Meet the Staff

  • Ard

    Dr. Franklin Ard

    Executive Director of Student Success Programs

    Franklin Ard has served in student academic support roles in higher education for over ten years and as a writing instructor for over fourteen years. He started his career in academic support as the manager of the University of South Alabama’s writing center and then as the director of the University’s large multi-functional tutoring center that provided both writing and subject-area tutoring.

    He started a new role as Director of Academic Student Support Services at Kennesaw State University in August 2023 and was then named Executive Director for Student Support Programs in May 2024. In this capacity, he oversees the PFL program and academic success initiatives for first-generation college students. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his wife and two-year-old son, writing fiction and poetry, and reading books of all genres.

    fard1@kennesaw.edu470-578-2295

  • Krystal

    Krystal Gongora

    Associate Director, Student Success Programs

    Krystal Gongora joined the Student Success Coaching team in November 2021. She has served previous roles in higher education training student leaders, coordinating experiential learning programs, and providing college mental health counseling. She worked as an administrative professional in University Housing at the University of Georgia supervising student workers within the residence halls. She served as a program coordinator for an Alternative Spring Break travel program within the Civic Engagement office at Georgia State University. She completed her graduate internship experience with Counseling and Psychological Services (CPS) at Kennesaw State University providing mental health counseling to students on the Marietta campus. 

    Ms. Gongora is a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC). She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from the University of Georgia and her Master of Science degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Georgia State University. Her professional experience also includes working in the non-profit public sector providing community mental health therapy to underserved at-risk adult populations with severe and persistent mental diagnoses. 

    Ms. Gongora is a dedicated Georgia Bulldogs football fan and an Atlanta foodie. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, camping, going to music concerts, traveling, and listening to audiobooks or podcasts. 

    kgongor1@kennesaw.edu

    470-578-3082

    Building: 430, Office: UH 222B

    • Mallori

      Mallori Kelley

      Associate Director, Student Success Programs

      Mallori Kelley joined the Student Success team in January 2023. She has served as the Assistant Director of Co-Curriculum Programs since August. Mallori has a strong passion for student success and advocacy. With a background in medical student education at Northwestern University spanning 15 years, Mallori brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to her role. Her transition from the medical field to undergraduate education was driven by her desire to make a broader impact on the overall development of students. She is dedicated to creating engaging and enriching experiences that enhance the academic and personal growth of each student. Through innovative programming and a student-centered approach, she strives to empower students to reach their full potential and achieve their goals. 

      Ms. Kelley received her Bachelor’s degree in Health Education & Promotion from the University of Illinois-Urbana Champaign and her Master’s in Health Communication from Northwestern University. In her free time, she enjoys spending quality time with her family, finding new restaurants in the city, and traveling. 

      mkelle74@kennesaw.edu

      470-578-6728

      Building: 430; Office UH Suite 213E

      • Brittney

        Brittney Bartholomew

        Studet Success Program Coordinator

        Brittney Bartholomew joined Student Success team in November 2021 as a Program Coordinator and Achieve Atlanta liaison. Throughout her career in higher education, Ms. Bartholomew has worked for a variety of Universities within the University System of Georgia. She has supported retention and progression programs which include academic coaching, early alert, and peer mentoring. She has also designed and executed recruitment plans that have had a positive effect on enrollment. Ms. Bartholomew is looking forward to using her higher education background to assist Achieve Atlanta students with their transition to Kennesaw State University and ensure resources and programming are available for the population. 

        Ms. Bartholomew holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Valdosta State University and a Master of Science in Higher Education from Georgia Southern University. In her free time, she enjoys volunteering, dancing, and spending time with her family.

        bbartho3@kennesaw.edu 

        470-578-3912

        Building: 430, Office: UH 216C

        • Adriana

          Adriana Gonzalez

          Student Success Program Coordinator

          Adriana joined Student Success team in November 2023. As Program Coordinator, she oversees the THRIVE program for HOPE Scholars which supports students transition to college, maintain the HOPE scholarship, and stay on track to graduate. As an educator and leader at high schools within the Cobb County School District for over two decades, Adriana was the Department Chair of World Languages, the Advanced Placement (AP) testing coordinator, and managed Student Leadership programs. Prior to her career in education, Adriana worked within the telecommunications industry with a focus in project management, process improvement, and human resource development.

