College of Charleston Welcomes New Employees

Introducing the College of Charleston’s newest employees! These new Cougars bring a lot of experience, talent and enthusiasm to the community, and they are excited to share their diverse skills and expertise with the CofC community and contribute to the success of the College!

Find out a little about these new colleagues below – and be sure to welcome them when you see them out and about!

Mary Catella
Administrative Assistant, Department of Biology/Environmental and Sustainability Studies Program

Background: I grew up in Oneonta, New York, enjoying the City of the Hills and the surrounding areas. During my college days, I oversaw the intramural program at SUNY Oneonta, taking the experiences learned to a local sports construction company.

Interests: I used the surrounding beauty of the Catskills to launch my photography business. In my spare time, I involve myself with local women looking to empower each other and step out of their comfort zone to achieve their goals.

Looking Forward: I’m looking forward to integrating into the day-to-day environment of the campus. I’m eager to explore the culture of CofC and the charm of Charleston.

Julie Marie Geiger Duvall
Adjunct Faculty, Department of Theatre and Dance

Background: I was born in San Bernadino, California, grew up in Tampa, Florida, and came to Charleston in 2001 to teach costume design and technology at the College of Charleston. I earned my B.A. in Theatre Design and Technology at the University of South Florida and my M.F.A. in Costume Design and Technology at the University of Missouri, Kansas City. In 2006, I left the College to raise my two daughters, Ava (18) and Anna (16), with my husband, Frank Duvall. Since then, I have taught fashion classes at the Art Institute of Charleston and theatre at Moultrie Middle School. I have designed and constructed costumes for Pure Theatre and Charleston Stage. Most recently, I’ve started a small business, Create with Julie, where I create accessories, garments and original artwork and teach private sewing and art lessons. I am an exhibiting member of the Charleston Artist Guild and the Palmetto Fiber Arts Guild.

Expertise: My expertise is in costume design, sewing, pattern drafting, draping, fabric dying and modification, millinery, rendering techniques, hair and wig styling and ventilation, and stage makeup.

Outside Interests: I like oil painting, acrylic painting, watercolor painting, collage, knitting, weaving and reading.

Looking Forward: I am excited to interact with and inspire students as they are introduced to costume construction, makeup application and the skills needed to work backstage.

Brycen Kuenzel
Associate Director of Admissions, Office of Admissions

Background: Born and raised in southern West Virginia, I’m a proud two-time graduate of West Virginia University, where I obtained a bachelor’s degree in political science and public relations, and a master’s degree in higher education administration. Outside the classroom, my five years of experience in higher education began as a campus tour leader before I transitioned to professional roles in visit experience and enrollment strategy. After leaving my position for a brief stint in the legal profession, I am enthusiastic to return home to higher education.

Interests: As an avid people person, I enjoy spending time with family and friends and getting to know new people. Apart from being a people person, I’m a self-described amateur chef – and, when I’m not doing either, I’m likely busy keeping up with pop culture.

Looking Forward: Throughout my personal and professional life, I’ve pursued opportunities that allow me to celebrate community, support people and communicate through storytelling. The same is true for my new position here at the College of Charleston. I look forward to immersing myself in the campus culture and community, learning what I can do to support both current and prospective students, and conveying the story of what makes the College of Charleston experience – our campus, our city, our opportunities and our people – so exceptional and unique.

Katlyn Harding
Public Safety Operations Coordinator, Department of Public Safety

Background: I am originally from Mooresville, North Carolina. I received my B.S in Criminal Justice from Appalachian State University and completed an internship with the City of Charleston Police Department.

Interests: I love to take my dog to the beach and read a good book. I enjoy trying all the new restaurants in Charleston and seeing what new things the city has to offer.

Looking Forward: As a recent college graduate, I am excited to be on the other side and experience it with a different perspective.

Deana Marshall
Associate Director of Transfer Admissions, Office of Admissions

Background: I’m originally from Tampa, Florida. I previously served as the assistant director of enrollment management, operations and communications at the University of Tampa. Driven by my passion for people and relationship building, I hold both a B.A. and an M.A. in Communication from the University of South Florida. My graduate school research focused on creating safe spaces for students in education and supporting first-generation students. With a background in K-12 education and experience in the Office of Orientation at USF, I’ve had the privilege of working closely with students, fostering engagement and supporting university operations. Throughout my career, I’ve been dedicated to serving students and building meaningful relationships, acting as a bridge to help students achieve their lifelong goals and aspirations. I’m excited to continue this work by supporting our incoming transfer students here at the College of Charleston!

Interests: I love a good sunset and spending time with family and friends!

Looking Forward: I’m excited to learn more about the College of Charleston, build relationships with staff and faculty and help recruit outstanding students to the College. The transfer population has unique needs, and I’m looking forward to strengthening the resources and support available to these students, while working with campus partners to enhance the overall transfer experience and culture at CofC.

Leigh Behling Smalley
Adjunct Faculty, Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management

Background: I am the director of corporate projects for Bennett Hospitality, a Charleston-based real estate development company specializing in hospitality projects. The company owns a large collection of hotels, restaurants and venues in Charleston, Savannah and Montana with many new projects in the pipeline. Born and raised in Charleston, I started working in hospitality in high school, studied it in college and try to live it as a value. The arc of my professional life shows a lifelong dedication to Charleston’s hospitality industry, specifically event marketing and sales, with the added skills of project management for small businesses and real estate companies.

Interests: I am at my happiest when I’m spending time with family – which includes my husband Earl and two children, Jake (24) and Kade (19) – and many friends who are like family. Reading, learning and growth are constant personal pursuits.

Looking Forward: Helping shape this generation of hospitality business professionals is a big motivation for me at this stage of my career. An added bonus is spending time with 20-something humans – I find them so wonderful and inspiring (the ones I gave birth to and the ones I am meeting here).

George Stone
Adjunct Faculty, Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management/Department of Communication

Background: I have been a writer, editor and content creator for more than two decades in the field of travel and tourism. As the former editor-in-chief of National Geographic Traveler, I led National Geographic’s multi-platform development of travel storytelling that advanced our mission to help people explore the world with passion, purpose and an ethic of conservation. Twice nominated for the National Magazine Award, I have written and edited articles that have received awards and nominations from the Society of American Travel Writers (Lowell Thomas Award), the North American Travel Journalists Association and the American Society of Magazine Editors.

Expertise: I focus my research in the fields of destination marketing, tourism development, travel media and social media in tourism sectors, including restaurants, hotels, real estate, culture and outdoor adventure. I advise destinations in their storytelling and media outreach efforts, content planning and narrative approach to growing their tourism market.

Outside Interests: When I’m not traveling, I like to hike the mountain trails around Asheville, North Carolina, where I primarily live. I am especially interested in global textile traditions; wherever I travel I make a point to check out the fiber arts scene.

Looking Forward: Strategic Narrative in Placemaking is an innovative course – offered by the departments of hospitality/tourism and communication – that explores content creation, brand development and targeted storytelling and messaging for travel destinations and their stakeholders. Students engage with destination marketing organizations, travel journalists and communication strategists with an emphasis on practical and experiential learning that utilizes storytelling and communications to generate emotional bonds between travelers and destinations. I’m especially excited to help students establish foundations of knowledge and practical experience to support them in careers in travel and tourism, particularly in the fields of marketing, media, destination promotion and tourism development. The one thing I want students to know for certain is that travel destinations don’t just magically happen; they are constructs created by a community of stakeholders across business, social, civic and cultural sectors united in the goal of attracting outsiders to experience and support the unique qualities of welcoming places and peoples.