Meet The Dining Services Staff ~ "We Feed The Bears!"
Dining Services is a large department comprised of many different locations spread out all over campus! We would love to hear from you, so please feel free to contact us...
Jump to one of these locations:
Holmes Dining Hall | Tobey-Kendel Dining Room | University Center
Dining Services Main Office
The Dining Services Main Office is located on Central Campus in the North wing of Tobey-Kendel Hall, Room 120. Our normal hours of operation are 8:00am - 5:00pm, Monday through Friday. The only time the office is closed is if the University is closed.
Hal Brown, FMP
Director of Dining Services
phone: (970) 351-1967
email: hal.brown@unco.edu
I have always been around food, whether it's farming, growing and producing it, cooking or managing it... or just enjoying eating it!
I have been at the University of Northern Colorado for over 25 years. In 1982 when I came to UNC, I started working as a student in Dining Services. I received my Bachelor of Arts degree in Food and Nutrition with emphasis in Food Service Management from UNC in 1987. I currently serve as the Director of Dining Services.
I provide leadership to the Residential Board Plan, which serves around 1,000,000 meals annually in Holmes Dining Hall, Tobey-Kendel Dining Room, and the University Center Food Court. We also have multiple Retail Dining operations that are both national and in-house brands, campus snack & beverage Vending, Athletic & Non-Athletic Concessions, Catering, and Senior Meals for the Weld County Area Agency on Aging.
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Chef Aran Essig, CEC, CCA
Certified Executive Chef &
Certified Culinary Administrator
phone: (970) 351-1938
email: aran.essig@unco.edu
"What do you eat at home?" I'm asked that question quite often. Dining Services also asks our guests the same question. With such a diverse campus population, it is only natural that our menus and food offerings are just as diverse as those that we serve.
I started in restaurants at the age of 14 and have not looked back. I love to work with food, create new dishes, explore new foods and see guests happy. I work with a team of great chefs, cooks, and culinary professionals here at UNC to create menus, recipes, conduct staff trainings and work diligently to ensure customer satisfaction and the safety of the products and services we offer our guests.
I am a graduate of the International School of Culinary Arts in Denver Colorado. Originally from Michigan, I have worked in various restaurants and Country Clubs in Michigan and Colorado. I am an active member and past president of the Colorado Chefs Association, active member of the American Culinary Federation, Certified Culinary Administrator and Certified Executive Chef.
To answer that question of what I eat at home, it is the same as what I eat here at UNC…good food made with care for those it is served to.
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Jenny Larson
Associate Director
for Catering, Retail Dining, and Concessions
phone: (970) 351-1983
email: jennifer.larson@unco.edu
I graduated from Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa in May 2002 with a Bachelor of Science in Hotel, Restaurant, & Institution Management. My first “real” job was as a Catering Assistant Manager at Iowa State University for their Off-Site Catering department. When my husband was offered a position at Greeley Harley Davidson in Colorado, we jumped at the chance to move to our favorite state!
My first career in Colorado was as the Director of Catering for Catering by Kenny’s for three years and then I moved on to UNC as Manager of Tobey-Kendel Dining Hall in September 2005. Six months later, I found myself in the position of Assistant Director of Catering, Concessions, Retail Dining, and Vending... and have been here ever since. July 2012 was a great month for me... I became the Associate Director of Dining Services.
I love my job because I get to work with a wide variety of people from the Greeley community, campus community, and as one of the largest employers on campus: STUDENTS! My job keeps me on my toes as we are always reviewing our operations, revising our menus, and opening new stores to meet the ever-changing demands of our clientele.
When not busy at work, I love to fill my time snowboarding, reading, mountain biking, and riding... of course, a Harley!
