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Academic Center for Excellence First-Generation Initiative Honors and Scholars Rotunda Scholars

New Success Counselor joins Rotunda Staff

Briana Morales joins the Honors and Scholars team as the new Rotunda Scholars Success Counselor. A Texas Native, first-generation college graduate, and SMU alum, Briana earned her Bachelors of Science in Psychology and is currently pursuing her Master of Science in the SMU Counseling program. Since her time as an undergraduate, Briana worked with SMU’s First-Generation Initiative and First-Generation Association as a fierce advocate for many students whose struggles she knows too well.

Briana’s experience mentoring students, coordinating student centered events, and building relationships across campus will be a welcome addition to the Rotunda family. Briana is excited to join the Rotunda support system and community as it grows in number and expands services. Her favorite part of serving students is the relief and joy on students’ faces when they see how much you care. To her, there is no greater feeling than showing someone you care about their well-being and success. We are excited for Briana to join our team and begin working June 19th.

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Altshuler Learning Enhancement Center Disability Accommodations & Success Strategies Student Academic Engagement & Success Student Academic Success Programs

Student Academic Success Programs announces staff updates

Please welcome two new staff members to the Student Academic Success Programs (SASP) team and thank a valued member who is leaving:

Dr. Nancy Larkin is joins the A-LEC team as the Assistant Director of Tutoring.  Nancy has an Ed.D. from Walden University in Teacher Leadership, a master’s in Educational Technology from George Washington University and a Bachelor’s of Science in Geology from Lamar University.  She has experience teaching and writing curriculum in many high school science courses including Honor’s and AP physics, chemistry and biology.  She has presented at many conferences and has a lifetime teaching certification in Texas public schools.

Disability Accommodations & Success Strategies (DASS) regrets to say goodbye to Dr. Robin Corbett in July as she returns to the K-12 sector, working in the area of special education. We welcome her replacement, Valiza Cameron-Patterson, in mid-July. Valiza comes to us from Dallas ISD where she served as a school counselor. She received her Master’s degree in Counseling & Student Affairs from TCU, and is excited to work with students with disabilities in higher education.

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Offices & Programs Student Academic Engagement & Success University Advising Center

New Office Coordinator, Gerralynn McKenna, joins the University Advising Center

The University Advising Center is pleased to share that Gerralynn McKenna has joined our office as our newest Coordinator! Gerralynn comes to SMU after teaching elementary special education for 4 years. She recently moved to Dallas from Albuquerque, New Mexico with her husband . She enjoys hiking, being outdoors, spending time with family and friends, and reading. Please join us in giving her a warm welcome to SMU!

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Offices & Programs University Advising Center

University Advising Center – New Academic Advisor Vivian Fowler

The University Advising Center is pleased to share that Vivian Fowler has joined the UAC as our newest Academic Advisor!

Vivian is an SMU alum, having received her Bachelor’s degree here in Physical Education.  She attended SMU during the death penalty days! After moving to Alabama with her husband, she received a Master’s in Nutrition from Alabama A&M and a PhD in Kinesiology from The University of Alabama. She has taught physical education in K-12, high school biology, and was an assistant professor in HPER at Delta State University in Cleveland, Mississippi. She has also coached women’s volleyball, basketball, track and golf at the middle and high school levels.  Vivian has three children, two cats and a dog, Gus. She recently spent 3 1/2 years in Lima, Peru- returning to Dallas August of 2021.  She enjoys playing golf, practicing her Spanish, and spending time with her family.

 

Vivian will carry a generalist caseload of advisees, but her specialty areas will include:  UHP Pre-Health students, liaison to W. Golf, Rowing, Tennis, and advisor to the Prelude students.  She will also be our liaison to the Hilltop Scholars Program.

 

Her email is vfowler@smu.edu. Please join us in welcoming Vivian back to SMU!

