Admission Team

Ross Abbott

Senior Director of Admission
Freshmen Nursing Coordinator
E-mail: ross.abbott@stvincent.edu
Phone: 724-805-2621
Text: 878-645-1838

Education:
University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg, Bachelor of Arts in Communication, C'15
Saint Vincent College, Master of Arts in K-12 Counselor Education, G'20

Hometown: South Park, PA

About me: I am married to my wife, Justina, and we have an infant son named Nash. We are also proud dog parents to our German Shepherd, Baylee Rose. I have served SVC in a variety of roles over the years including assistant football coach and recruiting coordinator, assistant director of admission and athletics relations, and most recently as senior director of admission. I like to fish, camp, and I recently began my journey as a cigar enthusiast. 

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, Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice
Saint Vincent College, Master of Science in Criminology
Saint Vincent College, Master of Arts in Counselor Education 

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 tight-knit 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 transfer students, international students, graduate students, non-degree students, continuing education students, readmit students, second degree students, pre-college students, and college in high school students. 

Sarah Curran

Assistant Director of Admission Operations
E-mail: sarah.curran@stvincent.edu 
Phone: 724-805-2259
Text: 724-951-2698

Education:
Saint Vincent College, Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education, C'14

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 on 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 of 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: 

Westmoreland County Schools: Franklin Regional, Greensburg Salem, Norwin, Penn-Trafford

Special Population: Homeschool

Dwight Collins

Manager of Strategic Partnerships
Cristo Rey Representative
Email: dwight.collins@stvincent.edu
Phone: (724) 532-6600 Ext 2496

Education:
Saint Vincent College, Bachelor of Arts in Communication with a minor in Marketing, C'23
Saint Vincent College, Master of Arts in Operational Excellence, G'25

Hometown: Orlando, FL

About me: As someone starting their career in education, I see the growth of our students from the day they arrive on campus until they walk across the stage and begin their journey of life. I have had the pleasure of mentoring students and athletes during my time as an undergraduate student, and it has led me to want to pursue a career in higher education. I am the oldest of three in my family. I was a 5-year athlete here at Saint Vincent College on the Bearcat football team. My hobbies are traveling, sporting events, and spending quality time with my friends and family.  

My favorite part about SVC: It would be the family atmosphere. Coming from Orlando, Florida, I brought two bags and moved over 800 miles away. What I didn't realize was that I was moving to my new home. Since then, I’ve had the luxury to become a part of our big Bearcat family here in Latrobe, PA. If you are looking for a change, Saint Vincent College is a perfect place for that because it certainly did that for me and my family.  

Territories: Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, District of Columbia, Florida, and all Cristo Rey High Schools

Cody Henry

Admission Counselor
E-mail: cody.henry@stvincent.edu
Phone: 724-805-2965
Text: 724-689-2528

Education:
Saint Vincent College, Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, C'19
South College, Master of Business Administration

Hometown: Latrobe, PA

About me: I am an avid outdoorsman with a passion to help. I think time in the outdoors is precious, not only because time escaping reality is often limited, but it’s where some of my greatest memories were created with family and friends. Nothing beats a cool spring morning, standing in a calm stretch of stream with steam gently rising off the water.

My career helping students began at SVC. In 2019, I volunteered as a high school throwing coach for Greater Latrobe Senior High School’s track and field program, and later interned as a study hall counselor for the Saint Vincent College football team. After graduating, I worked as an addiction counselor before moving into higher education admissions in 2022. By October, I returned home to SVC to help students further their education.

My Favorite thing about SVC: I found my best friend and soon-to-be wife here at SVC!! I appreciate how SVC embodies life through relationships. I graduated from Saint Vincent as a first-gen college student with a degree in sociology, playing and coaching football during my undergraduate education. The community and education found at Saint Vincent prepare students to make conscientious decisions as they enter the vocational stage of life. With small class sizes and an interpersonal approach to education, the experiences with the community, faculty, and administration are unmatched, preparing students for their next steps in life.

Recruitment Territory:  

Allegheny County Schools: Baldwin, Bishop Canevin, Bethel Park, Brentwood, Carlynton, Chartiers Valley, Cornell, Keystone Oaks, Montour, Mount Lebanon, South Fayette, South Park, Sto Rox, Thomas Jefferson, Upper St. Clair, West Allegheny, OLSH, Seton LaSalle 

Westmoreland County Schools: Belle Vernon, Monessen, Mt. Pleasant, Southmoreland, Yough

Out of State: AL, AR, GA, IA, IL, IN, KY, LA, MI, MN, MO, MS, NC, SC, TN, WI, WV

Jenny Luffy

Director of Admission Operations
jennifer.luffy@stvincent.edu724-805-2221

Education
Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Bachelor of Science in Marketing

Hometown: Hollidaysburg, PA

About me: You will find me behind the scenes on the admission team, working quietly. In my free time, I like to read, travel, and spend time with family and friends.

My favorite part of SVC: I love the community that provides a sense of place, introduces new perspectives, and fosters belonging.

Amanda Thomas

Admission Counselor
Aviation Liason
E-mail: amanda.thomas@stvincent.edu
Phone: 724-805-2508

Education:

Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Bachelor of Arts in Sociology
Saint Vincent College, Master of Science Degree in Criminology, G'25

Hometown: Bradenville, PA

About me: Before stepping into my current role in admissions, I was involved in SVC Prevention and Intervention Projects, working closely with students across Westmoreland County to help them succeed. My passion for supporting and guiding young people has always been at the heart of my career. Outside of work, I’m a proud mom of one amazing son.  I enjoy live music at concerts, Broadway shows, experimenting in the kitchen, and relaxing by a fire with friends and family. I love to travel and dream of future adventures. At the top of my bucket list is going to Italy to experience the rich history and see the Vatican.

My Favorite thing about SVC: What I love the most about SVC is the incredible sense of community—it truly feels like home. From the moment you step onto campus, you’re greeted with warmth and kindness. People hold doors, share smiles, and make you feel genuinely welcome.

Territories:

Allegheny County Schools: Clairton, Deer Lakes, East Allegheny, Elizabeth Forward, Gateway, Highlands, McKeesport, Plum, Riverview, South Allegheny, Springdale, Serra Catholic, St. Joseph’s, Steel Valley, West Mifflin, Woodland Hills, Pittsburgh City Charter, Academics, Christian Schools

Westmoreland County Schools: Burrell, Jeannette, Kiski Area, and Valley.

Pennsylvania Counties: Adams, Berks, Bradford, Bucks, Carbon, Chester, Columbia, Cumberland, Dauphin, Juniata, Lackawanna, Lancaster, Lebanon, Lehigh, Luzerne, Lycoming, Mifflin, Monroe, Montour, Northampton, Northumberland, Pike, Perry, Schuylkill, Snyder, Susquehanna, Sullivan, Tioga, Union, Wayne, Wyoming, and York Counties.

Other States: CT, MA, ME, NJ, NH, NY, RI, & VT

Aviation Liason Responsibilities:

In addition to my recruitment responsibilities, I serve as the Aviation Program Liaison, supporting students interested in pursuing a career in aviation through our partnership with Laurel Highlands Aeronautical Academy and the Community College of Beaver County (CCBC). I advise the aviation students to help coordinate program requirements and act as a direct resource to ensure they have a smooth transition into their academic and flight training pathways.