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Matthew Doyle, RD, CD
Assistant Director for Board Operations
phone: (970) 351-1961
email: matthew.doyle@unco.edu
As a former UNC student and native of Colorado, I am happy be back after living in the mid-west for the past 25 years. I have a bachelor's degree in Business Administration/ Finance and Dietetics from Minnesota State University-Mankato and am a Registered Dietitian. I was most recently the Associate Director of Dining Services and a leadership instructor for the Continuing Education Institute for St. Norbert College in De Pere, Wisconsin... and yes, I am a Packers fan. I have to be -- I ran their training camp for 13 years!
My passion is working students and student organizations to promote healthy lifestyle, teaching dining etiquette, and assisting with special events. My current responsibilities as the Assistant Director of Dining Services are to oversee Holmes Dining Hall and Tobey-Kendel Dining Room and ensure the UNC community is receiving the best possible food and customer service. As a Registered Dietitian, I am here to provide nutritional information and to assist students with special dietary needs.
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John Wieser
Business Manager
phone: (970) 351-1962
email: john.wieser@unco.edu
As the Business Manager for Dining Services, I oversee the department’s operating budget. I am responsible for financial reporting and forecasting used to monitor the department’s current fiscal performance and to make informed financial decisions affecting the department’s future fiscal performance.
I received my Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with an emphasis in Management from UNC in 2005, and I have worked for UNC both as a student & as a full-time staff member since 2002.
I am a Colorado native and love spending time outdoors.
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Bob Baxley
CBORD FSS Coordinator
phone: (970) 351-2646
email: bob.baxley@unco.edu
Hi, my name is Robert A. Baxley III... aka Bob, APG, or Dude.
I have worked in UNC Dining Services for over 20 years. I am a 1989 graduate of UNC with a BS in Business Administration with an emphasis in Accounting.
I currently coordinate technology needs for Dining Services, as well as CBORD FSS (Food Services Suite -- the system we use that contains all of the food and recipes we prepare).
In my spare time I enjoy playing softball and spending time with my family. I am married to Laura and we have 3 children Adrianna, Krue, and Kian... and Heidi our Jack Russell Terrier. I also enjoy supporting UNC Athletics. GO BEARS!
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JoAnn Doherty
Program Assistant
phone: (970) 351-2658
email: joann.doherty@unco.edu
It seems truly amazing to think about (or even admit) it, but I have worked at UNC Dining Services since I was 18 years old! I started out as a student working part-time in the dining room, and I just never left. While here at UNC, I earned my bachelor's degree in Psychology -- and to be honest, I think I use those skills every single day! After graduating from UNC, I decided there wasn't anywhere else I wanted to be, so I made Dining Services my "home away from home"... and I've been here ever since! (For those of you keeping track, that means I've been on this campus for over half my life!!)
When I have spare time, I enjoy watching movies, reading "who done it" books, laughing with my friends, and I recently found that I am addicted to painting. I'm not the best artist, but it's a great stress-reliever!! I am also very excited to be a part of the American Cancer Society's Relay For Life committee here in Weld County. I am currently the Online Chair, and I'm a member of the American Cancer Society's Online Task Force for the Great West Division. Being a volunteer for the American Cancer Society is such a great experience, and I hope I'm a part of the "Relay family" for a very long time!
back to Dining Services Main Office
Judy Friend
Administrative Assistant to the Director
phone: (970) 351-1967
email: judy.friend@unco.edu
I was raised in Sterling, CO and studied Business Administration in college. I joined the UNC Dining Services team in 2008 as an assistant to the Director, and there has never been a dull moment.
Did you know that Dining Services provides more than 500 jobs to students, administrative, classified, and temporary employees? Last year, we served over one million meals combined in the dining rooms, catered events, retail dining at the University Center and the Weld County Senior Meals program.
One of the best parts of my job is being a member of such a diverse team of culinary and administrative professionals and…we have a lot of fun!
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Lisa Bowker
Administrative Assistant
phone: (970) 351-3590
email: lisa.bowker@unco.edu
I am a Kansas native, and I moved to Greeley with my husband in 2008. I have two children and three dogs. My hobbies include painting, photography, reading, and driving/hiking through the mountains (also, removing dog hair from my pant-legs).
