Center for Students Success & First-Year Experience Staff

Dr. Kyle Ellis

Director

Dr. Ellis serves as the Director of the Center for Student Success and First-Year Experience. In addition to his responsibilities as Director, he chairs the University’s Retention Advisory Board and holds the faculty title of Instructional Assistant Professor of Higher Education. He received his B.S. in Health and Human Performance and M.S. in Education from the University of Tennessee at Martin. He earned his Ph.D. in Higher Education in 2011 from the University of Mississippi. His dissertation focused on academic advising experiences of first-year students who were undecided in their major.

Dr. Ellis is involved in several higher education professional associations. He has held many leadership positions within the National Academic Advising Association (NACADA), including a three-year term on the Board of Directors. Additionally, through publishing, presenting, and attending conferences, he is active in the Consortium for Student Retention and Data Exchange (CSRDE), National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA), American Association of University Professors (AAUP), and the National Resource Center for the First-Year Experience and Students in Transition. Dr. Ellis’ book, It Takes A Campus: 15 Initiatives To Improve Retention, was released in March 2017. Through publications, presentations, and speaking engagements, Dr. Ellis is committed to growth and professional development, in order to ensure student success, satisfaction, and persistence.

 

Susan Parker Ray

Senior Administrative Secretary

Susan Parker Ray is the Senior Administrative Secretary in the CSSFYE. Susie attended Western Kentucky University from 1988-1991 and moved to Oxford in 2008.  She has 2 children, a son, Jacob, who is a graduate student at Ole Miss and a daughter, Katie, who is a freshman at Ole Miss. She enjoys attending sporting events and watching her daughter cheer and play softball.

Dr. Travis Hitchcock

Assistant Director for Advising

Dr. Travis Hitchcock is the Assistant Director for Advising and an academic advisor for freshmen in the School of Engineering. He also teaches EDHE 105: Freshman Year Experience and EDLD 201: Career Decision-Making.

Born and raised in Oxford, Travis attended the University of Mississippi and earned a B.S. in Human Development, an M.A. in Higher Education/Student Personnel, and a Ph.D. in Higher Education. Travis’ area of expertise and research interests lie within the field of career development and its impact on student retention. He is also a member of the National Academic Advising Association (NACADA) and of the National Career Development Association (NCDA).

 

Dr. Jennifer Fos

Assistant Director for Retention

Jennifer Fos is the Assistant Director for Retention and an academic advisor serving students in the Center for Student Success and First-Year Experience. Dr. Fos earned her B.A. in English with a minor in Business Administration (2003) and her M.A. in Higher Education/Student Personnel (2007) from the University of Mississippi. She also completed the Paralegal Studies certificate program in 2004. She completed her Ph.D. in Higher Education in the spring of 2019.

She has worked for the University for more than twenty years. She is an active member of the Center for Student Retention Data Exchange (CSRDE), teaches a section of the Freshman Year Experience course for freshmen each fall, and coordinates summer orientation advising campus wide. She was the 2015-16 winner of the Outstanding Staff Member for Professional Non-Faculty and the 2016 Excellence in Advising winner among campus staff.

 

Katie Franklin

Academic Advisor

Katie Franklin is an academic advisor. She is originally from Oklahoma and earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Master of Education in School Counseling from Southwestern Oklahoma State University. Before moving to Oxford, Katie lived in South Korea and taught conversational English for five years. She started her career at Ole Miss in 2017 and worked in the Office of Financial Aid before joining the team in the CSSFYE. She is dedicated to helping students successfully transition into college and achieve their educational goals.

 

Molly Coleman

Academic Advisor

Molly Coleman is an academic advisor. She received her B.A. from The Ohio State University in International Relations, during which she studied abroad in Warsaw, Poland. After earning her bachelor’s degree, she taught conversational English at a primary school in Nyirbator, Hungary. She graduated in December 2014 with an M.A. in Higher Education/Student Personnel from The University of Mississippi. Prior to joining CSSFYE Molly worked as an international student advisor for the Study Abroad Office. Originally from Decatur, Illinois she now calls Oxford home where she resides with her family.

Molly enjoys guiding students to figure out what they excel in and are passionate about to be able to declare a major. She teaches a Freshman Studies section of EDHE 105 – Freshman Year Experience and EDLD 201 – Career Decision Making. The puzzle of helping students choose courses that count towards as much as possible is her favorite part of her job.

