Meet your Office of Student Experience staff!
Erica W. Valenzuela, EdD (she/her/hers)
Assistant Dean for Student Experience
Dr. Erica W. Valenzuela holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Administration from the University of South Dakota. Her research focuses on Social Justice and Retention of Marginalized Students in Predominately White Education Systems. She has a Master of Arts Degree in Organizational Leadership from Rider University and received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology with a minor in Women's Studies from Ramapo College of New Jersey. She has been educating students, faculty, staff, and community members on these topics for over 15 years. As a proud First-Generation Queer Black Woman, she is profoundly passionate about ensuring access, resources, and inclusive spaces for all in Higher Education. As the Assistant Dean for Student Experience, Dr. Valenzuela leads the Office of Student Experience, Career Services, and the Office of Advising and Student Success. She is a fearless student advocate whose door is always open.
Best Advice: Be an active participant in cultivating a campus and school that is inclusive. Join RSOs, Student Advisory Council, Student Ambassadors, etc. Your voice matters and we need to hear it.
Favorite NOLA Restaurant: Floating Island Bakery and Café (in NOLA East)
Contact: ewhitiker@tulane.edu | 504.988.3899
Leslie Bayonne, MS (she/her/hers)
Director for the Office of Student Experience
Leslie Bayonne earned her bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Kansas State University and her master’s degree in Human Resources and Leadership Development from Louisiana State University. With over a decade of experience in student support and more than twenty years in leadership, she helps lead the Office of Student Experience (OSE) with a commitment to a “Student First” philosophy. Leslie coordinates and supports a range of student programs and activities, including orientation, graduation, and social and special events. She serves as an assistant advisor to the WSPH Student Government Association, helping to cultivate student leadership, assist with meeting and event planning, and work alongside uptown student programs to uphold university student group standards. As a first-generation BIPOC undergraduate and graduate student who faced many challenges, Leslie draws on her personal journey to enhance campus life and student success.
Best Advice: Keep an eye on Tulane social media pages, publications, and announcements to connect with people and resources that spark your interests, and to build a network that could make a difference in your future.
Favorite NOLA Restaurant: The Velvet Cactus
Contact: lbayonne@tulane.edu
Colin Foret, M.Ed. (he/him/his)
Program Manager
Colin received his bachelor's degree from Louisiana State University in Geography and Anthropology and his master's degree from the University of New Orleans in Counselor Education. After completing an internship as a mental health therapist during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Colin recognized the urgent need for people to stay connected. Integrating his personal mission to foster a sense of community with his experience volunteering with his local food bank, Colin proudly manages operations for the Food for Thought Student Pantry, designs and implements various programs that promote student belonging and engagement, and advises 5 student organizations. Colin also serves as Chair for the LGBTQIA+ Faculty/Staff Affinity Group.
Best Advice for Getting Involved in the Community: Volunteer! Giving your time freely to the community can go a long way. No job is too small in bringing needed change to the world.
Favorite NOLA Restaurant(s): Royal Sushi
Contact: cforet1@tulane.edu | 504.988.3409