I began working for Dining Services in July 2009, and I am so lucky to be one of those people who can't really call this a "job" because it doesn't feel like "work." Sure, there are plenty of challenges, and there's rarely a dull moment, but the rewards that come as a result of that are truly worth the effort. The University of Northern Colorado is a wonderful place to work, and Dining Services is comprised of many intelligent, kind, and talented people, who are always willing to help, and always provide excellent customer service. I love being a part of this team, and look forward to being a part of this University for many years to come! GO BEARS!
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Lee Nelson
Maintenance
phone: (970) 351-2652
email: lee.nelson@unco.edu
I have been at UNC for over 4 years now. My job in Dining Service covers anything maintenance-related for all of Dining Services... including all of the dining locations, the UC Food Court, Catering, Retail Dining, and Concessions.
I went to University High School here on the UNC campus as well as Aims Community College. I am married to Jan (who also works in Dining Services) and we have 2 kids, Ashlee and Brandon. We're all very excited to welcome a grandson into the family!!
In my spare time during the summer, I am a Wrangler for the Greeley Stampede -- and have been for over 15 years. I am currently a Trail Boss over the Guest Ranch and Information station. I also enjoy going to the lake and hanging out at the in-law’s pool.
Along with many of my co-workers, I'm a proud member of Team UNC Catering... raising money for the Relay For Life of Weld County! We have a great time with Relay every year!
back to Dining Services Main Office
Jump to one of these locations:
Dining Services Office | Holmes Dining Hall | Tobey-Kendel Dining Room
University Center - Food Court, Catering, and Retail Dining
The University Center is located between 10th Avenue and 11th Avenue at 20th Street. This building houses many businesses and offices, so stop by and see what we can do for you!
James Medina
Retail Dining Manager
phone: (970) 351-1358
email: james.medina@unco.edu
I have lived in Colorado all my life. In my spare time, I enjoy spending as much time as possible with my wife and five boys. We all enjoy the Colorado Rockies, the Colorado Avalanche, the Denver Nuggets, and the Denver Broncos.
I have been employed in Dining Services for over two years, but I have been in the food industry for over eleven years. I owned and operated two restaurants before coming to UNC. The experience I gained from being "the guy where the buck would stop” was immeasurable. Here at UNC Dining Services, we have that same ownership mentality. It is exciting to be a part of a management team that looks to growth to better serve our students.
As the Retail Dining Manager, it is my job to ensure the student's retail dining experience is one that they have grown accustomed to and expect. At the University Center, students have a choice of Einstein Bros® Bagels, Starbucks®, Subway®, Taco Bell® Express, Munchy Mart, and 3 Coffee Corners conveniently located across campus.
Susie Ditton
Retail Dining Assistant Manager:
Munchy Mart and all 3 Coffee Corner locations
phone: (970) 351-3401
email: susan.ditton@unco.edu
I have always worked in food service and am very excited to be part of the UNC Dining Services family. I love working with such an interesting, supportive, and diverse group of people.
I also love the opportunity I have to interact and learn from the amazing students that are such a big part of my UNC experience.
I am married, have 3 children, and 3 grandchildren. Being "Nana" is a wonderful stage of life, and I love the "snuggle, hug, spoil, and send back to Mom" job it is!
Mya Walker
Retail Dining Assistant Manager:
Taco Bell® Express and Subway®
phone: (970) 351-2165
email: mya.walker@unco.edu
I am originally from Greeley, and I grew up very close to campus in the Cranford neighborhood. I relocated to Denver for a few years and then on the St. Louis for 2 more years. I happily headed back to Greeley to raise my daughter closer to family.
I have actually worked in the food service industry for the last 20 years, and I thrive on the interaction with my staff and members of the community.
