Kori Barham
Graduate Academic Advisor III
Office of Academic Assistance, J. Mack Robinson College of Business

Kori Barham is a Graduate Academic Advisor with over 13 years of experience in higher education. Specializing in advising undergraduate and graduate students, she has also contributed to campus programming and student services. Kori joined GSU in 2015 and has been dedicated to fostering academic success and personal growth in the students she serves. A Georgia native, she holds a Bachelor’s in Child and Family Development and a Master’s in Higher Education Administration from Georgia Southern University.

LaJoi Boone
Coordinator of Student Engagement
Office of Leadership and Service/Student Engagement

LaJoi Boone serves as a Coordinator of Student Engagement for the Office of Leadership and Service. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, a Master of Education in Higher Education Administration, and is currently working toward her Doctor of Education in Learning, Leadership and Organization Development. LaJoi is highly passionate about student leadership development and her journey towards student development and leadership began during her own undergraduate years. During her time as a student, LaJoi thrived in leadership roles within various organizations, igniting her passion for empowering others. For LaJoi, the true reward lies in mentoring and guiding students to unlock their potential as transformative leaders. Whether facilitating workshops or one-on-one mentoring sessions, she finds fulfillment in nurturing the next generation of changemakers. Beyond the office, she loves spending time with her own little changemaker (her son), her husband, family, and friends.

Raychel Briggs
Manager of Marketing & Media
Student Engagement

Raychel Briggs is the manager of marketing and media for the Division of Student Engagement at Georgia State University in Atlanta, Georgia. She oversees a comprehensive portfolio of marketing programs that promote engagement initiatives and events across the all 6 campuses. Prior to her tenure at Georgia State, Briggs worked at several higher education institutions; starting with an internship in the University of South Florida’s USF World team in Tampa, Florida and, most recently, serving as an Assistant Director of International Admissions at Savannah College of Art & Design in Atlanta, Georgia. She spent several years at George Mason University in the Washington, D.C. area, where she worked with partner agency INTO, to produce a variety of marketing and communications collateral related to international student recruitment.

A proud alumna of Florida Gulf Coast University in Ft. Myers, Florida, Briggs knew that marketing and communications were her passion well before graduation. She had four communications-related internships before she graduated and she volunteered for events at the University of South Florida’s Muma College of Business during breaks. It was through USF that she discovered that she could blend that passion with another: exploring new places. She spent a summer studying abroad with USF students at the Florence University of the Arts in Florence, Italy and returned with a newfound zeal for travel.

She is a dog person, having grown up in a home where there were as many dachshunds as people (at times). Today, given her career requires long hours and weekend projects, she is learning how to share her home with a rescue cat named Smokey.

Vanessa Brown
Web Manager
Office of the Dean, Byrdine F. Lewis College of Nursing and Health Professions

Vanessa Brown has been working in higher education since 2001 and received her Information Technology degree from Florida State University.  She began her career at the Florida State University College of Medicine as the coordinator of computer applications and later joined Georgia State in 2003 in a similar role.  Over the years her role has progressed and advanced to a managerial level.  Vanessa manages the planning and development of web apps, systems and databases. She creates appropriate website content aligned with Georgia State’s strategic plan. Collaborating with faculty and staff, ensuring that the websites align with brand strategy and meet the organization’s standards and accrediting bodies are some of her daily operations. In addition to front-end development, she is the data steward, governance and technical writer for much of the college’s data. Vanessa serves on the Dean’s External Relations Team serving the college’s communication, social media and event-planning needs. Outside of work, Vanessa enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She and her husband, along with their two teenagers, love to travel and experience different terrains, climates, cultures and cuisines.

Emily Buis
Project Coordinator
National Institute for Student Success

Emily Buis is a Project Coordinator for the National Institute for Student Success. She is managing the TEACH ME project funded by the U.S. Department of Education’s Post-Secondary Student Success Grant. With over 10 years of higher education experience, working in advising, managing undergraduate research programs and new student experience, Ms. Buis understands the many challenges that students face and aims to create meaningful impact to support them. She is cited in print and digital publications including POLITICO, WABE and The Hechinger Report.

Toni Butts
Graduation Counselor
University Advisement Center, Division of Student Success

Toni L. Butts joined the University Advisement Center team as an Academic Advisor in 2019. She was promoted to her current position in 2022. As a Graduation Counselor her role includes tracking student retention, progression, and graduation metrics and utilizing the data to identify and report barriers to persistence and share strategies that support GSU’s holistic Student Success model. Throughout her career as a higher education professional Toni has held several leadership roles: Assistant Director of Admissions, Associate Director of Admissions, Academic Advising Center Supervisor, and Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society Advisor. She decided to change her career from admissions to advisement due to her passion for assisting students with not just starting but finishing. She currently services as a Staff Council Representative on the Community Engagement & Advocacy Committee.

Toni graduated from Valdosta State University earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Speech Communications with an emphasis in Public Relations.

Iliana Cuadros
Accounting Manager
University Advancement

Iliana is an Accountant Manager for the Georgia State University Foundation where she has recently transitioned. She worked 11 years for the Georgia State University Alumni Association. Iliana joined Georgia State University in 2013, before working at Georgia State, she was a Staff Accountant at Georgia World Congress Center. Iliana began her professional career in 2001 working in the finance department at International Trade Business in Miami, FL. Iliana received a Bachelor of Accounting degree from Florida International University. Iliana has over 20 years of experience in accounting. Iliana is a double panther; she received a Business Economics Degree from Robinson College of Business in May 2020, and she graduated in May 2024 with a master’s in business administration. Iliana is currently preparing to sit down for the CPA examination. Iliana is an AICPA Member and a Member of the National Association of Tax Professionals. Iliana loves animals, during her free time she likes to spend time with her cats and dogs, she also enjoys running.

Jazmyn Davis
Associate Director of Outreach
WomenLead

Dr. Jazmyn Davis’s career has been spent in service to student learning and development. From her first role as a high school teacher to her current position of Associate Director of Outreach for the WomenLead program, Dr. Davis has been committed to empowering students. Jazmyn joined Georgia State University in 2022 as the Manager for WomenLead. In this role, she oversaw the program’s course registration, budgets, and scholarships; recruited and managed volunteers; and coordinated events for the program’s students, alumni, and community partners. In her current position, Jazmyn works with the WomenLead Director, university development officers and other WomenLead faculty and staff to support and grow the operations and execution of the WomenLead program for its many stakeholders.

A first-generation college student, Jazmyn earned her bachelor’s degree in Sociology from the University of Florida, a master’s degree in Educational Leadership and Policy from Florida State University, and returned to the University of Florida where she earned her doctorate in Higher Education Administration.

In her downtime, Jazmyn enjoys spending time with family, reading, and watching sports.

