Meet the Team
Patricia J. Grant, Ed.D., MBA
Senior Associate Dean of the Undergraduate Programs
Patricia Grant is the senior associate dean for Undergraduate Programs at the Georgetown University McDonough School of Business. Dr. Grant is passionate about student success, integrating Jesuit values into undergraduate education, and creating high-impact student experiences inside and outside of the classroom. At Georgetown McDonough, she has revamped the undergraduate advising structure; expanded career trek opportunities; laid the groundwork for a robust undergraduate research program; contributed to curricular innovations such as an entrepreneurship fellows program and first-year seminar program; and created a variety of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging initiatives for students.
Dr. Grant has more than 25 years of experience in undergraduate, graduate, and executive education program administration. She has taught courses at the University of Pennsylvania, the College of New Jersey, Temple University, and Georgetown University. Additionally, she worked in the Office of Executive Education at Penn to develop and launch six master’s and doctoral programs. She holds an Ed.D. and M.S.Ed. from the University of Pennsylvania, an MBA from Brown University, and an A.B. from Cornell University.
Dr. Grant is a logophile who enjoys reading, learning new words, and using them when she plays Scrabble. She is also an avid traveler with two continents left to visit, as well as a connoisseur of museums and artistic showcases in the DMV.
Program Team
Stephanie Bautista, M.A.
Assistant Director for Student Development and Leadership Programs
At McDonough, Stephanie supports student success by advising McDonough student organizations and leading programs that foster student belonging and inclusion.
Before joining Georgetown, Stephanie worked closely advising undergraduate pre-professional business organizations. She holds a B.S. in Behavioral and Community Health from the University of Maryland, College Park, and an M.A. in Higher Education and Student Affairs from New York University.
Outside of work, Stephanie enjoys exploring new coffee shops, diving into true crime documentaries, and getting lost in a good book.
Schedule an Appointment with Stephanie
Adam Loew
Assistant Director for Data Operations, Assessment, and Analysis
At McDonough, Adam’s responsibilities include programmatic assessment, data analysis, and student-employee supervision.
Prior to joining the undergraduate team at the MSB, he worked for the McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas at Austin as an Administrative Associate in their Career Management and Corporate Relations department. Additionally, Loew earned his B.A. in political science/international relations from Carleton College in Northfield, Minnesota, and is currently pursuing his Master’s in Higher Education at Georgetown part-time.
In his spare time, Adam enjoys traveling with his partner, expanding his baking repertoire, and attending Washington Spirit games. Additionally, he’s always looking for recommendations on coffee shops and restaurants in the DMV to visit!
Eric Lupo, M.A.
Administrative Coordinator
As the Administrative Coordinator, Eric’s duties consist of student and staff event logistics, processing of expense reports, general oversight of the Undergraduate Programs Office, and scheduling for Dean Grant.
Before joining the McDonough School of Business, Eric completed his B.A. from Florida Atlantic University (FAU) in Boca Raton, Florida and eventually began working for his alma mater in various roles, including multiple Administrative Assistant positions within the Schmidt College of Medicine. While working for FAU, he was also able to complete his M.A. in political science.
On his days off, Eric loves to explore Washington DC’s museums and monuments. In addition, he enjoys spending time with friends and family, traveling to international destinations and is always looking for good movie recommendations.
Ginny Randall
Assistant Director, Undergraduate Careers
At Georgetown, Ginny (she/they) serves as the Assistant Director for Undergraduate Career Programs at the McDonough Career Center, where she leads key initiatives, including the Peer Career Advisors, Fridays in the Field, Treks, and the Kosoy Women in Business program. She also serves as the Events Lead for the LGBTQ+ Employee Resource Group. In her work with students, Ginny provides leadership and career coaching that emphasizes tactical skill building, reflection, and actionable steps for students to achieve their goals in the workplace and beyond.
Before joining Georgetown, Ginny accumulated over a decade of program management experience across industries, including innovation and design in higher education, diversity and inclusion advocacy in nonprofit management, and international policymaking at NASA. Ginny holds a B.A. in Public Policy Studies from Vanderbilt University.
Outside of work, Ginny enjoys running, exploring local bookstores, and spending time with her cat, Bug.
Schedule an Appointment with Ginny
Talia Schatz, L.M.S.W.
Assistant Dean of Undergraduate Careers
At McDonough, Talia’s responsibilities include working collaboratively with students to help them define and achieve their professional goals.
Prior to joining the undergraduate team, she worked at Barnard College as a part of their Beyond Barnard career services team. She earned her MSW from New York University and a B.A. from Wellesley.
In her free time, she loves spending time outdoors with her family & hosting friends for dinner (please share the best thing you’ve cooked recently with her!).
Schedule an Appointment with Dean Schatz
Justin C. Smith, Ed.D.
Associate Dean for Strategic Initiatives
Dr. Smith brings over 20 years of experience in higher education, providing leadership and strategic vision for initiatives that enhance the undergraduate experience. In his role, he oversees the program team and key institutional priorities, including strategic initiatives, undergraduate research, and accreditation. Throughout his career, Dr. Smith has prioritized well-being and flourishing, student formation and belonging, and co-curricular learning, fostering a thriving and inclusive academic community within McDonough.