I recently started working in the Retail Dining department here in UNC Dining Services, and I am enthusiastic about being here at UNC and the rewards of working with such a diverse group of staff and students! Working with the students here at UNC is truly the most enjoyable part of my day.
In my free time, I enjoy biking, gardening, cooking, and golfing. I also consider myself to be a self-trained "foodie" and wine lover.
Jan Nelson
Food Court and Concessions Manager
phone: (970) 351-1398
email: janelle.nelson@unco.edu
I began working at UNC Dining Services in August 2006 as the Concessions and Bar Manager. In August 2008, I became the Food Court and Concessions Manager. Not only do we provide concessions for UNC events, one of the more challenging aspects is providing concessions for the Colorado community including youth and high school tournaments. Concessions can be very challenging at times but is extremely rewarding at the close of the day.
In the Fall of 2010, Dining Services added Dinner to the University Center Food Court and Bears Bistro -- which are both doing great! I am very fortunate to have a wonderful classified and student staff in my operations.
I have been married for 24 years and have two children, Ashlee and Brandon (and a brand new grandson). As a family we enjoy watching our son wrestle and play hockey, going to the lake, boating, and being in the sun. In my spare time, I've been an active volunteer for 16 years for The Greeley Stampede Wranglers and I am also a part of the UNC Catering Relay For Life team.
Joanne Tison
Catering Manager
phone: (970) 351-1390
email: joanne.tison@unco.edu
A few of my duties include hiring and training Catering staff, overseeing safety and sanitation, scheduling, and supervising daily events. I am still learning my responsibilities and loving every minute of it. As a certified FTD Master Designer, I am hoping to have more opportunities to use this skill for Catered events here at UNC.
I am a transplant from New Mexico and have been in Colorado since 1994. I have been married to Scott for 10 years. In our spare time, we enjoy traveling, going to the movies and attending all sporting events. I have volunteered for the Wrangler organization for 13 years and have recently joined the UNC Dining Services Relay For Life team.
Laura Snipan
Catering Assistant Manager
phone: (970) 351-1304
email: laura.snipan@unco.edu
I joined the UNC Dining Services team in August of 2012 as the Catering Assistant Manager. I moved to Colorado from my home state of Arkansas in May of 2011. I graduated college from the University of Arkansas and worked as the Concessions and Catering Manager for the Arkansas Razorbacks for almost 7 years. I have been in the food and beverage industry since I was a teenager, and I have a true passion for the business.
My family moved to Colorado a few years ago, which is what brought me here. I love the area, and I am having fun venturing into all the exciting activities the state has to offer. With that said, I am better at catering than I am snowboarding!
I love my new home and my new work family here at the UNC!
Ron Bennett
Catering Production Manager / Chef
phone: (970) 351-2626
email: ronald.bennett@unco.edu
Are you looking for that special touch at your meeting, certain special occasion, or wedding? At the University of Northern Colorado we can accommodate your entire request. We offer wide selection of high quality cuisine and full service.
I have been in the culinary entertainment field for 30+ years. I have worked in various restaurants in the Denver area, and I’ve been with UNC Catering for 6 years. I’m a Colorado native, and I love the diverse cuisine we have here... especially wild game.
I have the honor to work with some really talented chefs, cooks and culinary professionals here at UNC to provide excellent quality and safe product to our customers.
Melodie Kammerzell
Accounting Technician
phone: (970) 351-1131
email: melodie.kammerzell@unco.edu
I am currently the Accounting Tech for the University Center Food Court, Bears Bistro, UNC Catering, and Retail Dining operations.
I graduated from Colorado State University with a degree in Business Administration – Computer Information Systems and worked for approximately 17 at Hewlett-Packard Company in the IT department. In 2005, I left HP and started a business. But in 2008, I decided to join Dining Services at UNC in an accounting position.
My husband and I spend a lot of time watching our sons wrestle... Brandon wrestles for UNC, and Bryce wrestles for Eaton High School.
