About Us

Mari Goldston, M. Ed
Director, Center for Student Life

Mari received her Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Texas A&M University in College Station, TX and received her Master of Education degree from the University of North Texas in Denton, TX.

Mari’s passion for working with students started with her role as a Resident Advisor in undergrad. After graduating from A&M, she worked full time in the corporate sector before deciding to return to school to pursue her interests in working with students’ full time on college campuses. During the summer of 2022, Mari served as a NODA intern to assist with UNT Health New Student Orientation. She worked full time at UNT Health starting November 2022 supporting Registered Student Organizations (RSOs), student leaders/advisors, and leadership development. Her experiences have led her to her new role as overseeing the Center for Student Life.

Mari is looking forward to engaging with the students here while shaping their experience here at UNT Health and encouraging leadership development for tomorrow’s future leaders.

Strengths: Communication – Input – Harmony – Woo – Context

Jerrie Vasquez
Assistant Director, Programmatic Engagement

Jerrie received her Bachelor of Science degree in Hospitality Management & Merchandising from the University of North Texas. Her desire to work in higher education comes from her previous time at UNT planning weekly & large events for college students through a college ministry for 3 years.

She started at UNT Health in 2021 in the Admissions & Recruitment department where she helped coordinate interview days, myHSC Day and retention events for incoming students.  Jerrie’s background in event planning and passion for incoming students to make lifelong relationships provides the tools necessary to coordinate all of the in person and online student orientations at UNT Health.

Jerrie enjoys providing opportunities that allow students to engage with one another to grow lasting relationships.

Strengths: Restorative – Connectedness – Responsibility – Consistency – Relator

Alexandria Cooper, MS
Assistant Director, Student Involvement

Alex received her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Tarleton State University.

With a professional background in counseling, residence life, student conduct, and student services, she brings extensive experience supporting students through both individual and organizational development. In her role at the UNT Health, Alex is passionate about empowering student leaders and Registered Student Organizations to thrive, providing guidance, resources, and mentorship that foster leadership, collaboration, and community impact.

She strives to be a dependable support for others while encouraging solution-focused growth and development.

Strengths: Harmony – Restorative – Positivity – Adaptability – Connectedness

Ethan Williams, MBA
Senior Student Services Coordinator

Ethan received his Bachelor of Science in Recreation Management from Oklahoma State University, his Masters in Business Administration from West Texas A&M University, and is currently pursuing his Doctor of Education in Higher Education at University of North Texas.

Ethan’s desire to serve students in Higher Education began in undergrad as a student employee at Oklahoma State’s Outdoor Adventure Program where he served as a student trip leader and intern during his senior year. Flash forward a few years, and a few odd jobs later, to Portland, Maine, where he and his wife lived for two and a half years, and his first role as a Student Affairs professional at the University of New England working with graduate and professional student clubs and campus activities. At UNE, he grew a passion serving graduate students in healthcare professions. Upon moving back to Texas, Ethan worked in orientation at Texas Wesleyan University for a stint, and has finally settled at UNT Health combining his passion for serving grad students and his orientation experience.

Ethan looks forward to providing incoming students a welcoming, supportive, and engaging new student orientation experience that helps build connections with fellow students and the UNT Health campus as a whole.

Strengths: Analytical – Learner – Focus – Achiever – Context

Crystal Martinez

Student Services Specialist

Crystal earned her Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from the University of Texas at San Antonio and is currently pursuing her Master’s in higher Education at Liberty University. Passionate about supporting students throughout their academic journeys, she brings a strong and diverse background in education, encompassing both instructional and administrative roles. As a proud military spouse, Crystal has had the privilege of serving students across multiple states and educational levels, gaining valuable insight into the unique needs of diverse learning communities.

Before joining the Center for Student Life, Crystal served Aledo Independent School District as the Dual Credit Specialist at Aledo High School, where she worked closely with students to bridge the transition between high school and higher education. In her current role as a Student Service Specialist, Crystal is dedicated to cultivating a welcoming, inclusive environment that enhances the UNT Health student experience and supports the mission of the Center for Student Life.

Strengths: Relator - Developer - Belief - Responsibility - Communication

Brian Rodriguez
Student Services Specialist

Brian received his Bachelor of Business Administration in Management from The University of Texas at El Paso in El Paso, TX.

Brian joined the Center for Student Life in 2022 after working with the Office of Care & Civility & the Career Readiness Center for over 2 years. Brian’s experience in administrative support, managing marketing & promotional efforts, & providing services to students assists in his current role supporting student organizations & providing support for the Center for Student Life.

Brian is excited to use his education and experience to create a welcoming atmosphere for students & create a positive impact at UNT Health.

Strengths: Strategic – Analytical – Learner – Achiever – Discipline