Coordinator of Academic Advisement
“Reach out and ask for help when you need it…”
What services does AACCESS provide to students?
AACCESS has three parts: Academic Advisement, Testing Services and Veteran Services. Academic Advisement assists students with every aspect of degree planning, including exploring program options, one-on-one advising appointments to develop a working plan to complete students’ educational goals, and addressing transfer questions and concerns. Advisers help students connect with such support services as tutoring, TRiO, the newly created Office of Academic Support, the Career Development Center, and financial aid. Of course, we also assist students with class scheduling; answer questions about institutional policies and procedures, placement test scores and appropriate courses; and monitor students’ academic progress. Through Testing Services, we provide students access to such standardized testing as ACT, COMPASS, MoGEA, CAAP and CLEP, to name a few. Students are also able to use the testing center to take missed exams for seated classes, as well as proctored exams for online classes. Veteran Services support veterans with a “one stop” option that addresses many of their needs, whether emotional, physical or financial, through direct services or referral to key campus and off-campus resources that can assist these needs. Some of the more specific services provided include certification of enrollment, career planning, tutoring and assistance with the admissions and financial aid process.
What do you find most rewarding about working at Missouri State University-West Plains?
I most enjoy working with students and playing even a small part in helping them achieve their goals. Students come to us at all sorts of levels, academic and emotional levels. On any given day, I may work with high-achieving Early Degree Program high school students who are beginning their college experience in their junior year of high school; traditional students who may have always known college would be their next step; or non-traditional students who never believed the opportunity for higher education would be an option for them, but they have been brave enough, many times as a result of such unsettling changes as a job loss, to take the plunge into academia. Seeing these students walk up to receive their diploma at graduation and seeing that look of “I did it!” on their faces is all the reward I need.
What advice would you give a current student about succeeding academically in college?
Use the resources available to you! We have free tutoring, TRiO, the Office of Academic Support, and willing advisers and instructors and other university staff, all of whom are interested and invested in helping students succeed. Reach out and ask for help when you need it before it gets to the point where the only option may be withdrawing from classes.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I am an avid reader and pet owner! I live on an 80-acre property with quite a menagerie, currently including dogs, cats and horses. There is never a dull moment!