Launchpad Student Success Center
Meet Our Advising Team
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TENIKA BURGESS
Advisor
First-Year Programs Advised:
All students in: Fine Arts (Music, Art, Music Ed, and Art Ed), Early Childhood Education, Elementary
Education, Multidisciplinary Studies, Special Education, Secondary Education, Psychology
Email: TNBurgess@tntech.edu
Phone: (931) 372-6336
Office Location: Volpe Library 180
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More about me...What advice would you give to a new student?
Allow yourself to make mistakes but LEARN from them so that NO experience is wasted
because discovering what you DO NOT want to do most likely will lead you to what you
DO WANT.
Name one hobby that you have...
Theatre including storytelling, applied theater, and creating.
What is one stress buster that you use?
Time outdoors with family.
What do you like most about Tech?
The people and the beautiful campus close to nature and bigger cities.
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SUSAN CADLE
Advisor
First-Year Programs Advised:
All students in: Agriculture, Human Ecology, Design Studies, College of Interdisciplinary Studies - Undecided, Chemical Engineering & College of
Interdisciplinary Studies - Interest Chemical Engineering
Email: SCadle@tntech.edu
Phone: (931) 372-6277
Office Location: Volpe Library 180
First time using TechConnect? Click here for assistance.
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More about me...What advice would you give to a new student?
Enjoy every minute of your college experience. The time will go by very fast.
Name one hobby that you have...
Traveling is so fun! Even when things happen that are not planned, it allows me to
learn something new.
What is one stress buster that you use?
Organizing my space. If I feel my things and thoughts are out of order I will regroup,
rethink, and redo.
What do you like most about Tech?
Isn’t the campus beautiful?! There are a lot of places to see and be at Tech.
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VICKI DAVIS
Advisor
First-Year Programs Advised:
All students in: Mechanical Engineering & College of Interdisciplinary Studies - Interest Mechanical
Engineering
Email: VDavis@tntech.edu
Phone: (931) 372-6846
Office Location: Volpe Library 180
First time using TechConnect? Click here for assistance.
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More about me...What advice would you give to a new student?
Ask questions early and often. Figuring things out on your own is an important skill,
but so is knowing when you’re stuck and who to talk to about it. You have a whole
team of professionals here to help, so take advantage of these resources!
Name one hobby that you have...
I’m a roller skater. Note: I did not say a *good* roller skater.
What is one stress buster that you use?
I keep a glitter jar at my desk. When I get overwhelmed, I shake it up and watch the
flakes float back to the bottom.
What do you like most about Tech?
The quality of the education. As a Tech grad myself, I can attest to the stellar preparation
I received to be an effective thinker and communicator on the job.
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DANYELLE HAWKINS
Advisor
First-Year Programs Advised:
All students in:
Computer Science & College of Interdisciplinary Studies - Interest Computer Science,
Manufacturing Engineering Technology & College of Interdisciplinary Studies - Interest
Manufacturing Engineering Technology
Email: LDHawkins@tntech.edu
Phone: (931) 372-6281
Office Location: Volpe Library 180
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More about me...What advice would you give to a new student?
Set goals. I believe each student needs a few short- and long-term goals to work toward.
Once you know your schedule, get organized, make a plan, and start working on completing
your goals.
Name one hobby that you have...
My family and I enjoy kayaking when we can find time. We visit different rivers in
middle Tennessee. My husband and son fish from their kayaks. My daughter and I just
float and take in the beauty of the day.
What is one stress buster that you use?
I find I am most at peace when I am outside. After a day at work, I love to sit on
the back patio and listen to nature. I also spend time curating my flowers and garden.
What do you like most about Tech?
I love how Tech's buildings, greenspaces, and people create an educational ambience
that surpasses all other Universities.
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 JENNIFER SPIVEY
Advisor
First-Year Programs Advised:
All students in: Civil and Environmental Engineering & College of Interdisciplinary Studies - Interest
Civil and Environmental Engineering, Exercise Science & Physical Education
Students with Last Names M-Z in: Electrical and Computer Engineering & College of Interdisciplinary Studies - Interest
Electrical and Computer Engineering, Basic Engineering & College of Interdisciplinary
Studies - Interest Basic Engineering
Email: JSpivey@tntech.edu
Phone: (931) 372-3838
Office Location: Volpe Library 180
First time using TechConnect? Click here for assistance.
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More about me...What advice would you give to a new student?
Get involved, use all the resources available to you, & make the most of your college
experience!
Name one hobby that you have...
I started crocheting years ago in college, but have recently bridged into pattern
testing for crochet designers. It's interesting to see all the pieces/steps that go
into creating the finished product of a crochet pattern/book and ensuring directions
are clear & correct for future makers who may use the pattern eventually.
What is one stress buster that you use?
Spending time outdoors and mindfulness are two techniques that help me keep stress
in check.
What do you like most about Tech?