Natasha De Veauuse Brown
Assistant Project Director
Georgia Health Policy Center, Andrew Young School of Policy Studies

Dr. Natasha De Veauuse Brown is an assistant project director in the Center of Excellence for Children’s Behavioral Health and Population & Global Health in the Georgia Health Policy Center. She has been working in public health for more than 20 years and joined GSU in 2013. Her areas of expertise are mental health promotion, violence prevention, racial and health equity, youth, communities of color, community-based participatory research, and program evaluation. Natasha leads several projects that address these public health issues and populations at risk. These include advancing school- and community-based mental health across Georgia (Georgia Apex Program, Identifying and Responding to Youth Mental Health Needs, and The Confess Project of Metro Atlanta), COVID-19 communication messaging for home testing and surveillance among diverse Black communities throughout metro Atlanta (Represent ATL 2.0), and evaluating a program designed to advance health equity in communities across the state (the Georgia Department of Public Health’s Statewide Health Equity Initiative). Natasha earned a Ph.D. in Health Behavior and Promotion from the GSU School of Public Health, a Master of Pubic Health in Epidemiology from the University of California Los Angeles, and a B.S. in Biochemistry from Xavier University of Louisiana. Personally, Natasha is a native of Los Angeles and enjoys white water rafting, jet skiing, and taking long nature walks.

Amanda Jane Loverde Dobbs
Associate Director, Research PR and Communications
Office of the Vice President for Research and Economic Development

Amanda Dobbs is the Associate Director of Public Relations and Communications for Research at Georgia State University. In this role, she supports the communications needs for the Office of the Vice President of Research and Economic Development and manages a portfolio of products that highlight and serve the work of researchers across the university. She has broad experience in corporate communications, content strategy, and copywriting for organizations large and small, and has tackled the creative needs of clients ranging from national health organizations to one-women-show entrepreneurs. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism from the University of Georgia. Outside of the office, Amanda likes to cook, write, eat, and hang out with her family and her twin pug dogs, Fred and George.

Alex Domaleski
Grants and Contracts Officer III
Georgia Health Policy Center and the Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology
Andrew Young School of Policy Studies

Alex Domaleski is a Grants and Contracts Officer II supporting the Georgia Health Policy Center and the Department of Criminal Justice & Criminology. She brings expertise in project management, public administration, strategic planning, and database management. Domaleski is a member of the administrative services team and contributes to pre- and post-award grant activities as well as budget development, routing proposals, and serves as the administrator of the GHPC proposal database.

Martha Fairley
Educational Technology Specialist Manager
College Technology Services, J. Mack Robinson College of Business

Martha Fairley started her career at IBM as a software development manager. In this role, she provided leadership and oversight to multiple cross-functional teams in the creation of semiconductor chips and microprocessors for U.S. Department of Defense contracts and developed software to help businesses integrate diverse computing environments. Upon leaving IBM, Martha entered the field of education, where she provided educational leadership in implementing 21st century instructional technology strategies that assisted faculty in mastering hybrid instruction. Martha began her current role as the Educational Technology Manager at the Robinson College of Business in 2022, providing technology support and professional development opportunities for faculty, while promoting the integration of technology into the teaching and learning experience. This includes leading projects to upgrade traditional classrooms to a hybrid and flexible (Hyflex) model that facilitates simulcast instruction for students regardless of location.

Martha also serves as the chairman of the Staff Professional Development Committee for the Robinson College of Business, where she leads a team in the creation of initiatives to meet the professional development needs of Robinson staff. Outside of work she volunteers in the community with her sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, and also spends time tutoring and mentoring students in math and computer science in Henry and Clayton counties.

Martha holds an Education Specialist (Ed.S.) degree in Instructional Technology, a Master’s degree in Education (M.Ed.), and a Bachelor’s (B.S.) degree in Computer Science. She also holds Educational Leadership and Online Teaching certifications.

La’Kesha M. Hughes
Associate Director
Undergraduate Career Advancement
J. Mack Robinson College of Business Career Advancement Center

La’Kesha M. Hughes brings over 8 years of comprehensive experience in human resources, including employee relations, talent acquisition, and corporate recruitment and engagement, to her role as the Associate Director of Undergraduate Career Advancement at the Career Advancement Center, where she has been a vital member since 2014. Seamlessly transitioning into higher education, La’Kesha embarked on her journey after completing her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from South Carolina State University. Recognizing her passion for empowering individuals to reach their fullest potential, she pursued a Master’s in Learning, Leadership, and Organization Development, focusing on Educational Leadership, from the esteemed University of Georgia. In her role, La’Kesha discovered a profound passion for guiding students through their professional development journey, helping them uncover their career aspirations, develop crucial skills, and embrace their unique strengths. Outside of work, she finds joy in family life, residing in Powder Springs, GA, with her loving husband Tori and their five wonderful children: three sons, Jalen, Tyler, and Corey, and twin daughters, London and Taylor. Her commitment to fostering growth, both personally and professionally, is evident in every aspect of her life.

LeKeisha Jackson
Senior Advisor/Senior Research Associate
Georgia Health Policy Center – Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health

LeKeisha D. Jackson, Ph.D., is a Senior Advisor and Senior Research Associate with the Georgia Health Policy Center, Center of Excellence for Children’s Behavioral Health at Georgia State University. Dr. Jackson is an experienced leader with expertise in strategic planning across the Center of Excellence’s portfolios of work, connecting research, policy and practice, and applying a health equity and policy lens. She has served in various leadership roles in public and private Institutions of Higher Education in Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, Health Policy, Medical Education, and serves as a Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) Peer Evaluator. She also is experienced in public health, interprofessional education, systems thinking, leadership and organizational development, accreditation, and curricular and programmatic development and evaluation. Dr. Jackson leads projects supported by the US Department of Education, Department of Public Health, and Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities. She is a devoted community leader, who graduated from Florida A&M University, other graduate studies at the University of Michigan, and received her Ph.D. from Mercer University.

Amanda Pinney
Director of Donor Relations
University Advancement

Amanda Pinney is the Director of Donor Relations at Georgia State University. In her position, Amanda leads the Donor Relations team in coordinating donor recognition and stewardship strategy across the University. An alumna of Georgia State University’s College of Arts and Sciences, she understands Panther pride firsthand. That pride inspires her everyday to be a part of a university that is revolutionizing equity in higher education, and it is one of her foremost goals to advance social justice and equality in Atlanta through the work she does at GSU. Amanda lives in her hometown of Lilburn, Georgia with her husband and two children, Max and Mavis.

Janaya Taylor
Assistant Director of Business Operations
Translational Research in Neuroimaging and Data Science (TReNDS) Center

Janaya L. Taylor is an accomplished professional with extensive experience in research administration, financial management, and leadership. Currently serving as the Assistant Director of Business Operations at the Translational Research in Neuroimaging and Data Science (TReNDS) Center at Georgia State University, Janaya oversees the Center’s financial and administrative activities. Her role involves strategic planning, policy development, budget management, and the supervision of a dedicated operations team. Janaya’s leadership ensures that the Center remains compliant with funding guidelines while fostering a positive and collaborative work environment. With a proven track record in managing complex tasks and a deep understanding of governmental accounting principles, Janaya has successfully led initiatives that have enhanced operational efficiency and financial management within the institutions she has served. Her expertise extends to the oversight of post-award grants and contracts, budgeting and forecasting, and the implementation of process improvements. Janaya holds a Bachelor of Science in Business and an Associate of Arts in Accounting from the University of Phoenix, as well as a Business Manager Certificate from Georgia State University.

Janaya’s dedication to excellence is reflected in her commitment to continuous learning and her active participation in professional development opportunities.

