Meet the Staff
Messina Main Phone Line: 410-617-2669
Messina Direct E-mail: messina@loyola.edu
Office Location: Student Center 315 (above Boulder 2.0)
Barbara Kurz she/her Director
Education:
Arkansas Tech University
Master of Science, College Student Development
Kansas State University
Bachelor of Arts, English Creative Writing
Minor in Leadership Studies
Barbara Kurz was born in Brazil but claims Kansas City as home. Barbara joined the Loyola community as the Associate Director of Messina in February 2022, and is now excited to serve as the Director of Messina. Prior to joining Loyola, Barbara served as the Assistant Director of Housing Facilities at Johns Hopkins University. Barbara has a strong background in Student Life, student development, and leadership development. Working with first year students has always been a passion for Barbara and she is thrilled to work with Messina students. Outside of work, Barbara enjoys being a 鈥渇oodie鈥� and trying out new restaurants with her partner, reading, and spending time with her two kids. Barbara is trained in Loyola Safe Zone and is a Step Up! Bystander Intervention Facilitator.
Arkansas Tech University
Master of Science, College Student Development
Kansas State University
Bachelor of Arts, English Creative Writing
Minor in Leadership Studies
Barbara Kurz was born in Brazil but claims Kansas City as home. Barbara joined the Loyola community as the Associate Director of Messina in February 2022, and is now excited to serve as the Director of Messina. Prior to joining Loyola, Barbara served as the Assistant Director of Housing Facilities at Johns Hopkins University. Barbara has a strong background in Student Life, student development, and leadership development. Working with first year students has always been a passion for Barbara and she is thrilled to work with Messina students. Outside of work, Barbara enjoys being a 鈥渇oodie鈥� and trying out new restaurants with her partner, reading, and spending time with her two kids. Barbara is trained in Loyola Safe Zone and is a Step Up! Bystander Intervention Facilitator.
- 410-617-2225
- brkurz@loyola.edu
- Student Center 315H
Patrick Murnane he/him Assistant Director
Education:
Rowan University
Master of Arts, History
Salisbury University
Bachelor of Arts, History - Secondary Education
Patrick is a proud Maryland native and an avid baseball fan who co-runs a baseball podcast. Prior to joining the Messina team, Patrick started at Loyola in the Academic Advising and Support Center as an Advising Specialist. He graduated from Salisbury University with a degree in History and then earned his Masters in History at Rowan University in New Jersey. When not at work or at a baseball stadium, he loves to spend time with his wife, Colleen, and their dog, Griffey.
- 410-617-5927
- pmurnane@loyola.edu
- Student Center 315B
Elyse Narbut she/her Messina Graduate Assistant
Education:
Current: 51短视频
Master of Science, Clinical Professional Counseling
University of Michigan
Bachelor of Science, Psychology and Cognitive Science
Bio: Elyse Narbut was born in Michigan. She recently moved to Maryland (August 2026) to start the M.S. CPC program at Loyola. In May, Elyse graduated from the University of Michigan. During her undergraduate years, she participated in The University Mentorship Program as a mentor then Mentorship Program Student Coordinator. Elyse also was a research assistant at a lab that focused on helping older adults with depression. Outside of work and classes, Elyse loves listening to music, hanging out with friends, and exploring Baltimore. Her favorite part of Messina is the welcoming environment and friendly people!
Current: 51短视频
Master of Science, Clinical Professional Counseling
University of Michigan
Bachelor of Science, Psychology and Cognitive Science
Bio: Elyse Narbut was born in Michigan. She recently moved to Maryland (August 2026) to start the M.S. CPC program at Loyola. In May, Elyse graduated from the University of Michigan. During her undergraduate years, she participated in The University Mentorship Program as a mentor then Mentorship Program Student Coordinator. Elyse also was a research assistant at a lab that focused on helping older adults with depression. Outside of work and classes, Elyse loves listening to music, hanging out with friends, and exploring Baltimore. Her favorite part of Messina is the welcoming environment and friendly people!
- eenarbut@loyola.edu
- Student Center 315
Michael Puma, Ph.D. he/him Faculty Co-Director of Messina, Dean of Undergraduate Studies
贰诲耻肠补迟颈辞苍:听
Univesity of Maryland, College Park
Doctor of Philosophy, Higher Education Administration
Syracuse University
Masters of Education, Higher Education
Fordham University
Bachelor of Science, Psychology and American Studies
Michael Puma was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. He spent his first nine years at Loyola in the Office of Residence Life & Housing serving as both an Assistant Director and Associate Director for Living-Learning Initiatives. In 2011, Dr. Puma was named the Student Development Director of Messina. As Director of Messina, he designed and implemented yearly training and professional development opportunities for over 200 faculty, administrators, staff members and student leaders. Additionally, organized programming associated with the first-year Common Text, facilitated academic support sessions for Summer Orientation and Fall Welcome Week and served as a resource for first-year advisors. In 2017, he was recognized as an Outstanding First-Year Advocate Award by the National Resource Center for The First-Year Experience and Students in Transition. In his role as Dean, Mike works closely with the Academic Advising and Support Center, The Study, and the Office of the Dean of Undergraduate Studies to help individual students in their formation during challenging times and to develop programs and practices that raise the academic success of all students. At Loyola, Mike has also served as president of Loyola's Phi Beta Kappa chapter and is a member of OUT Loyola - Loyola's LGBTQ group for faculty, staff and administrators. He also is a trained Loyola Safe Zone and Step Up! Bystander Intervention Facilitator.
Univesity of Maryland, College Park
Doctor of Philosophy, Higher Education Administration
Syracuse University
Masters of Education, Higher Education
Fordham University
Bachelor of Science, Psychology and American Studies
Michael Puma was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. He spent his first nine years at Loyola in the Office of Residence Life & Housing serving as both an Assistant Director and Associate Director for Living-Learning Initiatives. In 2011, Dr. Puma was named the Student Development Director of Messina. As Director of Messina, he designed and implemented yearly training and professional development opportunities for over 200 faculty, administrators, staff members and student leaders. Additionally, organized programming associated with the first-year Common Text, facilitated academic support sessions for Summer Orientation and Fall Welcome Week and served as a resource for first-year advisors. In 2017, he was recognized as an Outstanding First-Year Advocate Award by the National Resource Center for The First-Year Experience and Students in Transition. In his role as Dean, Mike works closely with the Academic Advising and Support Center, The Study, and the Office of the Dean of Undergraduate Studies to help individual students in their formation during challenging times and to develop programs and practices that raise the academic success of all students. At Loyola, Mike has also served as president of Loyola's Phi Beta Kappa chapter and is a member of OUT Loyola - Loyola's LGBTQ group for faculty, staff and administrators. He also is a trained Loyola Safe Zone and Step Up! Bystander Intervention Facilitator.
- mpuma@loyola.edu
- Maryland Hall 145