Launchpad Student Success Center

Whitney Cunningham-Kelsey - Advisor

First-Year Programs Advised: (all students) Agriculture, Animal Science, Chemical Engineering & College of Interdisciplinary Studies - Interest Chemical Engineering

(last names N-Z) Mechanical Engineering & Interest Mechanical Engineering

Email: WCunningham@tntech.edu
Phone: (931) 372-6277
Office Location: Volpe Library 180

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What advice would you give to a new student?

Take opportunities to get involved! When you first come to campus, you are presented with many clubs, organizations, and places to find a sense of belonging and exploration. Put time aside to visit those that interest you and put yourself out there to make new friends. College can be an amazing time; you just have to give yourself the chance to experience it.

Name one hobby that you have...

I love to sing, write, and listen to music.

What is one stress buster that you use?

Usually my way to unwind is through listening to music or by watching a comfort show or movie.

What do you like most about Tech?

My favorite thing about Tech would be the campus itself and the general feeling you get when you're here. I guess you could say there’s a buzz around campus, an energy, that I think only exists at universities. I’ve also had many great memories myself as a student at Tech, so there is a warmth and familiarity here for me.

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Vicki Davis, Ph.D. - Advisor

First-Year Programs Advised: (all students) Nuclear Engineering & College of Interdisciplinary Studies - Interest Nuclear Engineering, Interdisciplinary Studies (LIST), Professional Studies, Communication, Environmental & Sustainability Studies

(last names A-M) Mechanical Engineering & College of Interdisciplinary Studies - Interest Mechanical Engineering

Email: VDavis@tntech.edu
Phone: (931) 372-6846
Office Location: Volpe Library 180

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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.

Etta Gaines - Advisor

First-Year Programs Advised: (last names M-Z) in College of Interdisciplinary Studies - Interest Nursing, Nursing Pre-Clinical*, Psychology

Email: EGaines@tntech.edu
Phone: (931) 372-6839
Office Location: Volpe Library 180

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What advice would you give to a new student?

You get out of college what you put in, so give it your all! Have fun in the process, it will be over before you know it!

Name one hobby that you have...

I enjoy playing card games, listening to all kinds of music, and sending funny memes to my friends!

What is one stress buster that you use?

I love to get outside and take a walk. Give yourself grace!

What do you like most about Tech?

What I love most about Tech is the community and friendship that it offers. I have made so many great memories and friendships that I will cherish forever! My favorite color is also purple!

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Danyelle Hawkins - Advisor

First-Year Programs Advised: (all students) 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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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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Erin Higgins - Advisor

First-Year Programs Advised: Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Exercise Science, Multidisciplinary Studies, Special Education, Secondary Education, Fine Arts (including Music, Art, Music Ed, and Art Ed)

Email: ErinHiggins@tntech.edu
Phone: (931) 372-3838
Office Location: Volpe Library 180

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What advice would you give to a new student?

Find people that are on your team and lean on community and friendship. Rather than fearing asking questions, try to find empowerment in seeking answers.

Name one hobby that you have...

I love making art, studying interior design, hugging my cat Obito, and being with my friends.

What is one stress buster that you use?

Decluttering my space, spontaneous painting, and rewatching movies are among my most beloved stress relievers.

What do you like most about Tech?

Tech became home when I was a student here, and I fell in love with the community. Tech has blessed me with lifelong friendships, direction for my future, and an education that I’m proud of.

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Kassi Thomas - Advisor

First-Year Programs Advised: (all students) Biology, Chemistry, Geosciences, English, Foreign Languages, History, Mathematics, Physics, Sociology, Political Science, Wildlife & Fisheries Science, International Business & Cultures

Additional Programs Advised: Undergraduate Special Non-Degree Seeking and Transient Students

Email: KThomas@tntech.edu
Phone: (931) 372-6841
Office Location: Volpe Library 180

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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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Cassaundra Trapp - Advisor

First-Year Programs Advised: Basic Engineering & College of Interdisciplinary Studies - Interest Basic Engineering, Civil and Environmental Engineering & College of Interdisciplinary Studies - Interest Civil and Environmental Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering & College of Interdisciplinary Studies - Interest Electrical and Computer Engineering, Human Ecology, Design Studies

Email: CTrapp@tntech.edu
Phone: (931) 372-6336
Office Location: Volpe Library 180

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What advice would you give to a new student?

Organization is key! Whether it be a planner or on your phone, you need something to keep up with all of your assignments for class, exams, or projects. You need to see what all you have going on so you can make time for things outside of class and work. Schedule time to attend campus events or events in the community. One of the most important things to remember is to make the most out of your college experience.

Name one hobby that you have...

I love spending time with my bernedoodle, WentWorth! We take an occasional trip to Starbucks for a pup cup!

What is one stress buster that you use?

When life gets stressful, reading allows me to escape into another world. I love to curl up on the couch with a good book, blanket, and of course WentWorth. I also light a candle to create a warm, cozy environment.

What do you like most about Tech?

Tech is my home away from home. I was a student here and fell in love with the campus and community.

Photo of Shelley Wiley

Shelley Wiley - Advisor

First-Year Programs Advised: (last names A-L) College of Interdisciplinary Studies - Interest Nursing, Nursing Pre-Clinical*, Psychology

Email: SWiley@tntech.edu
Phone: (931) 372-3373
Office Location: Volpe Library 180

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What advice would you give to a new student?
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!

Photo of Kayla Wilson

Kayla Wilson - Advisor

First-Year Programs Advised: Accounting, Basic Business, Business & Information Technology, Business Management, Economics, Finance, Marketing, College of Interdisciplinary Studies - Undecided

Email: KLWilson@tntech.edu
Phone: (931) 372-3834
Office Location: Volpe Library 180

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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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Tenika Burgess

Assistant Director

Programs Advised: Serves as First-Year Success Coach

Email: TNBurgess@tntech.edu
Phone: (931) 372-6850
Office Location: Volpe Library 180

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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.

Angie Briggs

Director

Email: ADBriggs@tntech.edu
Phone: (931) 372-6176
Office Location: Volpe Library 180

» More about Angie Briggs

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.

Launchpad Student Success Center

Meet Our Advising Team

Whitney Cunningham-Kelsey - Advisor

Vicki Davis, Ph.D. - Advisor

Etta Gaines - Advisor

Danyelle Hawkins - Advisor

Erin Higgins - Advisor

Kassi Thomas - Advisor

Cassaundra Trapp - Advisor

Shelley Wiley - Advisor

Kayla Wilson - Advisor

Meet Our Directors

Tenika Burgess

Assistant Director

Angie Briggs

Director