 

Victoria McCord

Academic Advisor

Victoria McCord is an academic advisor. She earned a B.A. in Psychology (2014) and a M.A. in Higher Education and Student Personnel (2017) from the University of Mississippi.

Victoria has worked in Higher Education for four years, with experience in Student Housing and Diversity and Community Engagement. She is passionate about helping students identify their goals and motivating them to overcome obstacles and exceed expectations.

 

Michael Smith

Academic Advisor

Michael Smith is an academic advisor. Originally from Mobile, AL, he completed his B.A. in International Studies at the University of South Alabama in 2009.  He completed his M.A. in Higher Education/Student Personnel at the University of Mississippi in 2011.

Michael is returning to Ole Miss after serving students at LSU for over four years.  He is passionate about helping students discover their strengths and identify opportunities to connect those strengths to potential academic majors and career fields. He also coordinates our StudentsFIRST program designed to assist first-generation students with the transition to college.

 

Jordan Johnson

Academic Advisor

Jordan is an academic advisor. She is a Texas native who moved to Oxford in 2014.  She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in General Studies minoring in Education, History, and Psychology as well as a Master of Arts degree in Higher Education, both from the University of Mississippi.

Jordan strives to make sure each student feels confident and secure in their future as well as making sure they have an easy and smooth transition into college.

 

Nyterica Jenkins

Academic Advisor

Nyterica Jenkins is an academic advisor. She is originally from Grenada, MS but she calls Oxford, MS home. Nyterica graduated with a B.S. in Exercise Science in 2018 and a M.A. in Higher Education/Student Personnel in 2021 both from the University of Mississippi.

Nyterica also teaches a section of EDHE 105 – Freshman Year Experience. She has an immense passion for helping students reach their goals to set them on their desired career path. The opportunity to build unique bonds with each student is the most rewarding part of her role.

 

Matthew Weaver

Academic Advisor

Matthew Weaver is an academic advisor. He is from Belleville, IL, a suburb of St. Louis, and graduated with his B.S. in Exercise Science in 2014. After graduating, Matthew spent 3 months living in Italy while teaching English to two children before returning to Ole Miss to complete his M.A. in Modern Languages with an emphasis in Teaching English as a Second Language. He then went on to complete his MBA at Ole Miss in 2017. While completing his graduate programs, Matthew taught Intensive English and EDHE on campus at Ole Miss. He has a passion for connecting students to resources that help contribute to their academic and career goals.

 

Dion Sanford

Academic Advisor

Dion Sanford is an academic advisor. He is from Courtland, MS. Dion graduated with a Bachelor’s in Accountancy in 2014 and a M.A. in Higher Education/Student Personnel in 2018, both from the University of Mississippi. He has a higher education background having worked in Procurement Services and the Office of Financial Aid on campus. He has a passion for helping all students succeed and start off on the right path.

 

 

Daniel Hill

Academic Advisor

Daniel is from Booneville, MS. He graduated from Northeast Mississippi Community College in 2015. He then transferred to the University of Mississippi, where he has received a B.A. in History (’17) and a M.A. in Higher Education/Student Personnel (’19). He is currently working on his Ph.D. in Higher Education. Daniel is passionate about instilling self-reliance and self-confidence in his students.

Daniel is an avid reader, gardener, and pickleballer. He enjoys spending time at Ole Miss sporting events, never missing a baseball game in particular! He and his wife are expecting their first child – Lily – in October, 2022.

 

Madeline Krema

Academic Advisor

Madeline is an academic advisor. A lifelong Ole Miss fan from Scotch Plains, New Jersey, Madeline earned her Bachelor of Arts in English from Ole Miss in 2017. She worked for two years at William Faulkner’s historic home, Rowan Oak, before moving to Florence, Italy to earn a Master of Arts in Museum Studies. Madeline has since worked in the curatorial and collections departments of the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame, the National Baseball Hall of Fame, the Museum of the Bible, and the National Polo Hall of Fame. Madeline enjoys reading, cooking, and traveling, and is an avid baseball fan devoted to Ole Miss and the Chicago Cubs.

Madeline is delighted to return to Ole Miss to help students achieve their goals and enjoy all that Ole Miss and Oxford have to offer!