I really appreciate the welcoming atmosphere and our beautiful outdoor spaces here
on campus.
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KASSI THOMAS
Advisor
First-Year Programs Advised:
All students in: Biology, Chemistry, Geosciences, English, Foreign Languages, History, Mathematics,
Physics, Sociology, Political Science, Wildlife & Fisheries Science, International
Business & Cultures, Communication, Environmental & Sustainability Studies
Additional Programs Advised: Undergraduate Special Non-Degree Seeking and Transient Students
Email: KThomas@tntech.edu
Phone: (931) 372-6841
Office Location: Volpe Library 180
First time using TechConnect? Click here for assistance.
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More about me...What advice would you give to a new student?
‘This too shall pass’ – the good AND the bad! Enjoy the present by getting involved
in your community, and don’t get overwhelmed by the day to day.
Name one hobby that you have...
Does rote memorization of the entirety of iMDB for the purposes of being a future
“6 degrees of Kevin Bacon” Champion count as a hobby?
What is one stress buster that you use?
Comedy podcasts – laughter can be the best medicine.
What do you like most about Tech?
I love how student-centered the campus is. As a student, I always felt supported,
listened to, and respected. As a staff member, I’m here to do the same for you!
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SHELLEY WILEY
Advisor
First-Year Programs Advised:
All students in:
College of Interdisciplinary Studies - Interest Nursing
Email: SWiley@tntech.edu
Phone: (931) 372-3373
Office Location: Volpe Library 180
First time using TechConnect? Click here for assistance.
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More about me...Soak up every day of your college experience. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity
to grow as a person, discover your passion, meet lifelong friends, and prepare for
your career. Embrace the good and the challenges! Find a way to get connected on campus
and develop your own organizational methods to stay on track. Ask for help when you
need it! Advisors are here to help, professors want to see you succeed, and the counseling
center is available if you need extra support. Take advantage of campus resources
and organizations! Be open to learning something new constantly. Do not let fear keep
you from making the most of your college experience.
Name one hobby that you have...
Hiking in the mountains is my favorite thing in the world! If I can go with my Goldendoodle,
my husband, or a friend, that is the perfect day.
What is one stress buster that you use?
Taking a walk outside and deep breathing are my go-to strategies. I enjoy running
in my spare time. I often recommend journaling, mindfulness, and spending time outside
to my students - these activities are helpful for me too!
What do you like most about Tech?
I enjoy the beauty of campus, especially in the fall!
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KAYLA WILSON
Advisor
First-Year Programs Advised:
All students in: Accounting, Basic Business, Business & Information Technology, Business Management,
Economics, Finance, Marketing
Students with Last Names A-L in:
Electrical and Computer Engineering & College of Interdisciplinary Studies - Interest
Electrical and Computer Engineering
Email: KLWilson@tntech.edu
Phone: (931) 372-3834
Office Location: Volpe Library 180
First time using TechConnect? Click here for assistance.
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More about me...What advice would you give to a new student?
Stay flexible and be okay with not having your entire future figured out right now.
Use this opportunity to explore everything you’re interested in and remember that
you have an awesome team of advisors here who would love to assist you in getting
things more figured out!
Name one hobby that you have...
Tubing
What is one stress buster that you use?
Journaling. Getting my thoughts out of my head onto paper gives me clarity and helps
me to see that my problems are smaller than I thought.
What do you like most about Tech?
I spent some of the best years of my life as a student here.
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Meet Our Directors
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TENIKA BURGESS
Assistant Director
Programs Advised:
Serves as First-Year Success Coach |
More about me...What advice would you give to a new student?
Allow yourself to make mistakes but LEARN from them so that NO experience is wasted
because discovering what you DO NOT want to do most likely will lead you to what you
DO WANT.
Name one hobby that you have...
Theatre including storytelling, applied theater, and creating.
What is one stress buster that you use?
Time outdoors with family.
What do you like most about Tech?
The people and the beautiful campus close to nature and bigger cities.
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ANGIE CLARK
Director
Programs Advised:
Interdisciplinary Studies (LIST), Professional Studies
Email: ADClark@tntech.edu
Phone: (931) 372-6176
Office Location: Volpe Library 180
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More about me...What advice would you give to a new student?
Make the most of your time in college. Savor it. It can be hard to appreciate school
when you are stressed about an upcoming exam, but think about how fortunate you are
to be in this season of life. Take the time to enjoy the process and learn something
from everyone you meet. Set high standards for yourself both personally and academically
and work toward living up to those. You can do anything and be anything you want.
Let us help you!
Name one hobby that you have...
Running! I have run 28 marathons including Boston and NYC with the goal of running
all 6 World Major Marathons.
What is one stress buster that you use?
Also, running.
What do you like most about Tech?
Tech is home to me. I loved my time here as a student. I feel fortunate to work here
and contribute to the student experience.
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