Molly Tucker
Training and Advocacy Manager
Center for Leadership in Disability, School of Public Health

Molly Tucker joined the Center for Leadership in Disability within the School of Public Health in 2017 and is currently the center’s Training and Advocacy Manager. In this role, Molly oversees state and federally funded training initiatives and research projects related to capacity building, positive behavioral interventions and supports, early intervention, self-advocacy, and leadership opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Through her work, Molly aims to improve the lives of individuals with disabilities and their families by collaborating with state and strategic partners to create a more equitable, inclusive, and accessible Georgia. She is an alum of the Georgia Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities leadership program and is a PEERS® Certified School-Based Provider. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Education from Mercer University and a Master of Social Work from the University of Georgia.

Tammy Turner
Associate Director of Student Wellness
Student Health Promotion

Tammy Turner serves as the Associate Director of Student Wellness and oversees Student Health Promotion and the Collegiate Recovery Community. Tammy earned her Ph.D. in Educational Psychology from Georgia State University, her MPH from Emory University and her undergraduate degree from Millersville University, in her home state of Pennsylvania. Tammy started her college health career as a peer health educator in college and a health educator at Georgia State. After a few years as the Alcohol and Other Drug Prevention Coordinator at Georgia Institute of Technology Tammy returned to Georgia State to serve in her current role. Tammy has infused her research with social media into programs and services for #BeWellPanthers.

Kevette Woolfalk-Molet
Business Manager III
School of Nursing
Byrdine F. Lewis College of Nursing and Health Professions

Kevette Woolfalk-Molet, a native of Atlanta, holds the position of Business Manager III at the School of Nursing within the Byrdine F. Lewis College of Nursing and Health Professions. With over a decade of service at the university, Kevette has steadily progressed through various roles since 2008, including Business Manager II and Business Manager I. Her educational background encompasses a Master’s in Business Administration from Georgia College and State University, a Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology from Argosy University, Atlanta, and a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Georgia State University. Outside of her professional pursuits, Kevette finds fulfillment in her passion for travel and exploration, seeking out new destinations to enrich her life with diverse experiences and cultural immersion. Her adventurous spirit not only fuels her creativity but also strengthens her resilience, enhancing her capacity to confront challenges and foster innovation in both her personal and professional endeavors.

Tsehay Wright
Career & Employer Relationship Manager
Graduate Career Advancement Center
J. Mack Robinson College of Business

Tsehay Wright is a dedicated Career & Employer Relations Specialist at Georgia State University’s Robinson College of Business, where she serves as a vital link between students and potential employers. Having graduated from Georgia State University herself in 2015, Tsehay brings a unique perspective to her role, combining her academic achievements with hands-on experience. With just under 2 years in higher education, she has already made significant strides in her role, coaching over 1600 graduate business students across 15 degree programs on effective job search strategies.

Beyond her responsibilities in career counseling, Tsehay plays an active role in cultivating a vibrant community within the Robinson College of Business. As the Secretary of the college’s Staff Engagement Committee and a lead for the Robinson Staff Retreat Planning Committee, she contributes to the collaborative and supportive environment that defines the college.

Outside of work, Tsehay serves as the President of the Japan Exchange & Teaching (JET) Program Alumni Association of the Southeast, exemplifying her dedication to cultural exchange and education. She also enjoys exploring the diverse culinary scene of Atlanta, often found socializing with friends at local restaurants and cafes.

Sabrina Armour

Director and Division HR Officer
Instructional Innovation and Technology

Latisha Barnes

Manager of Business Services
Student Engagement and Programs Administration
Student Success

Sherri Briggs

Project Coordinator
Center for the Advancement of Students and Alumni

Jennifer Condon

Interim Associate Director
First-Year and Transition Programs
Student Success

Danielle Daniely

Assistant Vice President for Research Safety Programs
Office of Research and Environmental Safety (ORES)
University Research Services and Administration

Louveisha Francois

Assistant Director of Academic Advisement
University Advisement Center, Perimeter College
Student Success

Kedayne King

College Finance Officer
College of Law

Ahu Kostak-Bulat

Head of Special Programs for Global Engagement
Office of International Initiatives

Tracy Mitchell

Associate Director of Graduate Advisement
Office of Academic Assistance
Robinson College of Business

Anyeé Payne

Executive Director
Center for Outreach, Research, and Engagement (CORE) Perimeter College

Liz Rivera

Graduate Recruitment Manager
Graduate Recruitment and Student Services
Robinson College of Business

Trina Saffold

Life and Earth Sciences Lab Coordinator
Perimeter College Science Department – Newton Campus

Benasha Shine-Berry

Assistant Director
Project Healthy Grandparents
Byrdine F. Lewis College of Nursing and Health Professions

LaTia Sinclair

Associate Director
Cultures, Communities and Inclusion
Student Engagement

Adrienne Tankersley

Business Manager II
Office of Academic Affairs

Yolanda Travis

Assistant Director for Law Help Services
Information Technology
College of Law

Shnequia Webb

Senior Coordinator of Advocacy
Counseling Center

Shana Bagley
Manager, Graduate Communications
College of Arts & Sciences
Shana Bagley is the Manager of Graduate Communications in the College of Arts & Sciences’ Office of Graduate Services, where she supports the retention, progression, and graduation of graduate students through the creation of thoughtful and comprehensive communication plans and student resources.
Shana holds a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership with a focus on nonprofit leadership from Mercer University. She found her passion for nonprofit work while serving as the Director of Marketing at True Colors Theatre Company and the Director of Operations at C5 Georgia Youth Foundation.
Shana is a proponent of continued professional development and has served on the board of Young Nonprofit Professionals Network of Atlanta, is a member of Georgia Center for Nonprofit’s High Potential Diverse Leaders 2015 cohort, as well as the Association of Fundraising Professionals Diversity Fellows 2016 cohort. Shana is a native metro-Atlanta, an alumna of Emory University, and currently lives in College Park with her husband and two daughters.

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Melissa Barnett
Data Governance Manager
Office of Institutional Effectiveness
Throughout her career, Melissa has worn many hats: sociologist, peer-reviewed journal author, evaluation researcher, data literacy leader, invited speaker, collaborator, presenter, instructor, steering committee lead, mentor, and guide. Data analysis and data governance, communication and relationship building, and higher ed are at the core of each of her roles.
Melissa joined Georgia State University in 2020 and serves as the university’s inaugural Data Governance Manager. In this role, Melissa supports university leaders, data analysts, and data users in making decisions that affect the university by ensuring its data are known, accessible, trustworthy, and secure, as well as trains users on how to handle data. Additionally, she brings together institutional experts from relevant business units, information technology, and institutional research, so the institution can better understand, manage, and harness its data to advance the university’s mission. At Harvard and MIT, Melissa used data to answer leaders’ questions about academic programs and provide next-step recommendations. Melissa has co-authored several research publications and taught Statistics and Research Methods. Melissa earned a Ph.D. in sociology from Florida State University and a B.A. in English writing from Denison University.