 

Graduate Assistants

Weston Tidwell is a Graduate Assistant working on his masters in Higher Ed. He graduated from Ole Miss in 2016 with a Bachelor of Business Admin. Majoring in Banking & Finance and Managerial Finance. Before coming back to school, he worked in accounting at Enterprise. In his free time he enjoys hunting, fishing, hanging out with friends, and watching soccer.  When he is done with his degree, he hopes to get into advising and make a difference in students lives!

 

 

 

Jodie Bartlett is a Graduate Assistant for Advising. She am currently working towards my M.Ed. in Counselor Education for Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Jodie is from Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. She graduated from Ole Miss in 2022 with a Bachelor of Arts. She majored in Psychology and minored in Education and Gender Studies. After obtaining my master’s, Jodie will be working towards licensure to become a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). In the Future, she will work alongside my clients, advocating, tending to, and caring for their mental health.

 

 

 

Dr. Jennifer Fos

Assistant Director for Retention

Jennifer Fos is the Assistant Director for Retention and an academic advisor in the Center for Student Success and First-Year Experience. Dr. Fos earned her B.A. in English with a minor in Business Administration (2003) and her M.A. in Higher Education/Student Personnel (2007) from the University of Mississippi. She also completed the Paralegal Studies certificate program in 2004. She completed her Ph.D. in Higher Education in the spring of 2019.

She has worked for the University for more than twenty years. She is an active member of the Center for Student Retention Data Exchange (CSRDE), teaches a section of the Freshman Year Experience course for freshmen each fall, and coordinates summer orientation advising campus wide. She was the 2015-16 winner of the Outstanding Staff Member for Professional Non-Faculty and the 2016 Excellence in Advising winner among campus staff.

Rachael Durham

Assistant Director for FYE

Rachael Durham is the Assistant Director for First-Year Experience. She also serves as an instructor for EDHE 105 – Freshman Year Experience. She is originally from Memphis, TN, but now calls Oxford home. Rachael completed her B.A. degree in Journalism with an emphasis in Public Relations from the University of Mississippi in 2008 and her M.A. in Higher Education/Student Personnel in 2012.

 

Graduate Assistant

Courtney Keller is from O’Fallon, IL, currently pursuing a Masters in Sports and Recreation Administration (SRA). She started her education at Lincoln Land Community College where she played two years of collegiate softball before transferring to Ole Miss in 2020 to complete her bachelor’s degree. During undergrad she was honored to be awarded the McMurray Undergraduate award. She enjoys participating in Intramurals here on campus as well as traveling, watching movies and spending time with friends and family. After graduation she hopes to start a career in the Sports and Entertainment profession.

Andrew Newby

Assistant Director for Veteran & Military Services

Andrew Newby is the Assistant Director for Veteran and Military Services at the University of Mississippi, where he serves active duty, veteran, guard, and reserve students. He works to solve the complex issues for military-connected students in higher education. His focus for the University of Mississippi is to ensure student veterans have a meaningful experience during their time at Ole Miss. He is passionate about implementing programs and works to ensure veterans have success after graduation. He is an eight-year veteran of the United States Marine Corps, holds his B.A. in English, and a Master of Education in Adult Education from Auburn University. An Alabama native, he enjoys spending time with his wife and children, reading and writing, and flying airplanes.

 

Stelenna Lloyd

Operations Coordinator – VMS

Stelenna Lloyd is the Operations Coordinator for Veteran and Military Services at the University of Mississippi, where she serves active duty, veteran, guard, reserve, and dependent students. She runs the day to day operations of the VMS office as well as ensures the VA pays students in a timely manner. She is passionate about ensuring veterans and students are successful in all aspects of life. She is a veteran of the United States Army and she holds an Associates of Applied Science in Computer Information Processing from Northwest MS Community College (1996) and also receiv

ed her B.B.A. (MIS) in Business Administration from The University of Mississippi (2004).  She is originally from Pope, Mississippi and a graduate of South Panola High School in Batesville, MS.  She enjoys traveling and spending time with family.

Will Mobley

Operations Coordinator – VMS

After graduating from Spring Hill College in 2012 with a BS in political science, will deployed to Kabul, Afghanistan with the 1-167th Infantry in the Alabama National Guard. He studied Spanish in Chile and is currently a part time Spanish student at Ole Miss. Immediately prior to joining the VMS team, he was a veteran service officer working in the VMS office for the MS VA. He writes and jogs for fun.