A proud member of the Georgetown community since 2012, Dr. Smith has served in a variety of roles that reflect his commitment to student success. He earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University at Albany, SUNY, and completed his doctorate in Leadership and Management at Drexel University.
Affectionately known as “the fun dean,” Dr. Smith enjoys baking, traveling, and spending time with his partner, Juan, their two dogs, Kyros and Rupert, and cat, Billy 🐾
Schedule Appointment with Dean Smith
Advising Team
Cate Brewer, MFA
Advising Dean
Cate joins Georgetown from American University where she taught and advised first-year students in the School of Public Affairs.
Prior to that, Cate served as a Faculty Fellow in Academic Services at the University of Mary Washington, where she also taught and advised students in the Department of Theatre and Dance. Cate holds a B.A. in Theatre from Washington University in St. Louis and an M.F.A. in Theatre Pedagogy from Virginia Commonwealth University.
In her free time, Cate enjoys exploring DC and spending time with her family and her dog!
Schedule an Appointment with Dean Brewer
Deborah Coburn, M.Ed.
Associate Dean and Director for Student Services
Deb Coburn works with undergraduate business students as they navigate their academic journey at the McDonough School of Business. In her role, she oversees the advising team.
Prior to joining Georgetown, Deb worked in financial aid, admissions, and academic advising. Deb earned a B.A. in history and public relations from Syracuse University and earned an M.Ed. in counseling in student affairs from University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).
She is a huge sports fan, especially college basketball and football, and enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.
Schedule an Appointment with Dean Coburn
Joyce Miranda, MPS
Advising Dean
At McDonough, Joyce serves as an academic advisor, providing guidance and support to students throughout their academic journey. She also works on GAAP weekends for admitted students, coordinates resources for external transfer students, and co-manages the Peer Ambassador program to build a welcoming and inclusive community.
Joyce worked in admissions for the University of Washington School of Nursing and Georgetown University’s School of Continuing Studies before joining McDonough . She holds a B.A. from St. Mary’s College of Maryland and her MPS from Georgetown University.
In her free time, Joyce enjoys reading books to her toddler, traveling to the Pacific Northwest, and attempting to train her spirited Cocker Spaniel, Mike.
Schedule an appointment with Dean Miranda
Nick Russo, Ph.D.
Assistant Dean
At Georgetown McDonough, Dr. Russo is responsible for a variety of student services that enhance the undergraduate experience, including: co-directing the Business Scholars Program, co-directing the Georgetown Sustainable Business Fellows program, supervising McDonough peer tutors, and overseeing commencement activities for graduating seniors.
Dr. Russo has been working in higher education for 10+ years and at various institutions including his alma mater Drew University, Stevens Institute of Technology, and Seton Hall University before joining the undergraduate programs team at Georgetown McDonough. Dr. Russo is a dual graduate from Drew University, earning his B.A. in History and Spanish Language and Culture, and his M.A.T. in Secondary education, and he earned his Ph.D. in higher education leadership, management, and policy from Seton Hall University.
In his spare time, Dr. Russo enjoys baking and cooking, playing kickball in an LGBTQ+ league here in D.C., and exploring the brunch scenes in the DMV!
Schedule an Appointment with Dean Russo
Sara Skillman, M.A.
Assistant Dean
Sara is an academic advisor, and helps students during their academic time at McDonough. She also advises McDonough students pursuing a joint degree in Business and Global Affairs (BGA) with the Walsh School of Foreign Service and in International Business, Language, and Culture (IBLC) with the College of Arts & Sciences. In addition, Sara works with students pursuing studying abroad and other global opportunities.
Sara earned a B.A. in French and Animal Behavior from Franklin & Marshall College and an M.A. in Higher Education Administration from The George Washington University. She joined Georgetown University in 2008, working first for the Office of Global Education, before coming to Georgetown McDonough in 2016.
In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, exploring the DC area, and planning her next international trip.
Schedule an Appointment with Dean Skillman
Catherine Vaz (B’08), MSc
Advising Dean
Catherine is an academic advisor to McDonough students and works on additional projects such as Commencement planning. She serves on Georgetown’s Honor Council.
Catherine is an alumnus of McDonough, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in 2008. After her undergraduate experience at Georgetown University, she worked in Corporate Finance and Corporate Real Estate Strategy for JPMorgan Chase for over 10 years in New York and California. She earned her Master of Science in Higher Education at the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom and began her education career at Georgetown Prep as their Registrar.
Outside the office, she enjoys spending time with her husband, a fellow Hoya, and their young son.
Schedule an Appointment with Dean Vaz
Lauren Wagoner, M.Ed.
Senior Assistant Dean
In her role at Georgetown McDonough, Lauren is dedicated to supporting and guiding undergraduate students throughout their academic journey. In addition to advising students, she co-manages the Peer Ambassador program, fostering leadership and community engagement among students. She also plays a key role in planning new student orientation, ensuring a smooth and welcoming transition for incoming students.
Before coming to Georgetown McDonough, Lauren was an academic advisor in the School of International Service at American University for several years. Prior to that, she worked as a study abroad advisor at George Washington University, where she also completed an M.A. in Higher Education Administration. She earned a B.A. in Communications and Spanish from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
In her spare time, Lauren enjoys going to see musicals, reading, traveling, and spending time with her family and friends!
Schedule an Appointment with Dean Wagoner