Meet the Staff

    • Frankin Ard

      Executive Director

       

      • linda lyons

        Linda Lyons

        Director

        Dr. Lyons oversees the Student Success Programs (SSP). The unit’s five signature student success programs serve first-generation, STEM Majors, and HOPE Scholar students who are entering Kennesaw State University (KSU) with an academic scholarship and/or are PELL eligible. Linda has worked in higher education performing various administrative roles for over 20 years. She received her doctorate from the University of Georgia in Adult Education with a focus on Organization Behaviors, and has a M.S. in Human Resource Development, and a B.A. in Business Management. Linda also has a faculty role as an Associate Professor in the Interdisciplinary Studies Department within the Radow College of Humanities and Social Sciences at KSU.  She has built an academic trajectory with a focus on the scholarship of teaching and learning that is germane to multicultural education. Specifically, her research concentration is building intercultural competence in higher education through a collaborative approach with faculty, campus leaders and other campus stakeholders when developing and executing cultural awareness curriculum and co-curricular initiatives. She teaches courses that are connected to leadership development, strategic planning, implicit bias, cultural interactions and sensitivity, global learning, as well as diversity, equity, and inclusion. She has managed and directed education abroad programs to Africa, South America, and Italy as well as traveled with colleagues conducting professional development programs to the Republics of Ghana and Nigeria, Africa, Barcelona, Spain and Otzenhausen, Germany.  

        llyons5@kennesaw.edu 

        470-578-7783

        Building: 430; Office: UH Suite 213

        • 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. 
          As a first-generation student herself, Ms. Gongora has a passion for helping other first-generation, multicultural, or underrepresented students successfully navigate their college experience while fostering their growth and the exploration of their identities and career life goals.  

          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 Kelley

            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

             

            • James Stinchcomb

              James Stinchcomb

              Associate Director, Student Success Programs

              Mr. Stinchcomb, the Associate Director of Student Success Programs at Kennesaw State University (KSU), is a seasoned professional with over two decades of experience in the human services field. His career has spanned various capacities within the field, providing him with a profound understanding of the unique challenges students face.

              In his current role at KSU, Mr. Stinchcomb is dedicated to creating an inclusive campus environment that fosters student success, progression, and retention. He spearheads initiatives aimed at enhancing the academic, personal, and professional growth of all students. With a foundation in evidence-based techniques and holistic approaches, he tailors his support to meet each student's individual needs and aspirations, fostering a culture of respect and acceptance.

              Mr. Stinchcomb leverages his extensive clinical experience to equip students with the tools they need to navigate challenges effectively, ensuring that mental health and well-being are integral components of student success initiatives. His commitment to personalized guidance, mentorship, and breaking down barriers has led to positive outcomes for students, empowering them to succeed and persist in their educational journeys.

              As the Associate Director of Student Success Programs at KSU, Mr. Stinchcomb remains a catalyst for positive change, dedicated to ensuring that every student has the opportunity to thrive academically and personally. His unwavering commitment to student success, progression, and retention makes him a true leader and advocate in higher education.

              jstinch2@kennesaw.edu 

              470-578-5158

              Building: 420; Office: UH Suite 213C

              • Brittney Bartholomew

                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 Gonzalex

                  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 Peters

                    Ellie Peters

                    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

                    • ana torres

                      Ana Torres

                      Student Success Program Coordinator

                      Ana Torres joined the Student Success team in February 2023 as the program coordinator for the Hispanic and Latino Outreach and Leadership in Academics Program. She is a Kennesaw State University alumni with a Bachelor's in Modern Language and Culture and a Master's in Business Administration.  

                      Ms. Torres has been working with Kennesaw State University since 2016 and loves being part of Owl Nation! Her previous roles in higher education include admissions, registration, financial aid, retention and enrollment customer service management. She is passionate about working with students and helping them reach their academic and career goals. Ana was born and raised in Lima, Peru and loves her Hispanic heritage. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, arts and theatre and spending time with her pets and family. 

                      atorres7@kennesaw.edu

                      470-578-3140

                      Building: 420, Office: WH Suite 121B

                      • misty henderson

                        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 johnson

                          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 Richards

                            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

                          • Student Peer Leaders

                            2023 - 2024

                            • Student Name
                              Program
                              Position
                            • Ayanna Butler
                              AATL
                              Ambassador
                            • Rich Aytch
                              AATL
                              Peer Leader
                            • DeSuela  Beverly
                              AATL
                              Peer Leader
                            • Zoe Brown
                              AATL
                              Peer Leader
                            • Ayanna Butler
                              AATL
                              Peer Leader
                            • Aamiyah  Grant
                              AATL
                              Peer Leader
                            • Ky'Esha  Lee
                              AATL
                              Peer Leader
                            • Amber Taylor
                              AATL
                              Peer Leader
                            • Yulisa Flores
                              Thrive
                              Peer Leader
                            • Sharod Harris
                              Thrive
                              Peer Leader
                            • Inaya Johnson
                              Thrive
                              Peer Leader
                            • Ethan Kessie
                              Thrive
                              Peer Leader
                            • Jayla Lawson
                              Thrive
                              Peer Leader
                            • Joel Metukmebong
                              Thrive
                              Peer Leader
                            • Jaterien Walker
                              Thrive
                              Peer Leader
                            • Camille Warren
                              Thrive
                              Peer Leader
                            • Patrick Underwood
                              Thrive
                              Peer Leader
                            • Carlos Moreland
                              REACH GA
                              Peer Leader
                            • Kanaya Williams
                              REACH GA
                              Peer Leader
                            • Elizabeth Adebambo
                              HOLA
                              Peer Leader
                            • Nikolas  Alvarez
                              HOLA
                              Peer Leader
                            • James  Balbuena
                              HOLA
                              Peer Leader
                            • Tania  Ramirez Canedo
                              HOLA
                              Peer Leader
                            • Mayte Garcia
                              HOLA
                              Peer Leader
                            • Nathaly Guevara
                              HOLA
                              Ambassador
                            • Nahomy Limon
                              HOLA
                              Peer Leader
                            • Christian Lopez-Iturbide
                              HOLA
                              Peer Leader
                            • Kayla Melgar
                              HOLA
                              Ambassador
                            • Nancy Samayoa-Martinez
                              HOLA
                              Peer Leader
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