 

Graduate Assistant

Olivia Thomas is the graduate assistant for Veteran & Military Services. She is pursuing her Master’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders at Ole Miss. Originally from Madisonville, Kentucky, Olivia graduated with a BS in CSD from Western Kentucky University. Before transferring to WKU, she played volleyball for Maryville University in St. Louis. Olivia moved to Oxford this summer and has loved it ever since. In her free time, she enjoys hanging out with her friends and family, boating, and any other outdoor activities. After graduation, Olivia hopes to become a speech-language pathologist and work at a VA hospital assisting veterans and active-duty military.

 

 

Savannah McCutchan is a graduate assistant. She is in her Master’s program for Communication Science and Disorders. Originally from Santa Claus, Indiana, Savannah moved to Oxford this summer. She graduated with a BS in CSD from Western Kentucky University. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, painting, and hanging out with family and friends. After graduation, Savannah wants to become a speech language pathologist and work with individuals with special needs.

 

 

 

 

 Anna Lauren Heavener

Success Coach – School of Applied Sciences

Anna Lauren Heavener works as a Success Coach in the Center for Student Success and First Year Experience, serving students in the School of Applied Sciences. She meets with parents and students to discuss retention programming and opportunities available to students in order to be successful at the university. She is originally from Walnut, Mississippi but has called Oxford home since 2013 when she transferred to Ole Miss from Northeast Mississippi Community College and began working as a student worker on campus. Anna Lauren completed her Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences at The University of Mississippi in 2015 and Master’s degree in Higher Education/Student Personnel in 2020. She has worked at the university for a total of eight years, beginning her professional career as a Transfer Admissions Counselor before joining the CSSFYE team. She is a Certified Hospitality Professional, and teaches freshman and transfer sections of the First Year Experience course. Anna Lauren values her ability to create strong and genuine connections with her students and is passionate about providing equal access and opportunities to this beautiful and diverse campus. 

 

Stephen Willhauck

Success Coach – School of Business

Stephen Willhauck is a Success Coach serving the school of business. He is originally from Virginia and earned a Bachelor of Science in sports management from Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia. Before moving to Oxford, Stephen lived in Rochester, New York and served as an academic counselor while completing his Masters in Higher Education. Stephen is an avid sports fan and loves coaching rugby. In his free time, he loves spending time with his wife and kids camping, hiking and fishing. Stephen is excited about joining Ole Miss and is passionate about serving students and helping students achieve their goals.

 

Hope Tulchinsky

Success Coach – College of Liberal Arts

Hope Tulchinsky is the Success Coach for the College of Liberal Arts. She received her Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from Elon University and her Master of Arts in Higher Education Administration from the University of Mississippi. She enjoys running and spending time with her husband and their three children. She is originally from Virginia, but now calls Oxford home.

 

 

Veronica Crawford

Success Coach – Office of General Studies

Veronica Crawford is a Success Coach for General Studies students. She has worked in higher education for seven years as an Education Administrator at the University of Mississippi Medical Center School of Dentistry and over two-years as a graduate assistant at the University of Mississippi School of Education Department of Higher Education. Veronica received her bachelor’s degree from Auburn University and a master’s degree from Troy University. She is currently pursuing her doctorate of education with an emphasis in Higher Education at the University of Mississippi. Her research interest focuses on technological advancements in teaching practices and their impact on student learning outcomes. Veronica is passionate about helping students succeed academically and professionally.

 

 

Jeremy Roberts

Assistant Director for Academic Support Programs

Jeremy Roberts is the Assistant Director for Academic Support Programs in the CSSFYE.  He oversees the daily operations of the at-risk programs; scheduling of presentations and workshops; marketing the ASP services to the University; and meets with parents and students to discuss EDHE 101, 202, and 303, academic coaching and consulting opportunities, and study skills/techniques.  Jeremy has taught for CSSFYE since the Fall of 2012 – teaching EDHE 101, 105, 202, 303, and 305 with multiple sections each semester.  He is originally from Terry, MS, but has called Oxford home since his freshman year in 2002. Jeremy has degrees in English and Hospitality Management from the University of Mississippi, a masters in Health and Sports Science from the University of Memphis, and an MBA from Delta State University.  He is also an event planner with 20 years of experience.  He is a Notary Public, Certified Web-Enhanced Instructor, Certified Hospitality Professional, and has been awarded Instructor of the Year Spring 2017 for his work in EDHE 101: Academic Skills for College.  Jeremy is passionate about marketing, all things event management, and learning each day from the students he interacts with here on campus.

