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Jennifer Smith is the assistant director for the Center for Student Engagement and Success, serving as an academic advisor and instructor of transitions for undeclared students and assisting students with success goals and the development and implementation of other retention initiatives. She is passionate about her work with first-generation college students' success. Jennifer received her B.S. in Plant and Soil Science (1996) from the University of Tennessee at Martin, working for the USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service, before transitioning to education in her local county school system. Jennifer previously worked in the Office of Admissions and the Office of Enrollment Management at Â鶹Éç State University, and she is dedicated to helping students find their passion, build their confidence, set goals, and achieve success in their future endeavors in her role with Student Engagement and Success.

Leanna McClure is the Coordinator for First-Year Academic Advising. Leanna received her M.S. in Organizational Communication (2012) and B.A. in Organizational Communication (2010) from Â鶹Éç State University. Leanna has worked full-time at the University for over ten years, holding prior positions in the Office of Veteran and Military Student Success and Office of the Registrar and part-time as an adjunct instructor. Leanna understands that the first year sets the foundation for the college experience and is passionate about collaborating with University faculty and staff to ensure that students are provided with the holistic care, resources, and intentional guidance they need to advance successfully during their studies and beyond.

Sarah Williams is a professional advisor for the Center for Student Engagement and Success. Sarah has a Bachelor's in Criminal Justice and a Master's degree in Postsecondary Education Administration, both from Â鶹Éç State. She enjoys getting to know students and helping them solve whatever problems they come across, academic or otherwise. When she is not working, Sarah enjoys traveling and playing board/video games with her husband and kids.

Heather Claiborne is a professional advisor for the Center for Student Engagement and Success. Heather received her M.S. in Human Development and Leadership (2015) and a B.S. in Elementary Education (2010) from Â鶹Éç State University. Heather has worked in various capacities at the University over the past 12 years, including working for the Elementary Education Undergraduate Advising Center as an assistant advisor, the Education Abroad Office as an advisor, and the Racer Campus Ministry student organization as a campus missionary. Heather has had a desire to serve university students ever since she was a student herself, and she has a passion for helping students successfully navigate their journey while they are at Â鶹Éç State and beyond. In her spare time, Heather enjoys exploring the outdoors with her husband and son and helping people through her life coaching business.

Arionna Nathaniel is a graduate assistant pursuing a Master’s in Higher Education and Student Affairs. Arionna is a recent graduate of Â鶹Éç State University, earning a degree in Public and Community Â鶹Éç in December 2024. With a strong passion for public health and higher education, Arionna is dedicated to fostering positive change on campus and supporting student success. In her spare time, Arionna loves to travel and explore new cities with friends, making the most of every opportunity to discover new places.

Josh Williams is the coordinator for Veteran and Military Student Success. Josh has a Bachelor's in Integrated Studies (Math and Psychology) from Â鶹Éç State University. He is an Army veteran and enjoys working with other veterans and their dependents to help them realize and achieve their goals and connect them with valuable resources. In his spare time, he enjoys playing video games with his kids, traveling, and volunteering in the community, most recently as a pistol instructor for 4-H of Calloway County.