Office of Undergraduate Education

Myke Yest, PhD, CFA
Associate Dean for Undergraduate Education

In addition to serving as Associate Dean for Undergraduate Education, Myke Yest is on the faculty of the Freeman School and is a Senior Professor of Practice, holding the Peter Ricchiuti Professorship in Finance. He also co-directs the Altman Program in International Studies and Business and has worked within the financial industry for 30 years. In his capacity as Associate Dean, he monitors the quality of the Freeman undergraduate student experience and reviews students’ academic progress.

Charlotte Battiest
BSM Senior Academic Counselor

Last name S-Z & Altman Scholars

(504) 314-7014
Email Charlotte
Make an Appointment with Charlotte

Charlotte Battiest joined the Office of Undergraduate Education in fall 2019 as the senior academic counselor. She has been with the university since 2007, previously with the Academic Services Center for Student-Athletes. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and a Master of Educational Administration from the University of New Orleans. She has 20 years of experience in higher education. She enjoys serving and providing quality advising services to all students! 

Shira Hussain
BSM Academic Counselor II

Last name F-Le

(504) 862-8097
Email Shira
Make an Appointment with Shira

Shira Hussain holds an undergraduate degree in communication studies and sociology from Loyola University New Orleans, then she advanced in her academic pursuits with a master’s degree in leadership studies from Augsburg University. She is a firm believer that students can grow into greatness with the right support and is happy to be a part of the Tulane family. 

Arthur Ponson
BSM Academic Counselor

Last Names A-E

(504) 865-5433
Email Arthur
Make an Appointment with Arthur

Arthur Ponson attended the University of Louisiana-Lafayette, where he majored in Sports Management. Arthur joined the Office of Undergraduate Education in Fall 2023. Prior to joining Tulane, he was a Career advisor for Clover and a Testing Coordinator at Delgado Community College. He enjoys working with his students and helping them achieve their goals while providing a personalized advising experience to each of them.

Megan St. Pierre
BSM Academic Counselor II

Last name Li-R

(504) 862-8035
Email Megan
Make an Appointment with Megan

Prior to joining Tulane and the Freeman School, Megan was a secondary education teacher for 13 years teaching social studies, English and special education. She holds a bachelor’s degree in secondary education and a master’s degree in education administration, both from the University of Holy Cross in New Orleans, and a Master of Science in human resource education from Louisiana State University. 

Julie Gomez
Executive Secretary

(504) 865-5322
Email Julie

Julie Gomez provides administrative support and oversees all classroom reservations.

Zhane Nelson
Senior Program Coordinator

(504) 865-5452
Email Zhane

Zhane Nelson manages all undergraduate programs and the day-to-day activities of the office.

Mary Hicks
Associate Director

(504) 865-5436
Email Mary
Make an Appointment with Mary

A Louisiana native, Mary Hicks has worked in international education for over 25 years. She holds an M.Ed. in higher education administration from the University of New Orleans and a B.A. in sociology from the University of Louisiana - Lafayette. She lived and worked in Japan shortly after her undergraduate career, and since then has held several job descriptions in international higher education. She directed a program that offered less-commonly-taught languages, led short-term study abroad programs in Japan and the Czech Republic, advised exchange students going to and coming from countries around the world, and assisted with numerous other endeavors all in the spirit of making sure students from all walks of life can have educational opportunities around the world. Mary enjoys learning from everyone around her as well as each and every new experience (including a pandemic). “Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.” -Mahatma Gandhi

Michelle Falgoust
Senior Executive Secretary

(504) 865-5663
Email Michelle

Michelle Falgoust provides administrative support to the Study Abroad & Exchange office and monitors the daily activities of the office. She also oversees the Study Abroad student workers and assists with events centered on international students.

Lauren Bix
Senior Program Coordinator
Exchange (Incoming) Student Advisor

(504) 314-7067
Email Lauren
Make an Appointment with Lauren

Lauren Bix is a Senior Program Coordinator for A.B. Freeman School of Business Study Abroad & Exchange. She received two Master’s degrees from the University of Kentucky in French and Francophone studies and International Diplomacy. Having studied abroad in Normandy, France and worked in higher education and international offices, Lauren brings a passion for global education and language learning everywhere she goes. She is eager to encourage business students to study abroad and welcome exchange students to the Freeman School.

Aaron C. Forbes
Senior Program Coordinator
Study Abroad (Outgoing) Student Advising

(504) 314-7077
Email Aaron
Make an Appointment with Aaron

A Senior Program Coordinator, Aaron Forbes has worked in education and community engagement in New Orleans and abroad for over 15 years. He holds a B.A. in International Studies from the University of New Orleans and has lived, studied and worked in Spain, Mexico, Colombia, Argentina, and Benin. From 2010-2022, he served as Founding World Languages Department Chair and Spanish Teacher at a New Orleans K-12 public charter where he filled various leadership roles including directing student travel programming.