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 headshotEric 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 headshotAnn 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 headshotBlaise Brankatelli

Director of Graduate & Professional Admissions and External Partnerships

  • 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 headshotAlex Harbaugh

Assistant Director of Undergraduate Admissions

  • 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.

Jeneca Gilbey

Admissions Counselor

  • Hometown: Washingtonville, OH
  • High School: Leetonia High School
  • Degree(s): B.A. General Studies
  • Hobbies and interests outside of work: going on walks, watching tv, church, getting coffee with friends
  • Favorite thing about Malone: Malone strives and excels at building community and invests in helping students academically, mentally, physically, and spiritually.   
  • Favorite thing to do in Canton or Stark County: Go to all the coffee shops

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.

Olivia Nagy

Admissions Counselor

  • Hometown: Canton, Ohio
  • High School: GlenOak High School
  • Degree(s): B.S. in Human Development & Family Studies
  • Hobbies and interests outside of work: Thrift shopping, making arts and crafts, and watching movies
  • Favorite thing about Malone:  The beautiful campus and friendly people!
  • Favorite thing to do in Canton or Stark County: Try out new coffee shops
  • Advice for a prospective Malone student: Make the most of your experience by getting to know your professors and the staff. It will be helpful during your time here, but also meaningful when you graduate and can look back on those connections and relationships that you built.

Austin Underwood headshotAustin 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

Staff

Kade Bitikofer headshotKade 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 headshotSara 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!

Jordan Slocum headshotJordan 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 headshotTyler 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!