The University Advising Center is pleased to share new staff updates. We congratulate fellow staff on their new titles, and welcome new Academic Advisors to the Hilltop!
Prisna Virasin continues her work as a UAC Manager. She has been an SMU advisor for thirteen years, has taught in the Writing and Reasoning Program, and is an SMU alumna.
Samia Siddiqui takes on the new title of UAC Manager. She has been at SMU for 8 years. With 25 years of experience in the field of Education, she has served as both a teacher and an advisor, spanning K-12 and college levels. Beyond the office, Samia finds joy in diving into a great read, indulging in binge-worthy shows, and the thrill of thrifting for the best deals and gems. You never know what you’ll find!
Dr. Alicia Mohundro is joining SMU as a Department of Economics and UAC advisor. “Dr. Mo,” as she is known to her students, comes to SMU with years of advising experience from multiple R1 universities. Dr. Mo is known for her approachable demeanor and willingness to help students navigate their academic paths. Her commitment to supporting students on their academic journeys is evident through her focus on meeting students where they are and providing individualized support to help them reach their goals. Her office is located in Umphrey Lee 301, where she offers both walk-in hours and scheduled appointments to assist students with their academic needs. Her email is amohundro@smu.edu and her office number is 214-768-7414.
Katie Lustig joins the University Advising Center after spending Spring 2025 as a Graduate Assistant in SMU’s Division of Student Affairs. Prior to her time on the Hilltop, Katie worked in the education non-profit sector in Washington DC and in K-12 in Pennsylvania. Katie graduated from Duke University in 2021 and is actively pursuing her Master’s in Higher Education at SMU. She loves walking on the Katy Trail, spending time with family and friends, and doing puzzles. Her email is kglustig@smu.edu and her office number is 214-768-7442.
An East Texas native, Amanda Tolbert was a first-generation college graduate who earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Emerging Media and Communication from University of Texas at Dallas, where she also worked as the manager of the Laboratory of Media Psychology. After her time at UTD, Amanda taught undergraduate courses and conducted research at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Her research focused on the psychological effects that result from media stereotyping of marginalized communities. Her research contributions can be found in textbooks and peer-reviewed journals, such as the Journal of Information Science and Frontiers in Psychology.
Amanda has now returned to DFW, where she lives with her partner, teenage daughter, and two cats. She is excited to be back home and to begin working with students again! Outside of work, she enjoys watching documentaries, reading, and traveling as often as she can. Her email is atolbert@smu.edu and her office number is 214-768-7441.
A native Texan, Ricki is a 2002 graduate of Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls, Texas, where she received her Bachelor of Science degree in both History and Psychology. She then earned her Texas Teacher Certification via LeTourneau University’s Post-Baccalaureate Educator Certification Program. She began her career as a teacher at Dallas Academy, where she specialized in creating and implementing personalized curriculum for students with learning differences. Most recently, Ricki taught 4th grade math and science in Garland ISD, and was awarded 2022-23 Teacher of the Year at Dorsey Elementary in Rowlett. She lives in Rowlett with her husband, Tony, her two teenage children, Bailey and Jake, and her black lab, Charlie. Ricki is a lifelong Texas Rangers fan and avid reader, and recently began volunteering as a camera operator for Explore.org. Her email is 
