For questions about CLASS tutoring, coaching, and other academic support programs:
CLASS@syr.edu or 315.443.2005
For questions about academic integrity:
AIO@syr.edu or 315.443.5412
Our Staff
George Athanas | Associate Director
Pronouns: he/him/his
gathanas@syr.edu
George Athanas is the associate director of CLASS. He has worked at Syracuse University for over 20 years and at CLASS since August 2022. In his role he is responsible for many of the operational aspects of the office and oversees the staff responsible for CLASS academic programming and academic expectations. Originally from New England, he enjoys all that autumn brings — sweatshirt weather, apple picking, cider, and fall foliage to name just a few. In addition, he likes trying new ethnic cuisine, quilting, and attending theater productions.
Dave Peterson | Senior Academic Learning Specialist
Pronouns: he/him/his
dapete01@syr.edu
Dave Peterson is a Senior Academic Learning Specialist with CLASS. Dave earned a B.A. in Social Justice from Empire State College. Dave was previously with the Arthur O. Eve Higher Educational Opportunity Program here at SU as an Academic Counselor. Working with students and seeing their overall growth is a passion that he never takes for granted. Prior to joining the SU community, Dave worked as a College Coordinator for the Philadelphia Education Fund preparing high school students for college. When not working, he enjoys his love of sports, fishing, video games, remote controlled cars, and drones.
Saedra Blow | Academic Learning Specialist
Pronouns: they/she
mcblow@syr.edu
Saedra Blow is an Academic Learning Specialist for CLASS. They earned their B.A. in English from Hobart and William Smith Colleges (HWS). Prior to their work at SU, Saedra was a writing tutor for several years at HWS’s Center for Teaching and Learning and through the Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP). Their experience as a writing tutor inspired them to work for CLASS, where they continue helping students succeed in higher education. They are passionate about equity in education and student well-being, especially as they relate to social justice. When they are away from the office, they can be found writing poetry and playing Pokemon GO.
George Punnoose Puthussery | Functional Business Analyst
Pronouns: he/him/his
gpputhus@syr.edu
George Puthussery serves as a Functional Business Analyst for the Office of Academic Affairs, where he supports the Center for Fellowship and Scholarship Advising, Center for Learning and Student Success, Institutional Effectiveness, and Syracuse Office of Undergraduate Research and Creative Engagement. He holds a B.Tech. in Electrical Engineering from Govt. Model Engineering College and an M.S. in Instructional Design from Syracuse University. Before stepping into his current role, George gained experience as an Instructional Designer at the Office of Institutional Effectiveness. When he’s not wrangling data, he enjoys reading and playing video games.