Meet the FYE Staff

Nicole Craven, Director

Nicole sets the vision and strategic direction for First Year Experience so every new Buckeye has a supported, connected, and empowering start at Ohio State. She leads the office’s priorities, cultivates partnerships across campus, and ensures FYE has the resources and alignment needed to deliver a strong first-year experience. 

Education: BA, English (Ohio State); MA, College Student Personnel (Bowling Green State University)

Jenny Osborn, Associate Director

Jenny ensures that new students begin their Buckeye journey with a smooth, welcoming and well-coordinated start. She oversees University Orientation, leads the Focusing on the First Year Conference, and collaborates with campus partners to support a seamless transition from admission to enrollment.

Education: BS, Psychology (Ohio State); MEd, Higher Education & Student Affairs (University of South Carolina)

Abby Lithgow, Assistant Director

Abby leads the design of FYE’s internal strategy and program architecture so first-year initiatives are well-coordinated, evidence-informed and aligned with student needs. She manages FYE’s assessment framework and new student support models and provides direction to staff working on these key initiatives.

Education: BS, Human Development & Family Science (Ohio State); MEd, Higher Education Management (University of Pittsburgh)

Natalie Meredith, Program Manager

Natalie co-leads the FYE Peer Leader team, sharing responsibility for recruitment, selection, training, supervision and team development. She designs the curriculum and content that FYE Peer Leaders and staff deliver in various contexts, including admissions events, orientation, the First Year Success Series, and workshops for students and campus partners. 

Education: BS, Criminal Justice (University of Cincinnati); MA, College Student Personnel (Bowling Green State University)

Matthew Nolan, Program Manager

Matthew co-leads the FYE Peer Leader team, sharing responsibility for recruitment, selection, training, supervision and team development. He leads the FYE Peer Leader outreach model that helps new students stay connected and supported, and manages key operational systems associated with the FYE Peer Leader initiative

Education: BA, Psychology (Bowling Green State University); MSEd, Higher Education & Student Affairs (Indiana University); Master of Business Administration (in progress, Ohio State)

Caitlin Fagan, Program Coordinator

Caitlin supports new Buckeyes by helping FYE understand what students need most through assessment and data. She manages the First Year Success Series, including data analysis, presenter coordination and survey instructor support. She also contributes to strategic projects that bring campus partners together to improve the first-year experience.

Education: BA, Russian (Ohio State); Master of Social Work (in progress, Ohio State)