          Adriana received a Bachelor of Science in Industrial and Systems Engineering from Florida International University and a Master of Business Administration from Georgia State University. Additionally, Adriana graduated as an Education Specialist in Leadership from Berry College and completed an Alternative Teacher Preparation Certification from Kennesaw State University. In her free time, she enjoys volunteering, reading, traveling, and trying new cuisine.

          amg9298@kennesaw.edu

          Building: 420; Office: UH Suite 213C

          • Ellie

            Ellie Thomson

            Student Success Program Coordinator

            Ellie Thomson has been a Program Coordinator for the President's Focused Learner (PFL) Program since 2022. Prior to coordinating the PFL Program, she was an academic advisor within the Coles College of Business at KSU. Ellie loves helping students grow and watching them achieve their goals!

            Ellie received her Bachelor's in Organizational Communication from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and a Master's in Business Administration from Viterbo University. In her free time, Ellie enjoys crafting, going on walks, trying new restaurants, spending time with family and friends, and watching reality TV (her guilty pleasure!). 

            epeter54@kennesaw.edu

            470-578-2478

            Building: 480, Office: Suite 3625

            • Misty

              Misty Henderson

              Student Success Coach 

              Misty Henderson joined the Student Success Coaching team in March 2023, for the Hispanic and Latino Outreach and Leadership in Academics Program. She is a Kennesaw State University alumnus with a Bachelor of Science in Sociology Degree.

              Mrs. Henderson has been working with Kennesaw State University since 2019 and loves supporting students! Her previous role in higher education was in financial aid. She is passionate about supporting and assisting students in their goals. In her free time, she likes to read and spend time with family and friends.

              mhende45@kennesaw.edu

              470-578-3082

              Building: 420, Office: WH Suite  121C

              • Andreea

                Andreea Johnson

                Student Success Coach

                Andreea Johnson joined Student Success team in January 2021 as a Student Success Coach. Throughout her career in higher education, Ms. Johnson has served in a myriad of capacities in both public and private universities.  She has worked with students through academic advising, new student orientation, recruitment/promotional events and educational workshop coordination and facilitation.

                Ms. Johnson has also trained new staff and supplemental instruction leaders. In addition, Ms. Johnson has served on various committees to obtain accreditation renewal and distinction of academic excellence in various programs.

                Ms. Johnson holds a Bachelor of Applied Arts in Integrative Public Relations and a Master of Arts in Interpersonal and Public Communication from Central Michigan University.  She is passionate about working with students to help them develop academically and professionally.  In her free time, she enjoys connecting with friends at Starbucks over an iced latte, crocheting, and attending concerts.

                ajohn733@kennesaw.edu 

                470-578-6308

                Building: 430, Office: UH 222C

                • Nigel

                  Nigel Richards

                  Student Success Coach

                  Nigel Richards is an enthusiastic and dedicated Student Success Coach, where he is committed to supporting and guiding students towards achieving their personal and academic goals. Born and raised in St. Croix, a beautiful U.S. territory in the Caribbean, Nigel brings a unique perspective and a warm, welcoming attitude to his role.

                  Nigel embarked on his educational journey at Valdosta State University, where he pursued his passion for understanding human behavior and helping others by earning an undergraduate degree in Psychology followed by a master’s degree in Counseling Education. His academic journey was complemented by hands-on experience working at several high schools, equipping him with the valuable insights and skills necessary to connect with and support students from diverse backgrounds. As a Student Success Coach, Nigel is deeply invested in the well-being and success of every student he encounters. He prides himself on being approachable and available, always ready to assist with any queries or concerns students may have.

                  Beyond his professional endeavors, Nigel is a fervent Star Wars fan, showcasing his love for the iconic franchise and its rich storytelling. He believes in the power of positive thinking and resilience, often sharing his favorite quote by Brian Tracy with students: "You cannot control what happens to you, but you can control your attitude toward what happens to you, and in that, you will be mastering change rather than allowing it to master you." This philosophy reflects Nigel's approach to life and work, emphasizing the importance of attitude and adaptability in the face of challenges.

                  Nigel Richards is not just a coach but a mentor, dedicated to their success and personal growth. His background in psychology and counseling, combined with his genuine passion for helping others, makes him an invaluable asset to the team.

                  nricha26@kennesaw.edu

                  470-578-2695

                  Building: 430, Office: UH 222A

                   

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