Administrative Resources (SOAR) team.

“As a Eugene native, I love getting to share the magic of my hometown with new people and helping them find a home here, too.”