Meet the Admissions Team
The college admissions process doesn't have to be stressful, and our counselors are here to answer your questions, ease your concerns, and help you explore your options as you get to know Malone.
Eric Young
Vice President of Enrollment
- Hometown: Dover, OH
- High School: Dover High School
- Degree(s): B.S. AYA Education; M.Ed. Higher Education Administration; Ph.D. Higher Education Administration
- Hobbies and interests outside of work: Running, coaching youth sports, Cleveland sports fan
- Favorite thing about Malone: The friendly environment where people go above and beyond to help our students. This is reflective of our commitment to Christian values and living out those values. I also love the history of our Barn-- it turns 100 years old this year.
- Favorite thing to do in Canton or Stark County: Finding new places to eat. My wife and I are always excited for our personal favorite in downtown Canton, Basil.
- Advice for a prospective Malone student: Education is central to the college choice process, but the context of the institution and your education is very important. At Malone, you will receive a Bible-based education that will prepare you for God's calling and success after graduation. Take time to visit the campuses you are considering, and ask the questions that are important to you and your family.
Ann Lawson
Director of Admissions
- Hometown: Rochester, PA
- High School: Rochester Area
- Degree(s): B.S. in Business Administration, MBA
- Hobbies and interests outside of work: travel, perennial flower gardening, bodhran drumming
- Favorite thing about Malone: The warmth and hospitality of every faculty and staff member is unparalleled.
- Favorite thing to do in Canton or Stark County: The wide diversity of museums! The McKinley monument, Canton Classic Car Museum, First Ladies' Library, the MAPS aviation museum, Massillon Museum, Canton Museum of Art, several historical houses, and, of course the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
- Advice for a prospective Malone student: Picture your ideal college experience: the people, environment, learning, etc. Rank what is most important to you and compare each school you visit to that list. Otherwise, you may fall into the trap of comparing schools to each other and risk being distracted by features that weren't even important factors for your future.
Blaise Brankatelli
Associate Director of Graduate and Professional Studies
- Hometown: Moreland Hills, OH
- High School: Orange High School
- Degree(s): B.A. In Biblical Studies; M.Div. Academic Track
- Hobbies and interests outside of work: The whole dad life, church volunteering, board games, learning languages, coaching wrestling
- Favorite thing about Malone: I love how Malone's mission influences all that we do here and how it gives us grander perspective.
- Favorite thing to do in Canton or Stark County: Making friends and playing games at a local Canton store, like Milestone Board Game Cafe.
- Advice for a prospective Malone student: The people at Malone are the best. Be sure to make those personal connections to faculty and staff early and often.
COUNSELORS
Alex Harbaugh
Admissions Counselor
- Hometown: Canton, OH
- High School: McKinley Sr High School
- Degree(s): B.A in Sport Management, minor in coaching
- Hobbies and interests outside of work: Fitness fanatic/ marathoner/ dog father of 1
- Favorite thing about Malone: The openness of others on and around campus, and their willingness to help when needed
- Favorite thing to do in Canton or Stark County: Walking around the Belden Village Mall and finding new restaurants to try.
- Advice for a prospective Malone student: Some may lean away from attending a private university due to the cost and expectations, but Malone is, by far, one of the most affordable and welcoming institutions in Ohio.
Kaitlin Meadows
Admissions Counselor
- Hometown: Tallmadge, Ohio
- High School: Tallmadge High School
- Degree(s): B.A. in Marketing
- Hobbies and interests outside of work: Hiking, lifting, reading
- Favorite thing about Malone: Malone's dedication to helping its students
- Favorite thing to do in Canton or Stark County: Have lunch at Gervasi
- Advice for a prospective Malone student: If you are searching for a university that is dedicated to your success as a student then Malone is the school for you. Every faculty and staff member is committed to helping Malone students grow in their career and their faith.
John Schrader
Admissions Counselor
- Hometown: Rancho Cucamonga, CA`
- High School: Wooster High School (Ohio)
- Degree(s): B.A. in Science Education (4th - 9th Grade)
- Hobbies and interests outside of work: Biking, climbing, lifting, and video games
- Favorite thing about Malone: The welcoming environment shared between all staff and faculty on campus
- Favorite thing to do in Canton or Stark County: Tinseltown Movie Theater!
- Advice for a prospective Malone student: Your college experience is what you make of it. Regardless of your major or friend group heading into college, the experiences you will have will be a direct result of your level of involvement. So get involved and enjoy the ride, because it is shorter than you think!
