Advising & Academic Services Team

Originally from Chicago, Illinois, Jennifer DeLuca has worked in education since 1998 both at the high school level and in higher education spanning over 20 years. Her passion is supporting students to strive to be their best selves, particularly those who may find themselves struggling. Helping and empowering students is why she loves this field. Approachable, compassionate and invested are words students have used to describe DeLuca, and her priority is ensuring each student is valued and understood. As a first-generation college graduate, she has an undergraduate degree in English/creative writing and a Master of Science in school counseling. In her free time, she enjoys gardening, exercising, parenting two teenagers and playing with an energetic rescue dog.

D’Janna Hamilton began working as an advisor while earning her master’s degree in sociology from the University of Delaware. During the summers while on break from school, she helped to advise new students who would be entering the University in the fall. When given the opportunity to become a full-time advisor, she jumped at the opportunity and has been working with students ever since! Hamilton graduated from the University of Delaware twice, earning degrees in women and gender studies and sociology.  In her free time, she enjoys reading, trying new restaurants and exploring new hobbies.

After seeing how impactful the college experience could be while she was in undergrad, Steph Helgeson decided to pursue higher education as a career. Now, as a professional, her goal is to support her students utilizing a collaborative, empathetic and well-rounded lens. The personal growth and identity development that occurs in college is why she still loves the work.

Originally from Atlantic County, New Jersey, Helgeson is a proud alumna of Rutgers University (B.A. in psychology, 2014) and the University of South Carolina (M.Ed. in higher education and student affairs, 2016). Helgeson's higher education experience spans career development, multicultural and LGBTQIA+ affairs, residence life and orientation programs. She is a Certified Appreciative Adviser through the Office of Appreciative Education at Florida Atlantic University and is also Mental Health First Aid-certified. Helgeson's students have described her as helpful and a positive influence in their UD lives. Steph loves traveling with her husband, Adam, listening to podcasts, gardening, cooking and spending time with friends and her nephews.

Sheryl Ratcliffe is an academic advisor with a deep-rooted passion for student success and over 15 years of experience in higher education. Originally from Southern New Jersey, she earned her bachelor’s degree in political science from Stockton University and a Master of Public Administration from Rutgers University. She is also a proud alumna of the Washington Center for Internships in Washington, D.C. Ratcliffe has served in a variety of roles throughout her career but finds her greatest fulfillment in guiding students through their academic journeys. She is Mental Health First Aid certified and has been a dedicated member of the National Association for Academic Advising (NACADA), for over a decade. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her husband, two sons and dog, traveling, trying new restaurants, and relaxing at the Jersey Shore. She comes from a family of Blue Hen alumni and is a proud Blue Hen mom.

Samantha (Sam) Wagner has had three passions since she was a young kid: dance, Pokémon and going to school. She’s the textbook definition of a lifelong learner and relishes any opportunity to grow, personally and professionally! Sam is a graduate of Rowan University and holds a Bachelor of Arts in history (2014), Bachelor of Arts in subject matter education (2014) and Master of Arts in counseling in educational settings (2016). While in college, she realized that academic advising was the perfect way to mesh her love of education with her passion for creating meaningful, one-on-one relationships with students. Wagners believes higher education is a transformative experience where students can learn something from every class they take and every opportunity they have. She’s described by her students as friendly, supportive and approachable, to the point where advising appointments can feel like they’re on FaceTime together! Outside of the office, Wagner loves playing cozy video games (like Pokémon or the Sims), rooting for the Phillies and the Sixers (#TrustTheProcess), going to concerts and teaching or taking dance classes.