Jodi Powers
Accounting Technician
phone: (970) 351-2803
email: jodi.powers@unco.edu
I am the new Accounting Tech for the University Center Dining Services. I graduated from Aims Community College with an AAS in Accounting and from UNC with a BS in Business Administration.
I worked in the grocery retail business for the last 22 years, so I am excited to embark on a new work adventure here at UNC. I look forward to meeting and interacting with our students, faculty, and staff.
I have lived in Colorado for most of my life, but was able to live in Montana and Arkansas for 5 years each. I have one son, who currently attends Greeley Central High School. He will be following my footsteps (as well as mother’s) and will attend UNC upon graduation.
In my free time I like to go shopping, travel, and spend time with my friends and family. I love to go to sporting events, especially Denver Broncos games, and last year became a season ticket holder! I am also excited to be a new member of the UNC Catering Relay For Life team.
Jump to one of these locations:
Dining Services Office | Tobey-Kendel Dining Room | University Center
Holmes Dining Hall
Holmes Dining Hall is located on West Campus, south of Turner and Lawrenson Halls - and north of the very large parking lot.
Ann Rose
Unit Manager
phone: (970) 351-3800
email: ann.rose@unco.edu
I starting working in Dining Services 29 years ago as a student cashier at the University Center cafeteria and loved the opportunities that kept coming my way. I moved on to full-time status as a Supervisor and then as Catering Manager for 15 years. For the past 10 years, I have managed both Tobey-Kendel Dining Room and Holmes Dining Hall. I truly cannot choose which operation I like better -- Catering or the Dining Rooms -- as they have similarities that make me passionate – people, good food, and a feeling of accomplishment.
Dining Services has changed a lot over the last 29 years, and the changes have been awesome... better food, modern establishments, endless offerings, and more opportunities coming my way - I can’t wait for the next 29 years!
Chris Bowen
Student Personnel Supervisor
phone: (970) 351-3802
email: christopher.bowen@unco.edu
I am a 2011 graduate of UNC with a degree in History and a minor in Geography. I was a student at Holmes Dining Hall before I graduated and was lucky to find a job opening here when I graduated.
Working for Dining Services has been great experience... I met my wife through Dining Services. She and I live in Evans with our kitten Jackson. I'm a Colorado native, but I've been to or through 38 states and 12 countries. Growing up in Boulder, Colorado made Greeley a bit of a culture shock, but I love it here and enjoy the diversity of our campus.
Here at Holmes Dining Hall, I am in charge of the student employees. I am responsible for hiring and training the students and our "front of house" staff as well as meal shift supervision. If you see me in Holmes, feel free to say hello. I'm a fairly outgoing person, who enjoys online video games and science fiction.
Judy Werner
Production Manager
phone: (970) 351-3803
email: judy.werner@unco.edu
I am the production manager in Holmes Dining Hall. I have worked at the University for 19 years. I started at Tobey-Kendel Dining Room... and I have actually worked at all of the dining rooms on campus! I truly like working at UNC.
I am originally from Minnesota, but I have been in Colorado for 54 years. I have two daughters – Tina is my oldest and my other daughter Becky also works here on campus. My son Wayne lives in Massachusetts. I have 10 grandchildren and one great grand-daughter. In my free time, I like to crochet, sew, and go dancing. My family and my job are my life.
Jason Kearns
Unit Chef
phone: (970) 351-3804
email: jason.kearns@unco.edu
I love food, and I love to serve people. That’s why I became a chef. I love working for UNC Dining Services because I get to come into work every day and do what I love.
Before coming to UNC in 2008, I worked in a variety of hotels and restaurants throughout North Carolina and Colorado. I am a graduate of Johnson & Wales University in Denver with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Culinary Nutrition.
I’m a Pennsylvania native, and a die-hard Steelers fan. I’m happily married with three wonderful children.
