ADSA Staff Promotions

The Academic Development of Student-Athletes (ADSA) would like to highlight the hard work of our employees and the work that they do daily to positively impact the student- athlete’s lives that they work with. We are thrilled to highlight three staff promotions and announce a new Academic Counselor. ADSA and the student-athletes appreciate all of their contributions!

Lexi Williams – Academic Counselor 

Lexi Williams, recently transitioned from a Literacy Specialist to Academic Counselor. She continues to expand her impact in ADSA. Lexi came to the Hilltop in Summer 2024 from Georgia Tech, where she was an Athletic Academic Advisor for various teams including Women’s basketball, Women’s tennis, and Softball. Lexi embraces the opportunity to work with different teams and individuals. For Lexi, the most rewarding part of her role is witnessing the development and personal growth of the student-athletes she supports. Her adaptability and genuine care make her a tremendous asset to our team and we are excited to watch her grow! 

Leeann Oland – Office Manager 

For 14 remarkable years, Leeann Oland has been a cornerstone of the ADSA department. In her elevated position, Leeann will continue to oversee several programs, student workers, while elevating her operational and fiscal responsibilities. She approaches her role with a warm smile, greeting every student-athlete with enthusiasm and a commitment to building meaningful relationships. Leeann is an invaluable part of our ADSA and SMU community. We celebrate her incredible tenure and consistency she brings to the ADSA every single day.  

Desmond Grayson – Senior Academic Counselor 

Desmond first joined SMU in 2023, as an Academic Counselor working with Football and Equestrian. In 2025, he was promoted to Senior Academic Counselor, serving the same teams. In this elevated position, Desmond is also taking on additional ADSA specific programming oversight.  His commitment to fostering academic and personal growth ensures that every student-athlete he works with feels supported along their journey at SMU. Desmond’s work embodies the spirit of teamwork and excellence. 

Kelsey Smith – Senior Academic Counselor 

Kelsey recently promoted from Academic Counselor to Senior Academic Counselor in January. She has quickly embraced her new role as with enthusiasm and a drive to connect with her new teams. Previously, she worked with Men’s & Women’s Soccer, and Rowing. As a Senior Counselor, she will work with Football, Men’s Tennis, Men’s Golf, and oversee other internal ADSA programming. She had this to say about the future, “I’m really looking forward to getting to know even more student-athletes and getting to support them through their academic career at SMU. It’s been so fun attending practices and games to learn more about my new teams and their culture”. 

Congratulations to Lexi, Leeann, Desmond, and Kelsey!