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Shantay Bennett
Associate Director of Law Admissions, College of Law
Shantay Bennett serves as the Associate Director of Law Admissions. She joined the College of Law in 2005 as an Admissions Coordinator I. As Associate Director, she manages and oversees the admissions and electronic processes of the J.D. and LL.M. programs; serves as the liaison with internal and external technical support units; counsels and advises prospective and admitted students; oversee on-campus visitations for prospective students; and engages in recruitment activities on a regional and national level.
Bennett takes an active role in the College of Law outside of her admissions duties. She serves on the college’s Staff Culture & Development committee in addition to other ad hoc committees on campus. Bennett is the 2019 recipient of the Marjorie L. Girth Staff Achievement award. The award recognizes Law Staff members who have rendered exceptional service to the College, the University or general community, or who have achieved important goals in professional advancement. Bennett serves as the lead diversity recruiter and is a member of the Executive Planning Committee for the Gate City Bar Association’s Justice Robert Benham Law Camp (a pipeline program for underrepresented high school students) that is held annually at College of Law. She has also served as the college’s representative on the Georgia State University Staff Council.
In an effort to further integrate her skills, Bennett is a 2008 alumnus of the Advancement of Women’s Leadership Academy for Women and received training in conflict management and resolution. Bennett received a BS in Psychology from Georgia State University.

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Annette Clark
Graduate Admissions Manager, Graduate Admissions
Annette has been working in higher education since 2016 and joined Georgia State University in 2018. She currently serves as the Graduate Admissions Manager in the Graduate School. In this role, she manages the admissions processes in the CRM Slate, supervises the admissions team, and maintains collaborative relationships with other admissions units and student support services across campus. Prior to joining the Graduate School, she worked as a Manager of Retention & Progression, as well as an Academic Advisor in the Office of Graduate Services in the College of Arts and Sciences. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the University of Georgia. During her time as an undergraduate student at UGA, Annette joined the Delta Alpha chapter of Lambda Theta Alpha, Latin Sorority Inc., the first Latina sorority in the US. Her experience as a sister of Lambda Theta Alpha, Latin Sorority Inc. inspired her to pursue a career in education and eventually led her to Georgia State University. Annette is a native Atlantan and resides in Tucker, with her husband, son, and dog.

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Makesha Dockery
Coordinator for Cooperative Education and Internships , University Career Services
Makesha H. Dockery serves as a Coordinator for Cooperative Education and Internships. She is a higher education professional with over 15 years’ experience using her network, strengths, and experience to coach and advocate for students of all backgrounds, ages and abilities in achieving and pursuing their career goals through experiential learning environments. At Georgia State University, she’s developed the 1st sophomore career community to help 1st and 2nd year engage in internship and co-op opportunities before graduation. Her collaborations across campus include academic advising, leadership and civic engagement, TRIO, university housing as well as being an instructor for New Student Orientation (GSU 1010). She actively collaborates with influencers in Fortune 500 companies, nonprofits, small business owners, and startup organizations. Her work has been recognized nationally, she has served on non-profit advisory boards and shared and presented her expertise and research-based practices to both national and international audiences in organizations such as Cooperative Education and Internship Association, NACE, and World Association Cooperative Education. She enjoys volunteering to support economic and workforce development projects. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and children in cultural, musical and outdoor events.

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Shanetha Dugger

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Amanda Emery
Associate Director of Student Success, Retention & Student Success
Dr. Amanda Emery joined Georgia State University in 2010. She currently serves as the Associate Director of Student Success for First Year & Transition Programs. In this role, she manages a suite of programs that support student retention, progression, and graduation efforts including Freshman & Perimeter Learning Communities; GSU 1010: New Student Orientation course; Academic Coaching; Early Alert; Success Academy; Panther Gateway Program; Georgia State LIFT initiatives including Perimeter Academy and State Farm Scholarship; Keep Hope Alive and other academic recovery initiatives; special population and scholarship programs. Prior to joining Student Success, she served as the Coordinator of New Student Orientation at Georgia State University and she served as Assistant Director, then Director of Student Activities at Goucher College in Baltimore, Maryland from 2000 – 2008. She is currently serving on the Panther Athletic Club Board as a past chair and advises the Beta Omega Chapter of Omega Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. on campus. She holds an Associate’s in Interior Design from Newbury College, a Bachelor’s in Communication Arts and a Master of Arts in Public Administration from Framingham State University. She earned her Doctorate from Clark Atlanta University in December 2021.

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Grace Garrett
HR Officer , Lewis College of Nursing and Health Professions
Grace Garrett is the College HR Officer for the Lewis College of Nursing and Health Professions. In this role she advises senior leadership on HR affairs, manages all HR operations with excellence, and improves business processes and procedures. She is a trusted advisor for leadership, faculty, and staff. During her tenure at Georgia Tech, Mrs. Garrett was the Assistant Director of Administrative Operations for the School of Architecture and the Administrative Manager for the School of History and Sociology. She has over 15 years of experience in higher education. Mrs. Garrett received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida and her master’s degree from Georgia State University. She holds a Professional in Human Resources (PHR) certification and is currently studying for her Society for Human Resource Management Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) certification.

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Hailey Hester
Interim Assistant Director of Outdoor Recreation
Recreation

Hailey Doss Hester started her outdoor career as a student Trip Leader at Roanoke College, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts. Later she attended Oklahoma State University for her Master of Science in Leisure Studies, focusing on outdoor education. Currently, Hailey is in her final semester of earning a Doctorate in Higher Education & Administration through the University of West Georgia. Her dissertation research is aimed at understanding leisure constraints to campus recreation as it pertains to race and gender.

Over the past 10 years she has served as a professional outdoor guide for private camps, REI, and as the Outdoor Recreation Coordinator for various colleges.  In her current position as the Interim Assistant Director of Outdoor Recreation at Georgia State University, she programs around 60-75 outdoor trips annually, trains Trip Leaders in various outdoor sports, and leads expeditions for students. Additionally, she manages the challenge course, climbing wall, equipment rental, and clinics program.

Some of her noteworthy expeditions include 22 days in Fiji/Australia, 9 days sea kayaking and backpacking Pictured Rocks National Seashore, to leading month-long programs in Yosemite and Hawaii. During her career, she has pursued and obtained several certifications including Wilderness First Responder & Instructor, American Mountain Guide Single Pitch Instructor (climbing), Hospitality and Post Crisis Leadership Certificate, EMT/Firefighter, NOLS Risk Management, PADI Open Water Scuba, Challenge Course Manager, Leave No Trace Master Educator, and American Canoe Association level 4 Swift Water Rescue Instructor.

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Nikita Howard
Assistant Director of Learning Environments Resources , Instructional Innovation & Technology
Nikita Howard is the Assistant Director of Learning Environments Resources and Support for the Learning and Production Environments Team in IIT (Instructional Innovation & Technology). In her role, she supervises and leads the teams that are responsible for the support, operation, and strategy for general schedule and open access physical environments where teaching and learning occur. This includes general schedule classroom support for all campuses, special support areas, technology lab operation, makerspaces, hybrid classroom support, proctored testing, equipment checkout and event technology coordination. Based on her background working in the early days of Apple Retail and having strong experience in rich media, she has a great belief in customer service, robust processes, and team culture. Nikita grew up in Queens, New York and is a graduate of Clark Atlanta University.

