Meet the advising team

My journey has taken me from the picturesque landscapes of Washington State to the heart of the University of Tulsa, where I have dedicated myself to making a difference.

My professional voyage began with three enriching years in the evergreen state of Washington, where I honed my skills and embraced the spirit of learning and growth. I hold an undergraduate degree in Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the esteemed University of Idaho, which laid the foundation for my insatiable curiosity and thirst for knowledge. Building upon this, I furthered my education and earned a graduate degree in Community Counseling from the renowned Washington State University, solidifying my commitment to continuous advancement and personal development.

Amidst this journey, I found my forever companion in life, Brandon Campbell, a source of unwavering support and shared dreams. Together, we share our lives and our home with the delightful presence of Penelope, our endearing pug. Penelope’s playful antics and boundless affection bring joy and laughter to our days, reminding us of the simple pleasures in life.

When I’m not immersed in the world of academia or relishing the company of loved ones, I indulge in an array of hobbies that fuel my creativity and invigorate my spirit. Hiking through nature’s wonders allows me to reconnect with the earth’s beauty and find solace in its tranquility. Crafting provides me with an outlet for self-expression, transforming raw materials into tangible works of art. As an avid reader, I lose myself in the pages of captivating stories, exploring different worlds and perspectives with each turn of the page.

In my current role as a Student Success Coach at the University of Tulsa, I am driven by a sense of purpose and a commitment to nurturing minds and fostering growth. Each day, I am privileged to contribute to the educational journey of aspiring individuals, guiding them toward their own path of discovery and success.

I am a native of Tulsa, Oklahoma and earned my Bachelor of Science in Health & Human Performance from Northeastern State University. I then earned a Master of Science in Sport Management, followed by a Ph.D. in Adult & Higher Education from the University of Oklahoma. Prior to this role, I spent over 20 years serving in college athletics, serving as both an Associate Athletics Director for Compliance and an Associate Athletics Director for Academic & Student Services, and teaching courses in Career Development and Academic Strategies.

During my senior year at NSU, I was not accepted into Physical Therapy school and had to change my major to athletic training, extending my graduation to a fifth year. Although I was devasted, I quickly learned through my mentors that I had other options to achieve my goals. Then, again, in graduate school I fell in love with a class second semester that my mentor was teaching, and I changed my focus from athletic training to sport management. Later, I had the opportunity to work for that same mentor, who encouraged me to apply for the doctoral program in education at OU. If I had not had the mentorship he provided, I do not know if I would be where I am today. I want to provide students with that same type of mentorship.

Through these experiences I have learned that my passion lies in helping students achieve their goals. My research interests include academic motivation, retention, and persistence. My personal advising philosophy is centered around a holistic student development approach that supports your academic, personal, and professional success. I am excited to help bring this new team together as a collaborative and positive leader, who will focus on providing excellent service to you so you can achieve your goals.

I grew up in Verdigris, Oklahoma, and graduated from Claremore High School. I have a B.A. in Psychology from Northeastern State University and a Master of Human Relations-Organizational Development from the University of Oklahoma.

I was 17 years old when I started college. I had no clue what I wanted to be when I grew up. I finished all my general education courses by the end of my third semester and had to declare a major by the end of my fourth semester.

I decided to take that fourth semester as an opportunity to explore. I took “Intro” to any class I thought might be interesting and discovered that I loved learning about psychology.

It is okay not to know what you want to be when you grow up or change your mind once you begin classes. I will help you explore your options, support you during your self-discovery and cheer you on to graduation.

Karen came to The University of Tulsa in 2017 from the University of Arkansas where she completed her undergraduate and graduate degrees. Karen’s own path through higher education was marked by challenges that she ultimately conquered, teaching her the value of perseverance and the importance of seeking support.

Overcoming those obstacles ignited Karen’s passion for education and her desire to make a difference in the lives of students facing similar challenges. Karen has dedicated her career to guiding and mentoring students along their academic journeys. Her own experiences have equipped her with a unique understanding of the hurdles that can arise in pursuit of higher education, and she is unwavering in her commitment to providing the guidance and support necessary for student success.

When not at work, Karen can often be found pedaling through the open roads and scenic trails of Tulsa. Her love for cycling has become a cornerstone of her life, providing not only a healthy outlet for physical activity but also a way to connect with nature and clear her mind.

Karen is married to Kyle, whom she convinced to move from Georgia to Arkansas. In retaliation, he convinced her to move to Tulsa when he was transferred here from Arkansas. Together they parent two adult sons, one daughter-in-law, and grandparent three precious grandbabies. At home, they share their lives with three lovable rescue dogs: two fluffy Australian Shepherd mixes, each with their own unique personalities. They also welcomed a small, scrappy mixed breed puppy into their family after fostering and deciding to make him, much to the dismay of the other dogs, a permanent part of their lives. Chaos ensued, but they would it have no other way.