 

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University Advising Center

University Advising Center New Staff Member

The University Advising Center is pleased to share that Brandi Primm has joined us as our newest Academic Advisor! Brandi comes to SMU after working as a High School Counselor for the last twenty years in Garland and Richardson ISDs. Prior to that, she was a math teacher for 9 years.  Brandi and her husband, Rusty, enjoy attending concerts and sporting events. They also enjoy traveling and hiking whenever they get the chance. They have two dogs – a 7 year old Beagle named Dirk and a 6 year old Pug named Dez. Brandi will be a generalist advisor for now, but will likely be taking on some specialist/liaison roles in the months ahead.

Please help us in welcoming her to the Hilltop!

Brandi Primm, Newest UAC Advisor
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Academic Development of Student-Athletes (ADSA) Student Academic Engagement & Success

ADSA welcomes Ariana Contreras

Ariana Contreras joins SMU as a Senior Academic Counselor. She will work with Men’s Soccer and Football while leading ADSA-specific programming. Assuming the lead Men’s Soccer support position from myself at the beginning of the Spring 2023 term.

Ariana joins us from the University of Houston, where she worked as the Assistant Director of Academics. Ariana also gained valuable experience in student-athlete academic support and athletic compliance at UTEP, App State, and Eastern Michigan. The California native holds a B.S. in Kinesiology from New Mexico State University and an M.S. in Sport Management from Eastern Michigan University. Please stop by ADSA 316 and welcome her to the 214!

 

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Offices & Programs Student Academic Engagement & Success

Student Academic Engagement and Success New Team Member

We are excited to announce Bailey Price has joined the Student Academic Engagement and Success Team as of Monday, November 21st. Bailey will be serving in our new position as SAES business manager. Bailey received her undergraduate degree from SMU in 2021 and she’ll be starting the MBA program this spring. Bailey wrote “I received so much support and guidance from SMU administration during my undergraduate career, and I’m grateful for the chance to help various offices that provide these opportunities to the students. The SAES team has implemented some exciting initiatives and set some incredible goals, and I can’t wait to be a part of the growth that this office is working towards.” Bailey has been working in Human Resources and recently competed her aPHR certification (Associate Professional in Human Resources). Please help us welcome Bailey back to the Hilltop!

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University Testing Center

University Testing Center welcomes new Testing Assistants

The University Testing Center welcomes to its team three (3) new Testing Assistants: Cossy Ogburie, Matt Swigart, and Anku Upadhyay.

These Testing Assistants will work alongside the Testing Manager and Coordinator in preparing testing rooms, materials, and equipment for test administrations according to individual requirements and accommodation guidelines. Testing Assistants will also proctor online and conventional pen/paper tests.

Cossy says, “I enjoy doing volunteer community service which taught me how important it is to help others. It’s a habit I continue to practice and have used to help build positive relationships. I am a big fan of travelling and love taking pictures. I am that person that reads every ingredient list on skincare product before any purchase. Hey there buddy, SMU! I am happy to be here, and Dallas, my home away from home!”

Matt adds, “I came to SMU after performing with the Marine Band while in NC. I love to read, play saxophone, and travel during my free time. I would have to say my favorite place I had the opportunity to visit was Athens! I have had a great time so far at SMU and look forward to spending the next couple of years here completing my studies.”

Anku greets, “Nameste! I am a Master’s Student in SMU Guildhall Game Design & Development course. I like to read literary fiction. I also enjoy trekking and trying new cuisine. Not typically at the same time. My passion for learning has brought me to SMU, and I am excited to meet people from here, there, and everywhere.”

We are glad to introduce you to the team as we jump into the new semester!

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University Testing Center

University Testing Center welcomes new Testing Coordinator

The University Testing Center welcomes Lauren Horton as the new Testing Coordinator.

As a Testing Coordinator, she will assist with: (1) preparing testing room, materials and equipment for test administrations according to individual requirements and accommodation guidelines, (2) proctoring online and conventional pen/paper tests, (3) co-supervise Testing Assistants, undergraduate and graduate student test proctors, (4) other UTC operational needs.

Lauren shared, “I have worked with SMU for many years in different facets, but my love for students and passion for teaching remains prevalent through it all. My favorite way to spend my days is by wandering the beautiful campus, exploring campus buildings, going to SMU games and events, and socializing with my fellow Mustangs on Dallas Hall Lawn. Pony Up, y’all!”

Please join us in welcoming Lauren to the UTC!