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Etosha Philpott
Supervisor, Student Financial Management Center ,Student Financial Service
Etosha Philpott joined Georgia State University’s Student Financial Service Department in May 2019. In her role, Etosha is a supervisor for the Student Financial Management Center. She collaborates closely with a team of enthusiastic advisors that share her passion for guiding students through their collegiate journey. With a career that spans over 16 years in higher education, Etosha’s has experience at both public and private institutions. In each role, she is always looking for improvements in impacting the student experience. Besides her career in Student Finance, she continues to build on her experience and interest in training and talent development. Etosha holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of South Florida and a master’s degree in industrial and organizational psychology.

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Mariam Qureshi
Manager, Academic and Professional Development, A & S Graduate Services
Mariam Qureshi began her higher education career within Georgia State University’s Office of the Registrar in 2006. Two years later, she transitioned to the Office of Graduate Services as an academic advisor for the College of Arts and Sciences. Her advising responsibilities grew into her current position as Manager of Academic and Professional Development. In this role, Mariam empowers graduate students by overseeing supportive programming and providing resources to identify and strengthen the competencies necessary for academic and career success. A GSU alumna, Mariam received her MA from the Department of English and has completed the graduate Technical and Professional Writing program at Middle Georgia State University. She earned her BA from the University of Georgia. Prior to joining GSU, Mariam lived in Egypt where she worked as an ESOL instructor and magazine editor. Professionally, her background includes corporate experience as a proposal editor at Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu LLC. Additionally, Mariam has published food, travel, and lifestyle articles as a freelance writer for the Athens Banner-Herald newspaper and regional magazines.

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Teresa Rucker
HR Officer, College of Arts & Sciences
Teresa Rucker is the Human Resources Officer in the College of Arts and Sciences. Teresa has been a full-time employee at Georgia State University for 31 years. She began her career at Georgia State in the Pullen Library and has steadily advanced by working in a variety of areas such as Enrollment Services, Student Life, and the College of Arts and Sciences in Academic Assistance and in Human Resources where she has remained, forming collaborative relationships with faculty, staff, and HR colleagues from across the institution.

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Allie Seay
Assistant Director of Student Services , International Student & Scholar Services
Allie hails from Liberty, South Carolina and relocated to Atlanta to join the GSU International Student & Scholar Services team in 2016. After graduating from Presbyterian College in 2009 with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a double minor in International Studies and German, she went on to achieve a Master of Arts in International Education from the School for International Training in Brattleboro, Vermont. She has studied and lived in Germany, which generated a passion for travel and learning about new cultures. She currently serves as the Assistant Director for International Student Services.

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Caitlan Shaw
Faculty Review Services Coordinator, College of Arts and Sciences
Caitlan Shaw began her current role as Faculty Review Services Coordinator for the College of Arts and Sciences, where she manages structured reviews, promotion and tenure reviews, and delivers various training workshops for faculty in June of 2021. She began her journey at Georgia State University as an Administrative Coordinator in the Department of Sociology in the fall of 2017 and began assisting the Department of Anthropology as well in the spring of 2020 in that same capacity. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology and a minor in Spanish from Clemson University in 2010 and received dual Master’s degrees in Business Administration and Public Administration from Kennesaw State University in 2020. Ms. Shaw has been certified by GSU as an Administrative Professional and an Aspiring Leader. She is a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, and enjoys serving her community.
Ms. Shaw has assumed various roles in higher education that range from a resident assistant position at Clemson University to an Office Manager at Kennesaw State University. She is passionate about helping others reach the next level and found a passion for resume and cover letter building while working in the Clemson University Michelin Career Center. She is most proud of her Outstanding Junior Staff Award from the College of Arts and Sciences (2021) and her Queen of Patience Award from the Africana Studies Department (2022). Caitlan’s fun fact: “I am the shortest person in my family at 5’11!”

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Shamieca Shine
Interim Director of Operations , College of Arts & Sciences
Shamieca Shine is the Interim Director of Operations for the College of Arts & Sciences, one of the largest colleges in the University. In this newly created role, she coaches and trains thirty Department Specialist throughout the college, oversees the Business Practices and manages all of Facilities for the college. Shamieca joined Georgia State University’s Central Human Resources Office in 2010 where she worked directly under the leadership of the Assistant Vice President of Human Resources for 5 years. During this time, she assisted in all areas of HR and worked on projects, implementation of systems and programming to better improve HR. In 2015, she accepted a position in the College of Arts & Sciences as the Manager of the Global Studies Institute. Since she has been a part of the college, she has held multiple roles helping with the success of many departments.
Shamieca graduated from Georgia State’s Robinson College of Business with her degree in Managerial Science with a concentration in Human Resources. She holds a Six Sigma Green Belt and enjoys process improvement. In her spare time, she enjoys baking, reading and spending time with her children and grandchildren.

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Jalesha Turner-Davis
Residence Hall Director, Hotel Housing-Staff Personnel
Jalesha E. Turner-Davis joined Georgia State University’s University Housing department as an Assistant Hall Director in June 2019. In July 2020, Jalesha was promoted to serve as a Residence Hall Director (RHD) for the University Lofts, then transferred to Piedmont North the following year. As an RHD, Jalesha oversees the day-to-day residence life operations for her area, while also serving in an on-call capacity to assist with student crises. In addition to her work as an RHD, Jalesha has served on several departmental committees and task force initiatives.
Jalesha received her Master’s of Education degree in Higher Education Administration from Georgia Southern University in May 2020 and her Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science with a minor in Leadership Studies from the University of Tennessee in May 2016. Jalesha has served within the University System of Georgia as a student affairs professional since July 2016. In addition to her work at GSU, Jalesha serves on the state and regional level in the following positions: President of Georgia Housing Officers (GHO), Social Media Chair for the Southern Association of College Student Affairs (SACSA), Knowledge Café Co-Chair for the Multicultural Awareness Committee (MAC) within SACSA, and serving on the Marketing and Organizational Promotions (MOP) and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committees within the Southeastern Association of Housing Officers (SEAHO).

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Whitney Vincenti
Director of Academic Services, Dept. of Intercollegiate Athletics
Whitney Vincenti joined the Georgia State University staff in February 2019 as an academic advisor in the University Advisement Center. In November 2019, Whitney transitioned to the athletics department as an athletic academic advisor. She currently works with the baseball and football programs. As the baseball academic advisor, the program reached its highest mark in Georgia State University history with a 3.2 cumulative GPA in the 2020-2021 academic year. In December 2022, Whitney was promoted to Assistant Director of Academic Services in the department where she oversees duties involved with progression and graduation of all student-athletes. Prior to Georgia State, Whitney earned a Master of Arts in Education at Durham University in Durham, England. While attending Durham, she served as a Graduate Assistant specializing in video and statistical analysis for the Women’s Volleyball team. Whitney is originally from Michigan and is a proud alumna of Michigan State University where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology

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Erin Weeks
Research Associate , National SafeCare Training and Research Center (NSTRC)
Erin Weeks joined the School of Public Health (SPH) at Georgia State University in 2009. She currently serves as Research Associate in the National SafeCare Training and Research Center (NSTRC) within the Mark Chaffin Center for Health Development (MCCHD). During her time at NSTRC, Erin has overseen several federally funded research projects, supervised staff, and conducted and organized internal projects. Ms. Weeks currently manages the Clarkston SafeCare project within SPH’s Prevention Research Center grant which aims to adapt and implement an evidence-based parenting program for migrant and refugee families in Clarkston, GA. Within this role, Erin manages all aspects of implementation including data collection and analysis, management of the grant’s budget, and setting strategic directions for the project. She also interacts and negotiates with community partners, research participants, study staff, and project funders. Erin graduated from Georgia State University earning both a Bachelor’s in Psychology and a Master’s of Public Health.

