Admissions Team

Heather Albright
Dean of Admission
E-mail: heather.albright@stvincent.edu
Phone: 724-805-2960
Text: 724-618-4602


Education: La Roche College, Graphic Design, BS
University of Pittsburgh, Certificate of Organizational Leadership & Ethics

Hometown: Latrobe, PA

About me: I've spent almost 3 decades working in higher education, and I do so because I love helping students. I was a first-generation, low-income college student and here at SVC, we help to transform those students’ lives. I’m married, have 4 children, and stay busy in my spare time with cooking/baking (you should try my blue-ribbon winning apple pie), gardening, crafts, and going to concerts.


My favorite part of SVC: The rich history of Saint Vincent is fascinating to me: from the old buildings constructed from bricks handmade and baked by monks right here on our grounds to our foundation as the first Benedictine college in the United States and our international presence in monasteries and schools around the world. At first glance, Saint Vincent appears to be a little private college nestled in the mountains of western Pennsylvania, but it is truly a gigantic network of world-wide influence.

Ross Abbott
Director of Admission
E-mail: ross.abbott@stvincent.edu
Phone: 724-805-2621
Text: 878-645-1838

Education: University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg, Communication, BA
Saint Vincent College, G’20, K-12 Counselor Education

Hometown: Belle Vernon, PA / Currently residing in South Park, PA


About me: I have worked at SVC in various roles including Assistant Coach and Recruiting Coordinator for our football team and Assistant Director of Admission and Athletic Relations in a previous stint with SVC (2016-2020). I like to fish and am a whisky and cigar enthusiast. I am married and am a proud GSD dog dad!

My favorite part of SVC: How proud I am, and how proud others are, of being a Saint Vincent College student and/or graduate. It’s such a badge of honor. Bearcats look out for other Bearcats.

Territories: Westmoreland County (PA)

Gianna Donate
Director, Graduate and Continuing Education
E-mail:   gianna.donate@stvincent.edu
Phone: 724-805-2933
Text: 724-542-2030

Education: Seton Hill University, Criminal Justice, BA
Saint Vincent College, Criminology, MS
Counselor Education, MS


Hometown: Johnstown, PA

About me: I love working with people and helping where I can. After finishing my graduate programs, I came into this role to help other students along in their higher education journey. In my free time, I love going to craft/night markets, cooking, and hanging out with friends. I plan to pursue a doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology to work with counseling youth that have been in the juvenile justice system.

My favorite part of SVC: I think my favorite part of SVC is how tightknit the community is. Because we are a small school in a local area, we get to connect with an array of people. Many of the employees here have had prior connections with SVC before joining the team. These established relationships and shared history contribute to a stronger sense of community within our organization.

Territories: All graduate students, non-degree students, continuing education students, readmit students, second degree students, pre-college students, and college in high school students. Explore Student Life

Sarah Curran
Recruitment Manager  
E-mail: sarah.curran@stvincent.edu 
Phone: 724-805-2259
Text: 724-951-2698

Education: Saint Vincent College, C’14, Early Childhood Education, BS

Hometown: West Newton, PA

About me: Other than being on the admission team, I am also the Director of Majorettes and Color Guard for the SVC Marching Band. When I’m not in the office or on the field, I enjoy going on adventures with my husband or just relaxing and bingeing some TV. I also love reading, baking, and crafting.

My favorite part of SVC: As an alumna, it’s difficult to pinpoint my favorite part about SVC. There is so much to love, but I think my favorite would have to be our community of amazing people and the heart that is felt while on our campus. It feels like home and always will. Also…the marching band!!

Recruitment Territory: 
Pennsylvania Counties: Allegheny, Beaver, Bedford, Clarion, Crawford, Erie, Fayette, Forest, Franklin, Fulton, Greene, Lawrence, Mercer, Somerset, Venango, Warren, Washington
Out of State: Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio and Wisconsin
Special Population: Homeschool

Mike Schuff
Recruitment Manager
E-mail:  michael.schuff@stvincent.edu
Phone: 724-805-2871
Text: 724-951-2570


Education: University of Mount Union, Sport Business/ Pre-Law BA

Hometown: Wexford, PA

About me: I have been fortunate to have coached college football for 10+ years at the Division III, II, and I levels along with being a part of a coaching staff of two National Championship winning teams before leaving the coaching profession full-time. I live in the North Hills with my wife (SVC Alum) and our dog, Rudy. In my spare time, I enjoy playing golf, attending Pittsburgh sporting events, spending time with my wife and dog, cooking, traveling, and watching sports and documentaries (history and sports).

My favorite part of SVC: I have seen firsthand the high level of success that an SVC degree can lead to, particularly through my wife and sister-in-law. Alongside their fellow SVC friends and alumni, they have achieved remarkable milestones in diverse fields and professions.

Recruitment Territory: 
Pennsylvania Counties: Allegheny County, Armstrong, Blair, Bradford, Butler, Cambria, Cameron, Carbon, Centre, Clearfield, Clinton, Columbia, Elk, Huntingdon, Indiana, Jefferson, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Lycoming, McKean, Monroe, Montour, Northumberland, Pike, Potter, Sullivan, Susquehanna, Tioga, Union, Wayne, Wyoming. 
Out of State: Connecticut, Kansas, Massachusetts, Maine, Montana, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New York, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Texas, Vermont, Wyoming.

Jessica Tondt, Ed.D.
Recruitment Manager
E-mail: jessica.tondt@stvincent.edu
Phone: 724-805-2544
Text: 724-686-1156

Education: Gwynedd Mercy University, Educational Leadership, EdD
Fairleigh Dickinson University, Communications, MA, BA

Hometown: Poconos, PA

About me: One of my biggest passions and hobbies is traveling. I studied abroad in college, and it really opened me up to new experiences and adventures. I have visited over 15 countries and can’t wait to visit more! I also love hiking, and my goal is it visit every National Park in the U.S. In my free time, I love to work out, cook, and read a good mystery novel. I have worked in admissions for several years and love being a part of the team here at Saint Vincent College!

My Favorite thing about SVC: Saint Vincent College provides a welcoming and supportive community for students, faculty, and staff. The hospitality is incredible, and the relationships you form here will last a lifetime!

Recruitment Territory:  
Pennsylvania Counties: Allegheny, Adams, Berks, Bucks, Chester, Cumberland, Dauphin, Delaware, Juniata, Lancaster, Lebanon, Lehigh, Mifflin, Montgomery, Northampton, Perry, Philadelphia, Schuylkill, Snyder, York.  
Out of State: Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Idaho, New Jersey, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington
Additional Populations: International students

Rachel Rhoads
Recruitment and Event Manager
E-mail: rachel.rhoads@stvincent.edu
Phone: 724-805-2570
Text: 724-618-3744

In addition to serving transfer students, Rachel manages all admission related on-campus events and visiting groups.

Recruitment Territory:  
All transfer students