Staff
Katy Kaesebier
Director
Katy joined the Center for Student Involvement team in April of 2015 as the Associate Director. She attended Butler University where she received degrees in Psychology and Spanish, and earned her MA in Higher Education and Student Affairs from Indiana University. In her role with CSI, Katy supports the growth and development of LeadUH and ServeUH. Her passion is empowering student leaders to make our campus and community stronger through leadership and civic engagement programs.
Eric Smith
Associate Director
Eric joined the Center for Student Involvement in 2021 as the Assistant Director for Programming and now works as the Associate Director. In this role he oversees the Leadership and Civic Engagement area of the office planning and managing Lead UH and Serve UH programs. He also advises the Metropolitan Volunteer Program. Originally from Ohio, Eric earned his Bachelor's Degree in 2014 in International Studies and French at Capital University in Columbus before moving to Orlando Florida to pursue his Master's Degree in Higher Education Leadership at the University of Central Florida. In his spare time, Eric enjoys traveling, hiking, running, and spending time with friends.
Allyson Yolland
Assistant Director
Ally became a full-time staff member of the Center for Student Involvement in June of 2018 as an Activities Coordinator. She received her Master of Education in Higher Education Administration from the University of Houston. In her role, Ally provides support to registered student organizations by helping students with risk management, leadership development, and organizational management. She has advised the Cougar Involvement Ambassadors who promote student involvement on campus and serve as peer to peer support for registered student organizations. She is now the Assistant Director of Registered Student Organization Services and advises the Activities Funding Board. Outside of work, Ally enjoys going to concerts, journaling, and visiting local cafes!
Amanda Dotson
Assistant Director
Amanda is the Assistant Director for Programming in the Center for Student Involvement and joined the team in March 2024. She oversees the programming area by directly supporting Homecoming and Frontier Fiesta. She also supports the Program Manger for programming, Student Program Board, Council for Cultural Activities. Amanda is originally from Detroit, Michigan where she received her Bachelor of Science in Liberal Studies with a minor in Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies from Grand Valley State University in April 2020. Amanda then earned her Master of Education in Student Affairs in Higher Education from Texas State University in May 2022.
Makiya Owens
Program Manager
Makiya joined the Center for Student Involvement in July of 2023 as the Leadership and Civic Engagement Activities Coordinator. She graduated from Sam Houston State University with her Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and Political Science. In her role, Makiya coordinates and oversees the Ignite Leadership Program, Impact Living Learning Community, Bingo to Beat Hunger, and other programs. When she's not working, Makiya loves to attend concerts, take dance classes, and spend time with friends.
Nosa Egbon
Program Manager
Nosa joined the Center for Student Involvement team in October 2023 as the Program Manager for the registered student organizations. She graduated from the University of Houston with a Bachelor's of Science in Digital Media. Later on, she would return to earn a Masters of Education in Curriculum and Instruction. She works to help process and approve RSOs and their events. She is also the supervisor of the Cougar Involvement Ambassadors here at CSI.
Kaitlin McMaryion
Program Manager
Kaitlin joined the Center for Student Involvement team in April of 2024 as a Program Manager for the programming side of the center. She is an alumna of the University of Houston, graduating in the Spring of 2022. Now she is earning her Master of Arts in Student Affairs and Higher Education at Stephen F. Austin State University. In her role, Kaitlin advises the Student Program Board and the Council for Cultural Activities, two university-sponsored organizations. As the advisor, she helps in the planning and execution of events throughout the year. Kaitlin has a passion for education and helping students become true leaders for our beloved University and the world.