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Egypt Workman
Assistant Registrar for Enrollment & Registration Services
Newton Campus
Egypt Workman serves as the Assistant Registrar for Enrollment & Registration Services at the Newton Campus. She has been with Georgia State University for 8 years. Within her current role, she is not only responsible for leading her team, assisting students, faculty, and staff, she also serves on the leadership team at the Newton campus, advocating to improve the wholistic experience of students and growth on the Newton Campus. She is also responsible for developing and overseeing the customer service experience within the Enrollment & Registration Services unit across GSU’s six campuses. She has assisted with improving the customer service experience through the use of student surveys and reports to implement necessary changes and updates to systematic approaches relevant to our student engagement experience.
She started her tenure at Georgia State as an Enrollment & Registration Services Specialist assisting students at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. She assisted students with complex tasks in Financial Aid, Student Accounts and Registration and was promoted to Assistant Registrar. Egypt has over 12 years of higher education experience. She is driven by the opportunity to assist students at this pivotal point in their collegiate track to attain their goal of graduation and beyond.
Egypt graduated from Alabama State University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Marketing (Cum Laude). She is currently pursuing her Master’s degree in Higher Education Leadership. Prior to joining Georgia State University, Egypt served in a variety of capacities within the Financial Aid Department at Alabama State University for 4 years. Outside of work, Egypt enjoys traveling and experiencing different cuisines, empowering, and mentoring young women, and spending time with family.

Dr. Laura Boudon

Dr. Laura Boudon joined Georgia State University in February 2020 as Director of Study Abroad Programs.  In her role, she leads a team of six professional staff providing study abroad opportunities to Georgia State students and speaking about the academic, personal, and professional impact of study abroad on students’ journeys.  Study Abroad Programs supports and advises students throughout the study abroad process, works with faculty across campus to develop GSU study abroad programs, engages students with study abroad and manages student applications and application software.  Laura was most recently Director of the Office of Study Abroad at Florida International University (FIU) in Miami, Florida for almost 5 years, leading FIU’s efforts to increase the number of FIU students who study abroad. During this time, she served as a member of the MSI Summit planning committee for Diversity Abroad from 2016-2018. She participated in Elon University’s Center for Engaged Learning Research Seminar on Global Learning and Study abroad from 2015 to 2017. Laura led presentations at the Diversity Abroad conference and the NAFSA region VII conference and co-authored several recent book chapters with colleagues. Laura has more than 15 years of experience in higher education, having also worked at Georgetown University, American University and the University of South Carolina. Laura holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Studies from the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill, a Master of Arts in International Affairs from the University of Miami, a Ph.D. in International Relations from Florida International University and a Master of Social Work from the University of South Carolina. Laura is a global citizen, having grown up in France and lived a year in Bogotá, Colombia, teaching English and conducting dissertation research. She loves to travel the world and try new foods.

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Emily Cahill

Emily Cahill joined Georgia State University’s School of Public Health in 2014. She currently serves as Executive Assistant to the Dean. In this role, she manages operations, communications, and strategic initiatives for the Dean’s Office and serves on the School’s Leadership Team. Prior to joining the School of Public Health, she worked as an Academic Advisor in the University Advisement Center at Georgia State University. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Cognitive Science from Indiana University Bloomington and a Master of Arts in Philosophy from Georgia State University. She has taught Georgia State’s new student orientation course as well as undergraduate courses on introduction to philosophy, and she frequently participates as a witness in Georgia State’s Employment Law Mock Trial organized by the GSU Office of AA/EEO Training and Compliance.

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Melissa Duncan

Melissa Duncan is the College Research Officer for the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies (AYSPS). She is tasked with managing a pre- and post-award portfolio for Second Century Initiative (2CI) and Next Generation faculty at the AYSPS, liaising between the AYSPS and central administration offices, training new research administrators as needed, reviewing all proposal submissions, and coordinating research administration for the AYSPS. In this role, she manages federally-funded projects, such as support received by the National Institutes of Health, Department of Defense, and the National Science Foundation, just to name a few. She is also responsible for managing state funded projects as well as private institutions and foundations.

In 2012, after working 12 years as a Grants and Financial Analyst with CARE, International, Ms. Duncan was introduced to research administration by way of Emory University. After leaving Emory in 2015, Melissa worked at Georgia State University as a Grants and Contracts Officer III in the Institute of Biomedical Sciences. She then moved on to Georgia Tech for two years in the role of Senior Grants Administrator, before assuming her current role as College Research Officer in AYSPS.

Melissa earned her Bachelor’s degree from Bowling Green State University and her Master’s degree from Emmanuel College. Melissa is also a Certified Research Administrator (CRA). In her spare time, she enjoys serving her community through volunteering as a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated and the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW). She also enjoys traveling, reading, theater, and live music.

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Fatou Egegbara

In her current role as the HR Officer for Facilities Management Services at GSU, Fatou Egegbara works closely with the VP and the directors to develop and implement strategies that increase the acquisition and retention of highly productive employees.  Fatou has about eight years of experience in the University Systems of GA (five at GA Tech and three at GSU).

In her previous role as Human Resources Officer for the College of the Arts, she advised College leadership on strategic and operational decisions on human resources management.  Fatou also managed the college’s HR transactions, policies, and procedures to support a more productive work environment. While at COTA, she worked with Dr. Lisa Armistead, Associate Provost and Central HR to implement an onboarding system for graduate student assistants that was modeled after the one used at Georgia Tech. The new process has led to efficiency gains and has immensely benefited the graduate student assistants and those hiring them.

During her five years tenure at Georgia Tech as a Senior Recruiting Consultant, she partnered with colleges and divisions across campus to recruit for faculty and staff positions.  Prior to joining Higher Ed, Fatou’s private sector experience includes time at Fortune 500 companies like Honeywell and Bank of America. Her experience in both higher education and the private sector has allowed her to possess a wide range of skills and knowledge in her field.

Fatou received her master’s degree in human resources from Suffolk University in Boston and a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of Massachusetts. She also speaks six languages including French and English.

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Donna Frazier

Donna Frazier is an Admissions Counselor III, for the Georgia State University Office of Undergraduate Admissions.  Donna is one of the department’s senior members, who started her higher education career at Georgia State’s Perimeter College, Clarkston. While at Perimeter College, Donna managed the Clarkston and Decatur Admissions Offices with student assistants under her supervision. Donna manages a recruitment territory that includes Dekalb County, South Georgia and several mid-western states.  She works primarily with both Traditional and Non-Traditional First-Year students as well as GSU-62. Donna has worked in higher education more than 15 years.

Donna earned a B.A. in Psychology from Virginia Union University and is currently pursuing an MBA at Georgia State University. Prior to her career in higher education, Donna work over 10 years in the field of Criminal Justice as a Juvenile Probation Officer and Case Manager for federal offenders.

