ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½

Jordan Garner is the Director of the Center for Student Engagement and Success. Jordan is dedicated to empowering students to achieve their academic and personal goals. With a Master's Degree in Postsecondary Education and a background spanning Career Services, academic advising, and success coaching, Jordan brings a comprehensive approach to student support. They are passionate about advocating for student success and fostering an environment where every student can thrive.

Jennifer Smith is the assistant director for the Center for Student Engagement and Success, serving as an academic advisor and instructor of transitions for undeclared students and assisting students with success goals and the development and implementation of other retention initiatives. She is passionate about her work with first-generation college students' success, including development of study abroad opportunities specifically for first-gen students. Jennifer received her B.S. in Plant and Soil Science (1996) from the University of Tennessee at Martin, working for the USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service, before transitioning to education in her local county school system. Jennifer previously worked in the Office of Admissions and the Office of Enrollment Management at ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½, and is dedicated to helping students find their passion, build their confidence, set goals, and achieve success in their future endeavors in her role with Student Engagement and Success.

Leanna McClure is the Coordinator for First-Year Academic Advising. Leanna received her M.S. in Organizational Communication (2012) and B.A. in Organizational Communication (2010) from ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½. Leanna has worked full-time at the University for over ten years, holding prior positions in the Office of Veteran and Military Student Success and Office of the Registrar and part-time as an adjunct instructor. Leanna understands that the first year sets the foundation for the college experience and is passionate about collaborating with University faculty and staff to ensure that students are provided with the holistic care, resources, and intentional guidance they need to advance successfully during their studies and beyond.

Sarah Williams is a professional advisor for the Center for Student Engagement and Success. Sarah has a Bachelor's in Criminal Justice and a Master's degree in Postsecondary Education Administration, both from ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½. She enjoys getting to know students and helping them solve whatever problems they come across, academic or otherwise. When she is not working, Sarah enjoys traveling and playing board/video games with her husband and kids.

Christy D’Ambrosio is a Professional Advisor for the Center for Student Engagement and Success. She obtained her Master of Music in Piano Performance from Cincinnati’s College Conservatory of Music, and her baccalaureate degree in Music Performance from Miami University of Ohio. Still active as collaborative chamber musician and private piano teacher, Christy strives to balance the demands of her full-time advisor position with musical projects and family life, sprinkling in yoga and travel to France whenever possible. She endeavors to help students discover what interests and inspires them.

Amy Cox is a professional advisor for the Center for Student Engagement and Success. She is a proud alumnus of ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½, with degrees in chemistry (BS, 1991; MS, 1993). She has been an educator for more than 25 years, teaching both university courses and at the high school level. Before joining CSES, Amy served as the director for Upward Bound Math and Science, a federal TRIO program that prepares income eligible, first-generation high school students for college success. Amy is committed to helping students to achieve success in their academic pursuits and to providing support as they prepare for life beyond university. Amy and her husband Ricky (ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ chemistry professor) love spending time with their dogs, Maggie and Dodge, antiquing, and eating good food.

Tammy Reifel serves as a Professional Advisor in the Office of Student Engagement and Success at ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a master’s degree in Nonprofit Administration. Before joining the advising team, Tammy spent many years teaching high school English, where she developed a deep appreciation for guiding students through their academic and personal growth. Tammy worked with ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½â€™s TRIO Upward Bound Math and Science program for eight years, supporting low-income and first-generation high school students in preparing for and gaining access to higher education. As a first-generation college graduate herself, she brings a personal understanding of the challenges and triumphs students experience along their educational journey. Tammy is passionate about empowering students to recognize their strengths, explore opportunities, and achieve their fullest potential. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, cooking, and traveling.

Arionna Nathaniel is a graduate assistant pursuing a Master’s in Higher Education and Student Affairs. Arionna is a recent graduate of ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½, earning a degree in Public and Community Health in December 2024. With a strong passion for public health and higher education, Arionna is dedicated to fostering positive change on campus and supporting student success. In her spare time, Arionna loves to travel and explore new cities with friends, making the most of every opportunity to discover new places.

Josh Williams is the coordinator for Veteran and Military Student Success. Josh has a Bachelor's in Integrated Studies (Math and Psychology) from ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½. He is an Army veteran and enjoys working with other veterans and their dependents to help them realize and achieve their goals and connect them with valuable resources. In his spare time, he enjoys playing video games with his kids, traveling, and volunteering in the community, most recently as a pistol instructor for 4-H of Calloway County.

Jeremy Vaughn is the School Certifying Official for Veteran and Military Student Success. Jeremy has a Bachelor's in Economics from ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½. He retired from the Army after 25 years of service and enjoys working with other veterans and their dependents to help them realize and achieve their goals and connect them with valuable resources. In his spare time, he enjoys playing with his son, traveling and gardening.