Our Team

Dr. James received her Bachelor of Science degree in public relations from the College of Journalism and Communication at the University of Florida and her Master’s degree in College Student Affairs with an emphasis in Conflict Analysis and Resolution from Nova Southeastern University (Florida). She later obtained a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Educational Studies, a Concentration in Higher Education, with an emphasis in Peace and Conflict Studies from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.

Dr. James arrived at Wake Forest University in 2009 and has served in several roles both in Residence Life and Housing and Orientation. She served as the Resident Coordinator for South Campus for four years and then became the Assistant Director of Residence Life. 

Dr. James transitioned to lead the university’s orientation efforts in 2016. Her current role as the Director of Orientation, New Student and Transitions Programs, which falls under the Division of Campus Life, allows her to work collaboratively with offices across campus that deliver programs to first-year students, sophomores, and transfer students.

Gianna-Marie began her Wake Forest journey when she joined the University as an Academic Counselor in the Office of Academic Advising in July 2022. She started her Coordinator role with the Office of Orientation, New Student and Transition Programs in January 2024.

Gianna was born into a military family and spent most of her childhood between Florida and Georgia. She earned her B.A. in Anthropology at The University of Georgia (UGA) in 2012. While at UGA, she joined Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. It was due to her own collegiate difficulties and her mother’s career in non-profit work that influenced her desire to help others in their educational journeys. She worked in college access with the Georgia College Advising Corps in Atlanta and College Success in the Houston Independent School District from 2013-2018. 

During that time, she became interested in retention while working with former students facing challenges in their first year of college. This prompted Gianna to pursue an M.Ed. in Student Affairs Administration in Higher Education at UNC Greensboro in 2020. Gianna likes to travel/sightsee, watch documentaries/horror/sci-fi/romance, read, cook, and collect random things. She enjoys spending time with her partner, bonus son, two cats, dog and fish.

Phillip Wogatzke earned a Bachelor of Science in History Secondary Education from Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina. He furthered his studies and obtained a Master of Arts in Higher Education from Appalachian State.

With a solid academic foundation, Phillip taught high school history in Davie and Forsyth Counties for eight years and then transitioned to higher education at multiple institutions in NC. At every level of education, he demonstrated his commitment to guiding students through their academic journeys and helping them pave the way for successful careers.

Phillip finds joy in various creative and recreational pursuits outside his professional endeavors. He is an avid reader, creative illustrator, passionate gamer, and outdoor enthusiast. He shares these activities with his lovely family—wife Katie and sons Noah, Peyton, and Finn. His family serves as a wellspring of support and inspiration for his continued growth and exploration of life’s many facets.