During the  2020, COVID-19 pandemic outbreak and the reemergence of racial unrest in the U.S. and around the globe, Donna served as the Georgia State University Staff Council Chair (2020-2021) and  a member of Georgia State’s inaugural Racial Equity Task Force. Subsequently, Donna was elected to serve as a member of the Georgia State University Presidential Search Committee, tasked with electing a successor for former President Mark Becker.

Donna is a creative, solution-oriented team-player, who is always seeking opportunities to develop her leadership skills and expand professionally.

After hours Donna enjoys producing community television, travel, fine arts and serving community through her local ministry. A fun fact about Donna is that her high school and college mascots were Panthers, so technically she has been a “Panther” since high school.

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Jennifer Harris

Jennifer Harris is the Business Manger III for the University Library.  In her role, she oversees  budget and financial operations which includes ensuring compliance with GSU and BOR policy.  She also serves as grants administrator for pre and post award management.  In 2005, she earned her B.B.A in Management from Georgia State University.  A career employee, she has previously served in financial roles for GSU Housing and the Department of Biology. An avid supporter of GSU Athletics, Jennifer spends her spare time attending various sporting events such as a football and basketball.

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Emily Heberlein

Emily Heberlein is Assistant Project Director on the Population and Global Health Team at the Georgia Health Policy Center. In her role, she supervises and leads multi-disciplinary project teams, managing all aspects of the grant lifecycle. Her areas of expertise include evaluation, monitoring, and quality improvement. She has experience in a range of evaluation approaches to plan, coordinate, and conduct studies of complex and adaptive initiatives to produce actionable and timely results for funders and stakeholders. She also provides evaluation technical assistance to internal and external clients. She has a particular area of research interest in maternal and child health, including group prenatal care and telehealth.

Dr. Heberlein holds a PhD in Public Health from the University of South Carolina, a Master’s Degree in Public Policy and Management from Heinz College at Carnegie Mellon University, and a Bachelor’s Degree in History from Northwestern University.

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Japera Hemming

Japera Hemming, PhD is an Assistant Project Director with the Georgia Healthy Policy Center at Georgia State University.  She is an experienced educator, engaging facilitator and research program administrator with expertise in achieving data-driven outcomes. She is actively involved in health systems transformation and is committed to advancing health equity, whole-person health, and social justice research.

Dr. Hemming leads a project supported by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation that examines cross-sector alignment to facilitate recovery from the triple crisis of the COVID-19 pandemic, the resulting economic recession, and the ongoing impacts of systemic racism.

Dr. Hemming’s work designing, managing and implementing programs that close opportunity gaps is reflected in a variety of organizations including Georgia Policy Labs, Morehouse School of Medicine, the National Research Mentoring Network, the Association of American Medical Colleges, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Institutional Research and Academic Career Development Award Programs, and the National Diversity Council. She is proud graduate of Spelman College where she earned a BS in Environmental Science. She also holds an MA in Environmental Policy Design from Lehigh University and a PhD in Public Administration and Policy from the University of Georgia.

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Linda Lee

Linda Lee is the Assistant Director of Student Experience, serving three applied mathematical graduate student programs. She joined the Robinson Graduate Student Experience team, in 2017, after participating nearly 15 years on various teams at Georgia State University and a Fortune 10 healthcare company. Linda is a servant-leader with expertise in Program, Project and Talent Management, and Student Success. She is also a credentialed Judgement Index Practitioner. Her warm style of engagement, coupled with her unique blend of relational, tactical, and strategic capabilities, enable her to quickly identify the individual, team, and operational needs, close gaps, and move forward with what matters most. Linda has a passion for cross-functional team collaboration, training and development, and delivering results that exceed stakeholder expectations. Initially from Northern, KY, Linda pursued her undergraduate degree in business administration at Northern Kentucky University before relocating to Atlanta, GA. Outside of Robinson, Linda enjoys extending hospitality to others, utilizing her culinary skills, hiking, teaching, reading, and writing.

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LaTisha Mitchell-Johnson

LaTisha Mitchell-Johnson is the assistant director of engagement for the Honors College. In this role, she plans and executes honors college events, oversees the Honors College Ambassador corps, assists with recruitment initiatives, and serves as the college’s liaison for the Parent and Alumni boards. LaTisha is also the founder and co-chair of the college’s first ever Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion committee and serves on the Georgia State University Staff Council.

LaTisha has a passion for higher education and, as a first generation college graduate, recognizes how the college experience can unlock the potential in underserved communities. Using her lived experience as a student in the Upward Bound TRiO program, and later by through roles in college admissions, new student orientation, career services, student activities and college access programming, she has demonstrated her gift for connecting with students to aid in their personal, academic, and professional growth. Prior to joining Georgia State, LaTisha has served at Clark Atlanta University, University of San Francisco, Georgia Gwinnett College, Agnes Scott College, and the University of South Carolina-Columbia.

A South Carolina native, LaTisha holds a bachelor’s degree from Furman University, a master’s degree in Higher Education Leadership from Mercer University, and is currently pursuing her doctoral degree in Student Affairs Leadership at the University of Georgia. She has also been recognized for her outstanding leadership, innovation, and commitment to community work in Atlanta as a Young Nonprofit Professionals of Atlanta, 30 under 30 award recipient.

In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family, mentoring through Save a Girl, Save a World, and trying out new restaurants.

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Erin Oakley

Erin Oakley is the planning and resource manager for the Public Finance Research Cluster at the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies, where she is responsible for the Executive Education in Public Finance training program, internal operations, and special projects. In 2019, Erin served as Administrative Director for the Mandela Washington Fellowship of the US State Department’s Young African Leadership Initiative. Prior to working at Georgia State University, Erin facilitated social enterprise programming at the Center for Civic Innovation and served as trial court liaison with the Georgia Administrative Office of the Courts, supporting the Council of Probate Court Judges and the Judicial Council Committee on Access and Fairness. She began her career at the Georgia Commission on Family Violence as an administrator of intimate partner violence intervention programs.

Erin was a 2018 fellow with the Georgia Women’s Policy Institute of the YWCA of Greater Atlanta and a founding board member of the Dream Warriors Foundation. Through her professional pursuits and other volunteer activities, Erin holds central her career-long commitment to capacity building for public servants through servant leadership and effective programming. Erin is a proud alumna of Berry College in Rome, Georgia, a novice gardener, and an invested community member.

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Jackie Slaton

Jackie Slaton serves as Manager of Learning Community Development (LCD) in Georgia State’s Center for Excellence in Teaching, Learning, and Online Education (CETLOE). In CETLOE, Jackie has the privilege of curating digital leadership initiatives that prepare GSU students for success in the 21st-century workplace by increasing their digital, professional, and leadership skills while working with industry leaders. As a member of the CETLOE leadership team, Jackie collaborates with administrators, professors, and GSU staff to provide innovative and award-winning programs that serve students at both the downtown and PC campuses.

Jackie holds a BA in International Relations from Wesleyan College and an MPA from the Andrew Young School Policy and is currently a doctoral candidate in the College of Education and Human Development, seeking an Ed.D in Educational Leadership with a concentration in Higher Education.