Austin Underwood
Admissions Counselor
- Hometown: Mogadore, OH
- High School: Mogadore High School
- Degree(s): B.A. in Youth Ministry & Christian Education
- Hobbies and interests outside of work: playing the guitar, archery, camping, hiking, church, reading
Jack Yeager
Admissions Counselor
- Hometown: North Olmsted, OH
- High School: North Olmsted High School
- Degree(s): B.A. In Biblical Studies
- Hobbies and interests outside of work: Volleyball, board games
- Favorite thing about Malone: Malone's commitment to furthering the Kingdom of God
- Favorite thing to do in Canton or Stark County: Volleyball at Weis Park
- Advice for a prospective Malone student: Your faith will always be the most important aspect of your life. Make sure that remains true while you are in college.
Staff
Kade Bitikofer
Data Entry Specialist
- Hometown: Strasburg, Ohio
- High School: Strasburg High School
- Degree(s): B.A. in English
- Hobbies and interests outside of work: Movies, music, reading
- Favorite thing about Malone: The close-knit community that Malone fosters for its students and staff
- Favorite thing to do in Canton or Stark County: Belden Village Mall
- Advice for a prospective Malone student: Don't be afraid of asking questions, not only of your peers but also of yourself. College isn't just about hitting the books; it's about embarking on a journey of autonomy and self-understanding. Malone is underpinned by an environment that encourages learning about a litany of subjects but, most importantly, it's yourself that you'll learn more about.
Sara Haidet
Manager, Communication and Events
- Degree(s): B.A. Organizational Communication Studies
- Hobbies and interests outside of work: Being involved at church, going out for coffee
- Favorite thing about Malone: It is great getting to work at an institution with Christian values.
- Favorite thing to do in Canton or Stark County: There's a lot of good local coffee shops - Tremont and the Human Bean are two great ones!
- Advice for a prospective Malone student: College is your opportunity to really learn a lot about what you want your future to look like, and there are a lot of people who want to help you determine that - you just need to be willing to ask. College poses a unique opportunity to be invested in by others, so don't miss out on your opportunity to ask questions, try new things, intern (Please! It is good for you!) and network, network, network!
Laura Russell
Visit Coordinator
- Hometown: New Philadelphia, OH
- High School: New Philadelphia High School
- Degree(s): B.A. Exercise Science; M.S. Adapted Physical Activity; M.Ed. Curriculum and Instruction
- Hobbies and interests outside of work: reading, writing, hiking
- Favorite thing to do in Canton or Stark County: Hiking the Towpath trail
- Advice for a prospective Malone student: Learn to fall in love with learning. College is a time to explore, develop, and challenge your understanding of the world. You may encounter new ideas that make you uncomfortable, and that's okay. Lean into that. Soak up knowledge. Ask questions. Try something new. This world is too diverse and wondrous to ever stop learning.
Jordan Slocum
Office Coordinator
- Hometown: New Franklin, Ohio
- High School: Green High School (Ohio)
- Degree(s): B.A in Communications, Media
- Hobbies and interests outside of work: Running, podcasts, cross-stitch, diamond painting, knitting/crocheting
- Favorite thing about Malone: The care that the professors and staff have for their students. I am still in contact with professors I had as a student.
- Favorite thing to do in Canton or Stark County: Pro Football Hall of Fame
- Advice for a prospective Malone student: Your college experience is all what you make of it. Malone has many clubs/activities for students to join. Step outside of your comfort zone. You may find something you love and make some great, lifelong friends along the way.
Tyler McClellan
Graduate Assistant
- Hometown: Hartville, Ohio
- High School: Lake High School
- Degree(s): B.A. in Biology
- Hobbies and interests outside of work: Soccer, basketball, snowboarding, reading and hiking
- Favorite thing about Malone: Malone puts Christ at the center of everything. The University is dedicated to helping students discover their God given identity.
- Favorite thing to do in Canton or Stark County: When I have extra energy I need to burn off, a trip to bounce around at Sky Zone usually does the trick
- Advice for a prospective Malone student: Place yourself in a healthy environment and surround yourself with people who will help you grow into the person God desires you to be. The years spent in college are crucial to who you may someday become. Take the time to invest in not only yourself, but others around you and don’t be scared to step out of your comfort zone. While you are working hard and crushing your classes, don’t forget to have fun along the way and enjoy the downtime!
Lexus Roshong
Graduate Assistant
- Hometown: Canton, OH
- High School: Glen Oak High School
- Degree(s): B.A. in Psychology, working on M.Ed in School Counseling
- Hobbies and interests outside of work: Golfing, hiking, thrifting, writing
- Favorite thing about Malone: Every person I encounter at Malone has a smile on their face and will make you feel welcome.
- Favorite thing to do in Canton or Stark County: Walking around at Sippo Lake Park and going to the library afterward to read a book.
- Advice for a prospective Malone student: Be open to growth rather than perfection. It is okay to not know what you want to do. Trying new things may lead you to know what you really want to do and what God has called you to do.