Jump to one of these locations:
Dining Services Office | Holmes Dining Hall | University Center
Tobey-Kendel Dining Room
Tobey-Kendel Dining Room is located in the middle of the Central Campus residence halls... look for the building with the little bell tower, and you've found the right one!
Mark Gebhardt
Unit Manager
phone: (970) 351-3514
email: mark.gebhardt@unco.edu
I joined UNC six years ago, and I am now the manager of Tobey-Kendel Dining Room. I obtained a BA in Restaurant and Hotel Management from Metropolitan State College of Denver and am currently enrolled as a Graduate student in the Higher Education and Student Affairs Leadership Program.
Working at UNC is one of many blessings in my life because I get to work with those who are becoming our future leaders. It is special to see the students grow and change within their four years at UNC. To be a part of this, never grows old... even though I will!
back to Tobey-Kendel Dining Room
Marina Alcazar
Administrative Assistant
phone: (970) 351-3522
email: marina.alcazar@unco.edu
I attended San Jose State University and moved to northern Colorado in the fall of 2000.
I began working in Dining Services at UNC in November 2008 and truly enjoy being here!
Among many things, I volunteer with the home bound and am involved with St. Mary Church. Enjoying life along the way with my husband and son is something that I truly value.
back to Tobey-Kendel Dining Room
Kellie Goya
Student Personnel Supervisor
phone: (970) 351-3517
email: kellieann.goya@unco.edu
I was born and raised on Oahu, Hawai’i and came to UNC to pursue a bachelors degree in Chemistry (which I have now). If you had asked me (when I started as a freshmen here at UNC) where I would be in five years, I'm not sure I would have said I would be working for UNC... but here I am! I'm looking forward to seeing where this road will lead me.
As a freshman here at UNC, I began working at Holmes Dining Hall, where I later became a student supervisor. After 4 years as a student in Dining Services, I was promoted and am now the Student Personnel Supervisor at Tobey-Kendel Dining Room. I am responsible for hiring and training the students and our "front of house" staff as well as meal shift supervision.
When I have free time away from work, I enjoy spending it with my friends, watching movies, or sleeping!
back to Tobey-Kendel Dining Room
Teresa Sugi
Production Manager
phone: (970) 351-1946
email: teresa.sugi@unco.edu
I consider myself blessed to have worked 24 years at UNC in a variety of capacities. Every day is a new, fresh, and exciting opportunity to work with great people, great food, and great services. My job is to keep our coolers, freezers, and storerooms fully stocked so that our staff can create some of the best food to be found on any campus in the country! On occasion, I assist groups or individuals to provide BBQs, picnic meals, or special meal requests. By far, the most enjoyable part of my job is the daily interaction with people of all ages who truly appreciate our efforts.
I enjoy spending my free time with family and friends, volunteering with several local organizations, and reading the occasional mysteries adventure book.
back to Tobey-Kendel Dining Room
Dan Senn
Unit Chef
phone: (970) 351-3518
email: daniel.senn@unco.edu
I joined UNC in October 2010. After a great introductory month at Holmes Dining Hall, I became Unit Chef at Tobey-Kendel Dining Room. I enjoy working here with a great staff and wonderful students.
Upon completion of my three year culinary apprenticeship in my home country, Switzerland, I moved to the United States in 1981. After working in various hotels and cities, Colorado became home in 2001. With 35+ years of experience in the culinary field, I am still excited to learn about new food trends and cuisines from around the globe.
I have three children that keep me busy at home. In my free time, I love to cook (my favorite foods are ethnic and sushi). I also enjoy being outdoors skiing, hiking, and camping.
UNC Dining Services - General Information
- Main Office: Tobey-Kendel Hall, room 120 (campus box 47)
- Phone Number: (970) 351-2652
- Fax Number: (970) 351-2754
- Email: diningservices@unco.edu
- Visit us: Dining Services Web Site
- Need an event catered? UNC Catering Website