Patricia A. R. Martinez | Associate Vice President
Biography coming soon.
Tariq Abdelhamid, Ph.D. | Chief Lean Enterprise & Analytics Officer
Biography coming soon.
Erin Carter, Ph.D. | Chief of Staff
Erin Carter is a dedicated higher education leader with a Ph.D. in Higher, Adult, and Lifelong Education from MSU, a Master of Education from the University of South Carolina, and a B.S. in Physical Therapy from the University of Toledo. She leads strategic planning and priority initiatives across the Division of RHS, serving as a trusted advisor and connector across campus. A servant leader who empowers others, Dr. Carter also serves on the MSUFCU Desk Drawer Foundation board. Outside work, she’s a sports mom who enjoys reading, games and time with family, including three beloved pets.
Meredith Chesney | Executive Staff Assistant
Meredith holds a B.A. in Linguistics from MSU and began her career at the Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center before joining the Office of the President, where she served for six years. She now provides administrative support to the RHS Assistant Vice President, working closely with campus partners to ensure smooth operations across the division. A former Resident Assistant and campus tour guide, Meredith enjoys baking, trying new recipes, and diving into a good mystery in her free time.
Kat Cooper | Chief Communications Officer
Kat Cooper is an experienced communications leader with a B.S. in Business from Mars Hill University, M.A. in Advertising and Public Relations from Michigan State and executive education from Harvard. Currently the Chief Communications Officer for Residential and Hospitality Services, she leads brand, PR, and strategy efforts, serving as a spokesperson for the division and dedicated team leader. A Lansing Chamber “10 Over the Next 10” awardee, she is also an accomplished, award-winning public speaker and presenter.
Ray Gasser, Ph.D. | Assistant Vice President
Ray Gasser holds a Ph.D. in Higher Education from the University of Arizona and has over two decades of leadership experience in university housing. Currently overseeing strategic operations for Residence Education and Housing Services at Michigan State University, he leads a diverse team supporting 17,000 students. Committed to collaboration and student success, Dr. Gasser serves on multiple MSU committees. Outside of work, he enjoys family life, camping, reading and following Pearl Jam across the country.
Brett Hunkins | Chief Financial Officer
With a J.D. from MSU, an M.B.A. from CMU, a B.B.A. from Northwood, and credentials as a CPA and Certified Fraud Examiner, Brett brings a wealth of experience to MSU. Former CFO of the Community Foundation of Greater Flint, he has held leadership roles in both the philanthropic and for-profit sectors. Now overseeing Business and Financial Services in RHS, Brett leads with authenticity, curiosity and compassion — believing finance should lead with a human connection and that good leadership means putting people first.
Jeff Latinen | Executive Director of Auxiliary Sports Group
Jeffrey Latinen holds a B.A. in Journalism from MSU and an M.A. in Sports Administration from Central Michigan University. With experience at Detroit Mercy and the University of Michigan, he served as Operations and General Manager at Breslin Center from 2014–22. Now, he oversees a wide range of MSU facilities, including the Breslin Center, Forest Akers Golf Courses, MSU Indoor Tennis Facility, Spartan Spirit Shops, Rec Sports & Fitness Services, and the Demmer Center, bringing strong leadership and operational expertise to campus recreation.
Kelly High McCord | Director of Human Resources
Kelly High McCord holds a B.A. in Communication from Bowling Green State University, an M.A. in Student Affairs from MSU, and multiple certifications in HR and restorative justice. Her MSU career spans Residence Life, MSU Neighborhoods, strategic innovation and now Human Resources, where she leads a 30-person team supporting staffing, compliance and employee relations. Kelly believes in values-driven leadership grounded in trust, honesty and service. She’s also a certified group fitness instructor, Ohio native and proud mom of two.
Denise Ngubeni | Director of Digital Strategies and Services
With 21 years in MSU’s Division of RHS, Denise brings deep experience in hospitality and technology. She holds a bachelor’s in hospitality business from MSU and is PMP-certified. Denise began her career at Forest Akers Golf Course, later advancing through IT roles to become Director of Digital Strategies and Services. She leads a 40-person team, manages a $4M budget, and ensures strategic alignment across IT services. She’s also an advocate of trust-driven leadership and building connections with her team. She enjoys spending time with her husband and two children and traveling to South Africa to visit loved ones.
Rebecca Selesky | Assistant Vice President
A Central Michigan University graduate, Rebecca brings more than 20 years of hospitality experience to RHS — from major hotel brands to MSU’s Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center. Now leading Culinary Services, she oversees strategic planning and budgeting for a vast operation that includes dining, retail, bakery, laundry, procurement and more. Rebecca serves on the Choose Lansing Board and values collaboration, team building and delivering an exceptional Spartan experience. She enjoys being outside and spending time by the water with her husband and two boys.
Matt Winowiecki | Chief Planning and Project Officer
Matt Winowiecki, CEFP, is Chief Planning and Project Officer for RHS with nearly 30 years of experience in facilities and project management. He leads planning, construction, safety and sustainability efforts, aligning operations with MSU’s strategic goals. A licensed builder, Matt holds a B.S. in Management from MSU and multiple APPA certifications. His leadership emphasizes collaboration, inclusion and continuous improvement. Matt is committed to creating safe, sustainable and student-centered environments through strategic planning, operational excellence and cross-functional teamwork.