I graduated from the University of Tulsa with both my bachelors in Elementary Education and my Masters in School Counseling. I am currently in the 4th year of my Ph.D. in Educational Leadership.

My why for being a Student Success Coach is that I believe that every student can be successful! When I transferred to The University of Tulsa in the spring semester, I remember feeling lost and alone. I struggled to make friends. This was a difficult place for me because up until then, I always had an abundance of friends. About two weeks after classes started, an RA in Lottie Jane introduced me to her friend circle. Eventually, I became a part of this friend group and the rest of my time at TU is something I will cherish for a lifetime! It was the kindness of an RA that helped me find my space here at TU and I’m proud to have the opportunity to pay that kindness forward by helping other students make the TU community their own!

I am a native Oklahoman and returned to The University of Tulsa in a full-time capacity in fall 2023. During my undergraduate career at TU, I competed as a coxswain on the women’s rowing team while earning a degree in Exercise & Sports Science. My experience as a Division I student-athlete at Tulsa was something that I would not trade for the world. After TU, I earned my first MS in Sport Management from Western Illinois University and my second MS in Sport & Exercise Psychology from Northern Illinois University, where I was in a similar position for 4.5 years prior to my return home to TU.

Living the unique Division I experience of a TU student-athlete has allowed me to do a better job of understanding where student-athletes are mentally and emotionally on any given day. My favorite part of athletic academics is getting to play a part in the process of helping student-athletes figure out where they want to go and what they want to do once they retire from their sport.

Outside of work, you will find me spending time with family and friends, at the gym, on the golf course, or watching sports.

I am a proud Okie! I have lived in the Tulsa area my entire life, except when I attended colleges outside of the area. My higher education journey was a long and winding road. It began as a first generation college student taking my very first college class in the summer after I graduated from a small high school. The journey continued over the next 16 years earning my AS in Business from Tulsa Community College and then earning my BSBA in Marketing from Northeastern State University – Tulsa. Over the next six years, I worked full-time in higher education and completed my MBA from NSU – Muskogee.

One experience that I had to overcome as a freshman student was my being a first generation student. I was unable to ask any of my family about how to navigate college or even what a credit hour was. I self-advised all the way through until I attended NSU-Tulsa. I found an advisor that helped me tremendously in planning my remaining courses to graduate. We found that I needed two additional semesters of coursework from a four-year university to meet degree requirements. My self-advising and attending multiple community colleges put me behind. I was thankful for her patience! We later become colleagues when I became a staff member at NSU-Tulsa.

I am able to rely on my own experiences to help students navigate their own higher education journey. I want that journey to be a happy and fulfilling experience without it being a windy road like mine was. I enjoy visiting with students to help them take care of what they may need, but to also get to know them. Establishing a good working relationship with a student will allow us both to work toward their ultimate career and life goals. Every interaction deserves mutual respect and kindness.

I have a Bachelor of Arts in Broadcast Journalism/Communications from Langston University, MHR – Master of Human Relations – Counseling from the University of Oklahoma and am currently working on my Master of Education in Social Studies.

I discovered later in life that I have a strong desire to help others. I worked as an academic advisor which allowed me to help students but moving into the role of a student success coach has enabled me to work beyond the academic issues and help students in a broader capacity. I have had some unique experiences in my life, and I have come to see those experiences not as hardships but as training so that I can help students overcome various obstacles.

My family dealt with some very serious emotional and financial issues while I was attending college. I was not sure how to ask for help or that I even needed help, I felt like I had to deal with all my issues independently because I believed was being an adult. I was sitting in the financial aid office preparing to submit an appeal for financial aid because it was my second time on academic probation, when the administrative assistant, pulled me to the side and asked if she could talk to me briefly. It was within this conversation that she offered me some advice and gave me information about resources on campus that could help me, however, the most important message she provided to me was that it was ok to need help. By accessing the available resources and support, I was able to learn how to positively cope with the challenges I faced, and it resulted in the successful completion of my degree.

I grew up in Monroe, CT and graduated from Providence College in 2015 with a B.A. in English Literature and a minor in Business Studies. I graduated from the University of Oklahoma in 2023 with an M.Ed. in Educational Administration, Curriculum and Supervision. Prior to TU, I worked in college admissions and recruitment.

I loved my experience in admissions, but I often wished that I had more time to continue supporting students after they had enrolled in college. I built strong relationships with prospective students throughout their application processes, but by the time that they arrived on campus, I was tasked with recruiting the next year’s class. In my role as a Student Success Coach, I enjoy the opportunity of working alongside students throughout their time at TU. I find great fulfillment in advising students, pointing them to campus resources, building goals and plans with them, helping them to make informed decisions about their futures, and encouraging their growth as scholars and human beings.

