Student Affairs Team

Salila Kurra serves as associate dean for student career development in the Office of Student Affairs. In this role she oversees career services to promote career exploration and guide students through the residency application and Match processes. Having served as an advisory dean since 2016 and a former endocrinology fellowship program director, Dr. Kurra has significant experience with mentoring, training, and educating students and trainees. She also works in the curricular sphere, where she has been serving as the endocrine section director for “The Body: In Health and Disease” since 2011, and will continue as a member of the VP&S curriculum re-imagining creative workgroup. 

Dr. Kurra is an associate professor of medicine at CUIMC and clinical chief in the Division of Endocrinology. She is the medical director of the Columbia Adrenal Center and a specialist in adrenal, thyroid, and bone disease. Dr. Kurra received her bachelor’s degree from Brown University and earned her medical degree at the Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons. She has remained on faculty since completing her residency in internal medicine and her fellowship in endocrinology at Columbia University.

Keshia is a native New Yorker (from the Bronx) and yes, she loves the Yankees! She attended Villanova University for undergrad and is currently obtaining a MS here at Columbia in Information and Knowledge Strategy. She’s worked at Columbia University for a little over 8 years and truly enjoys being a resource for our students. As the Student Services Coordinator, please contact her if you have any questions about policies, procedures, dual degree and special programs, leaves of absence, and any communications from our office.

Natalie joined the Office of Student Affairs at VP&S as Residency Services Coordinator after working at New York University, where she served as the Department Administrator for the Graduate Film program for seven years, overseeing general office operations.  Prior to NYU, she worked at nonprofit art organizations providing direct executive support and working in development. She has lived in New York City since 2000 and enjoys composing and producing music in her spare time. Please loop in Natalie if you are requesting a letter of recommendation from Dean Kurra.  

Raquel joined VP&S in 2023 as the Program Assistant in the Student Activities/VP&S Clubs Office. She attended City College of New York where she received her BA in Politicl Science. Prior to joining VP&S she worked at Bank Street College of Education and Teachers College. She has lived in the neighborhood, West Harlem, most of her life and appreciates the positive impact from Columbia University. Raquel enjoys traveling and camping.