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Jessica Smith

Jessica Smith is a Research Assistant Professor and Assistant Project Director at the Georgia Health Policy Center (GHPC) in the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies. She joined GHPC in 2016 as a Senior Research Associate and led data analytics for the Medicaid Policy and Business Team, applying her extensive experience in statistical programming and data management to support the research and policy evaluation needs of the Georgia Department of Community Health.

In 2019, Jessica began leading the Medicaid Policy and Business Team as an Assistant Project Director and accepted a research faculty appointment at GSU. Jessica also directs the Center’s portfolio of work related to substance use disorders and conducts research focused on health care delivery and health outcomes for publicly insured populations. In her roles, she manages an interdisciplinary team of senior researchers, research assistants, and administrative staff; maintains lines of communication with state partners and clients; oversees multiple project budgets and contracts; and contributes to the advancement of scholarship at GHPC.

Jessica graduated from the University of Tennessee with a bachelor’s degree in Economics and spent two years in Washington, DC working in economic consulting. She went on to earn a master’s in Economics and a doctorate in Population Health from the University of Wisconsin.  She is an avid runner and enjoys being outdoors with her husband and two sons.

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Elizabeth Spears

Elizabeth Spears serves as the Senior Director of Development for the College of Arts & Sciences. She has been with the college since January 2019. In her role, Spears is responsible for cultivating support from alumni and friends of the College of Arts & Sciences.

Spears holds a B.A. in History and a B.A. in Religion from Baylor University. She is a proud alumna of the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies with a Master of Public Administration degree, focusing on nonprofit management. Spears is a Certified Fund Raising Executive or CFRE.

Before returning to Georgia State University, Spears solicited support for Public Broadcasting Atlanta, Southern Poverty Law Center, and The Study Hall.

A native of North Carolina, Spears lives in Atlanta. Most weekends you can find her on the tennis court.

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Keyonna Sutton

Keyonna Sutton joined the Project Management Office (PMO) as an entry-level Project Coordinator in 2014, worked her way to a Sr. Project Manager position, and was promoted to the Manager of the PMO of Instructional Innovation & Technology (IIT) in 2020. In this role, she defines and upholds the standards for project management, focuses on the development and implementation of project management processes that support and enable technology services, provides training in the fundamentals of project management, and promotes the PMO value-add proposition across the organization. Keyonna also serves as and manages a team of project managers that are responsible for planning, organizing, and managing the completion of projects while safeguarding the projects’ time, budget, and scope. Year-over-year, the PMO supports several high-cost, high-priority, university-impacting strategic initiatives that have a direct impact on faculty, staff, and students.

Keyonna is a long-term GSU constituent, earning both her BS in Psychology (’07) and BA in Sociology (’10) from Georgia State University. She has served on Staff Council, is a recurring GSU Cares volunteer, and has served as a subject matter expert in presentations on project management for various departments and student programs.

Keyonna has shared her love for GSU with her spouse and children, who are now part of the GSU community. In her spare time, she enjoys reading murder-mystery novels, gardening, and DIY projects.

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Crystal L. Turnage

Crystal L. Turnage is a Police Sergeant for Georgia State University Police Departments Community Outreach/Crime Prevention Unit. She is an accomplished Law Enforcement official with over twenty years of dedicated service. She oversees and coordinates signature events for the Police Department/University. Crystal is a certified Peer Support Counselor who functions as a support and debriefing resource for employees and their families. Crystal also serves as the Outreach Coordinator for Harm’s Way Non-Profit Domestic Violence organization, where she partners with other stakeholders to combat the efforts of Domestic Violence.

Crystal graduated from Saint Leo University with a Master of Criminal Justice specializing in Critical Incident Management. Crystal is also an Adjunct Criminal Justice Instructor with Atlanta Technical College and believes that the essence of education is to make learning contagious. Prior to this role, Crystal served as a police officer in various capacities at the Forest Park Police Department. Crystal has helped to bring about positive change in the community through various outreach programs educating the public and helping them to understand how to navigate the criminal justice system. In her spare time, she enjoys movies, riding her motorcycle and fishing.

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Iris Trejo Valencia

Iris Trejo Valencia is a Retention Coordinator for the office of Latinx Student Services and Outreach (LASSO) at Georgia State University (GSU). Iris implements new initiatives and programs to support our Latinx students and provide them with a culturally rich experience. Iris also coordinates and oversees the cohort meeting programming for over 100 Goizueta scholars for the Atlanta campus. She is a former Goizueta scholar and graduated with B.S. degree in psychology from GSU. During her time as an undergraduate at GSU, Iris became one of the chapter founders of the Alpha Pi Chapter of Sigma Lambda Upsilon/Señoritas Latinas Unidas Sorority, Incorporated. She also found her passion for higher education while working as an undergraduate student at the LASSO office.

Prior to joining GSU, Iris spent five years gaining graduate and undergraduate admissions experience and developing new initiatives to provide prospective students with a more welcoming campus experience. She earned her Master’s in Education degree in Higher Education Administration at Georgia Southern University. Iris enjoys finding new ways to make the higher education experience more accessible to first-generation students. She is glad to return to GSU and work in the office that she once considered her home away from home.

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Adrienne Veal

Adrienne Veal serves as the Director of Donor Relations for the division of University Advancement. In her role, Adrienne leads a team to create, implement, and manage the University’s donor recognition programs and stewardship efforts. Working closely with advancement leadership, senior administrators and top donors, Adrienne and her team ensure that donors are recognized and thanked graciously and that they remain engaged with the University in ways that make them feel the impact of their philanthropy. Before joining the University in 2008, Adrienne was an executive recruiter for the fashion industry.

Adrienne earned a B.A. in Theatre with a minor in French from Kennesaw State University. In her free time, she enjoys working out, baking/cooking, painting, gardening and spending time with her husband and fur-kids.

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Jyll Walsh

Jyll Walsh is currently the Program Manager at Prevent Child Abuse Georgia which is housed in the School of Public Health at Georgia State University. In her role, she works to educate and advocate for programs and policies that support kids and strengthen families.  Additionally, she manages statewide training and technical assistance for family serving professionals to prevent and mitigate child abuse and neglect. She also recently completed her Doctorate in Public Health at GSU and the Civic Leader Fellowship at Hands On Atlanta.

Dr. Walsh was previously an ORISE fellow at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, where she supported communication efforts related to the “Learn the Signs. Act Early.” program for parents of children with developmental delays.

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Ashley Watts

Ashley Watts is the Assistant Director of Alumni Relations in the office of Career Services and Alumni Relations in the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies (AYS). In this newly created role, she manages alumni-related programs and events, social media, and serves as the staff advisor for the AYS Alumni Council, as well as provides career counseling to alumni and students of AYS. Ashley began her tenure at Georgia State in October 2013, previously working in the central University Career Services office as a Career Counselor and Employer Relations Coordinator. She loves to connect people to one another, to services, and to resources that help them achieve their goals, and she is passionate about career development because of the strong link between career and one’s identity. This is best reflected in Ashley’s favorite career quote, “The career development process is, in essence, a spiritual journey reflecting our choices concerning how we will spend our time on Earth,” Niles & Harris-Bowlsbey, 2005. Ashley is a native Texan and holds an M.Ed. in Higher Education from Abilene Christian University and a bachelor’s degree from Texas Christian University.