The biggest challenge that I faced during my undergraduate education was a bout of depression. At the beginning of my junior year of college, I did not feel like myself at all and was struggling with everyday life. With lots of assistance from my support system, I was able to find the help that I needed and get back on my feet. I am a Student Success Coach today because I want to be a part of TU students’ support systems and help them to navigate the various challenges of life as a college student. I am happy to share my personal mental health story in an effort to reduce stigma and let others know that they are not alone in their struggles.

I graduated from the University of Iowa with a publishing-focused bachelor’s in English and creative writing and went on to serve as everything from a representative of a specialty paper manufacturer to a mobile phlebotomist. Though both my college and professional careers have never held a straight path, everything I have done has always come down to one element: helping others.

I have always held a deep respect and passion for higher education. As a student, I attended four universities and had three different majors before finally determining where I wanted to go and what I wanted to do. My professors and advisors served a major role in encouraging me to follow my passion and helping me find the tools to success, and I am forever grateful for their help and mentorship. I am incredibly excited to serve as a student success coach to pass on the lessons I’ve learned and help students both succeed in the classroom and thrive in their pre- and post-graduate lives and careers.

In my free time, I enjoy editing, reading, and going to the movies with my wife. When I’m not taking quizzes to determine I am 100% a waterbending Ravenclaw, I can be found spoiling our three cats, Milton, Margaret, and Elmer.

My professional journey led me to The University of Tulsa, where I have dedicated an impressive 22 years of my life to shaping the future of student- athletes. My impact extends far beyond the classroom, as I have consistently demonstrated my commitment to the field of academic advising and coaching for athletics.

Hailing from the vibrant city of St. Louis, Missouri, I embarked on my academic journey with a thirst for knowledge and a passion for connecting with people. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Communication and Master’s degree in Industrial/Organizational Psychology both from TU.

In my spare time, I indulge in my passion for watching sports. Additionally, I find solace in retail therapy and self-care. Most importantly, I treasure moments spending time with my family.

I attended Connors State College as a first-generation student after graduating high school. I then took a break from my higher education path to fulfill the roles of wife, mom, full time Judicial Assistant, and Drug/Alcohol Intake Assessor for the Department of Corrections. I decided 20 years later to dive back in and return to Northeastern State University to finish my BA in Communication Studies. I have been with The University of Tulsa since 2019 and love all things TU, especially the students!

My “why” for becoming a Student Success Coach is my own realization that there is no “one perfect plan” and my love for helping each student that I encounter see their full potential. I believe every student deserves to have a person in their corner to help them maneuver the difficult roads and celebrate the victories during their higher education journey. I have a passion for helping, encouraging, and building supportive relationships with each of my students.

I spend most of my free time with my amazing hubby, 2 awesome daughters, and our cuddly cat named Ozzee. I am a huge sports fan and will totally geek out over anything Harry Potter!

I graduated from Baylor University with a B.A. in Journalism and New Media with a minor in Philosophy in 2017. I graduated from the University of Oklahoma with an M.Ed in Adult and Higher Education in 2020. Before coming to TU, I worked in New Student Orientation, Transfer Student Programming, and Community Outreach.

I’ve always been drawn to roles where I can help people. The transition to college is such a unique and exciting time in a student’s life, and I love being able to walk with them on this journey and offer support wherever I can. There were several faculty and staff members I worked with during my academic career that I know I would not have graduated without their help. I treasure the opportunity to support students in some of the same ways.

During the first year at Baylor, I did a poor job getting involved and making meaningful connections on campus. I came to college with a group of friends from high school, and I spent too much time trying to fit in with the new group that my friends had formed instead of finding my own path. I applied to be an orientation leader on a whim and got the position. Being an orientation leader helped me build the kind of relationships I had been missing. I found out that my place on campus was helping other students go through the transition to college and helping them to avoid the mistakes that I made. I spent my last three years of college working with new student programs, which led me to a career in higher education.

I grew up in Watonga, Oklahoma and attended college at Southwestern Oklahoma State University. While at SWOSU, I completed my B.S. in Park and Recreation Management in 2018 and my M.Ed. in Education in 2020.

During my time as a student, I worked for SWOSU as a Student Assistant and later became a Graduate Assistant. Working as a GA opened a path for me in advising students that I had never considered. I discovered my passion of working with students through my encounters as a Student Assistant. My passion grew while continuing my graduate degree in 2020 by watching the struggles that my college friends were going through. I knew that Higher Education was where I wanted to end up helping students, like my friends and family, do the best they could to succeed.

College itself is a transition that most people aren’t prepared for. I know that I wasn’t. I believe that every student deserves the best support throughout this time period of growth and self-discovery. My goal as a Student Success Coach is to help you succeed in becoming the best version of you.