 

Stephanie Berry

Learning Specialist for Academic Support Programs

Stephanie S. Berry is a Learning Specialist for Academic Support Programs and Instructor in the Center for Student Success. Stephanie works directly with a caseload of at-risk students one-on-one, helping students identify and develop strategies to improve their undergraduate academic experience. She has taught for CSSFYE since the Fall of 2017, teaching EDHE 105 and EDHE 305 with multiple sections each semester. She is originally from Oxford, Mississippi and has raised her own family of three children with her husband here since 2008. Stephanie has an undergraduate B.A. degree in Philosophy from the University of Virginia, a masters (M. Ed.) in Higher Education Administration from Vanderbilt University and a masters  (M.Sc.) in Educational Research Methodology from the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom. She has never met someone she hasn’t learned something from.

 

Patrick Perry

Learning Specialist for Academic Support Programs

Patrick Perry is a Learning Specialist for Academic Support Programs and Instructor in the Center for Student Success. Patrick received his undergraduate degree in geography, his master’s degree, and Ed.D. in Higher and Adult Education from the University of Memphis. Patrick served as Director of the Luckyday Scholars Program between 2008 and 2022. He currently serves as an Instructional Assistant Professor of Higher Education teaching EDHE656, Student Services in Higher Education and EDHE661, The Community College. He enjoys working with students to identify resources on campus so they may reach their academic, career, and life goals. In his free time, he enjoys tennis, making walking sticks, camping, and spending time with his partner Jennifer and three cats, Sophie, Nick, and Nora.

 

Graduate Assistants

Jabrea Turner is originally from Clarksdale, MS and is pursuing a Masters in Higher Education/Student Personnel. She earned her Associate of Arts degree in General Studies from Coahoma Community College and recently received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Mississippi in May 2021. Jabrea loves being from the Delta and aspires to be an astounding product of her community.

 

 

 

Anna Blakely is originally from Olive Branch, MS, she earned her Associate of Arts in General Studies from Northwest Mississippi Community College, and has recently earned her Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education from the University of Mississippi. She is pursuing her Master’s in Secondary Social Studies Education with an emphasis in Curriculum and Instruction. When she is not working, she can be found reading, watching the same T.V. shows over and over again, having Marvel movie marathons, and spending time with her beloved rescue dog Holly.

 

 

Senneca Evans is from Sallis, MS, and is pursuing a Master’s in Criminal Justice Policy and Practice. She obtained her Bachelor of Science in Administration of Justice from Mississippi College in December 2020. Senneca hopes to combine those degrees and further them, pursuing law school, to become a family attorney, specializing in child welfare and juvenile delinquency. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with family or helping someone in need.

 

 

 

 

Mason Atkins is from Olive Branch, MS, and is pursuing his Master’s in Exercise Science. He also serves as the marching percussion instructor for the Ole Miss Band – The Pride of the South. When he’s not studying or working, he can be found running, hanging out with friends, writing and playing music, or teaching with performing arts ensembles throughout Mississippi and in Atlanta, GA. After graduation, he hopes to continue to a Ph.D. program as he aims for a career in academia and conducting research on playing-related injury prevention and rehabilitation for populations within the performing arts.

 

 

 

Chloe Baker is from Olive Branch, MS and is pursuing a Masters in Integrated Marketing Communications. She graduated with her Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Mississippi in December 2021. Chloe acts as the social media manager for the Pride of the South Ole Miss Band and works other part-time jobs on the side. When she is not in the classroom or working, Chloe loves traveling, collecting records, and watching Marvel movies.

 

 

 

 

Daniel Menard, from the murky shores of Gulfport, MS, is pursuing a Master’s in Higher Education/Student Personnel. Having earned his undergraduate degree in English from the University of Mississippi, he is eager to serve the current student body. He will be instructing EDHE 202: Fundamentals of Active Learning in which he will assist students who are returning from academic suspension or dismissal.

 

 

 

Elizabeth Scott is from Ridgeland, MS and is pursuing a Master’s in Business Administration. She graduated with her Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from the University of Mississippi in May 2022. Elizabeth enjoys spending time with family and friends, running, and traveling. 

 

 

 

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