Student Support Specialist/AACCESS
Coordinator/Mountain Grove Campus

What services does your department provide students?

I provide many services for Missouri State University-West Plains students.  I work as an AACCESS adviser, the disability officer and as the coordinator of the Mountain Grove campus.

As an academic adviser, I assist students with degree planning, including exploring program and career options, and help individual students develop a plan to reach their education and career goals.  I also help students connect with support services like TRiO, tutoring, career development and financial aid.

As the disability officer, I strive to make educational opportunities more accessible by coordinating support services for students with disabilities.  Students who have a disability and would like to receive services need to make an appointment with me.

The most recent addition to my work for Missouri State-West Plains is acting as the coordinator of the Mountain Grove campus.  I do a little of everything at Mountain Grove from advising, to working with instructors, to scheduling the classes on the Mountain Grove campus.

What do you find most rewarding about working at Missouri State-West Plains?

The most rewarding part about my job and the reason I have worked in education for more than 40 years is because I enjoy helping students reach their goals.  I really want to help students find success in life.

What advice would you give a student about succeeding academically in college?

Know your goals and work hard to reach those goals! It is important to take responsibility for your actions (or lack of action).  Never miss classes unless it is absolutely necessary, as attendance is a key component to college success.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

I enjoy reading, going to concerts and plays with my daughter, and visiting my granddaughter.