Advising Staff
Dr. Joanne Arhar, Ed.D.
Associate Deanjarhar@kent.edu
308 White Hall
Area: TLC - VOSS - MCED
Susan Augustine
Curriculum Coordinatorsaugusti@kent.edu
409 White Hall
Area: VOSS
Christine Connors
Academic Advisormconnor1@kent.edu
304 White Hall
Area: VOSS
Currently, Christine serves as an Academic Advisor for the College of Education, Health and Human Services. Her philosophy is based on the belief that each student brings their own unique experiences, talents and challenges to the advising experience. She views her role as an advisor as guiding students in self discovery that will empower students with the confidence and ability to create their own distintive path towards collegiate success.
In addition to advising, Christine serves as the liaison for the Early Childhood Education program to ensure the continuance of building constructive relationships with faculty and the dissemination of current curriculum and policy changes. She is also a member of the International Student and Scholar Integration Committee and is active in creating outreach for the College of Education, Health and Human Services undergraduate international student population. In addition,she facilitates workshops and program development for the Student Intervention Committee that provides at risk students with resources and guidance.
Christine earned a BSE in Education and a MSE in Counseling, Higher Education Administration from Youngstown State University. She is a member of the professional organizations of KASADA and NACADA and plans to earn a PhD in the near future.
Debbie Dotson
Clinical Experience Placement Specialistddotson@kent.edu
304 White Hall
Area: VOSS
As Clinical Experience Placement Specialist, I schedule field experiences in teacher education courses for students to observe in educational settings. I provide assistance with student teaching, and issue compensation to school districts for hosting student teachers. I have been at KSU for almost 15 years, starting in the School of Art, the Office of the University Registrar, and 12 years in EHHS.
Lisa Froning
Academic Advisor Coordinatorlfroning@kent.edu
304 White Hall
Area: VOSS
While doing a senior internship at NEOUCOM (now NEOMED) for my Business and Organizational Communication degree through the University of Akron, I realized the public relations field wasn't for me. I enjoyed working in the higher education setting and working with college students. I did graduate with a B.A. in that major, but then went on to earn my M.Ed. in Student Personnel in Higher Education here at Kent State University with a graduate assistantship advising the Commuter and Off-Campus Student Organization (COSO). In September 1999, I had the incredible luck of returning to White Hall as a Program Counselor in 306. My present position is Academic Advisor Coordinator in 304 White Hall. I am a member of the Kent Academic Support and Advising Association (KASADA) and the National Academic Advising Association (NACADA). I believe that each student is a book - sometimes an open book, sometimes a closed book. Each student has his/her own story. I like to read students - crack open the cover, read their cover page and delve right in. As an advisor, I hope to help write a few sentences, maybe a paragraph in the story of a student. Wow! How powerful is that!
Miss Toni Fry
Academic Advisortfry6@kent.edu
304 White Hall
Area: VOSS
Toni received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Sport Management and Business Administration with a minor in Athletic Coaching from Baldwin-Wallace College in 2007. During her senior year, Toni studied abroad to Australia for one semester, which is where her interest in higher education began. She went on to complete her Master’s of Arts degree in Higher Education Administration from The University of Akron in 2010 where she served as an Education Abroad Advisor graduate assistant.
In the Vacca Office of Student Services, Toni serves as the Academic Advisor for students pursuing his/her degree in Exercise Science and Sport Administration. Prior to Kent State University, Toni worked at Capital University as a Student Services Administrative Assistant for the Department of Nursing.
Toni enjoys helping students on a daily basis. Her academic advising philosophy is one that challenges and supports students. With that said, it is very important to listen, understand, and adapt to individual student needs. She feels accomplished when students realize his/her full potential and succeed.
Outside of work, Toni enjoys staying active whether it is running, cycling, or playing on a co-ed soccer team. She has completed numerous 5k's, two full marathons, one half-marathon, and three sprint triathlons.
Keya Jennings
Academic Advisorkjennin9@kent.edu
304 White Hall
Area: VOSS
I began my journey through higher education as a non-traditional student. I obtained my Massage Therapist licensure from Cuyahoga Community College and a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences degree from Cleveland State University in 2007. My original career goal was to become a Physical Therapist, but I soon decided to turn my compassion for helping others in the health care profession to advocating for students in the arena of academic advising. My inspiration is to help students through challenges they may face as they progress through their own path.
I received my M.Ed degree in Adult Learning & Development at Cleveland State University in 2012. I have been in the higher education community for several years and have a diverse background in several facets within higher education. Previously, I was the Associate Registrar and Veteran School Certifying Official at Notre Dame College of Ohio. I wore multiple hats in this position. I mostly enjoyed advising VA students and assisting students as they approached graduation.
I joined the Vacca Office of Student Services to serve as the academic advisor in two specialized areas: Integrated Health Studies and Nutrition.
My advising philosophy is to ‘play it forward,’ by helping students create their own individualized blueprint to success. In addition, I plan to learn, mentor, build relationships with students and motivate them to be proactive in their academic/career goals. As a strong believer of continuing education and lifelong learning I hope to continue on my transformational journey to become a more experienced professional advisor, or as some may call it a ‘advisor guru’. I am very proud to be a part of the “excellence in action” movement here at KSU. In essence, I feel like I have won the lotto!
In my spare time I love to spend time with my family and friends who keep me inspired. I also enjoy watching movies, reading and volunteering.
Susan Kegg
Clinicial Experience Placement Specialistskegg@kent.edu
304 White Hall
Area: VOSS
Working with the students is the favorite part of my job here at Kent State University. I have worked in some capacity in education for the past 15 years and in my most recent position of EMIS Coordinator I did not have much contact with the students. I’m glad to have that opportunity again as the liaison between the students and the districts to set up student teaching placements. Students are in and out constantly! Away from work I enjoy reading, racquetball, travel to see my children in North Carolina and Texas, and my kitty, Cyrus.
Mr. James Knapp
Director of Clinical Field Experiencejknapp13@kent.edu
304C White Hall
Area: VOSS
I am a retired school administrator having served as a district superintendent in Berkshire and Columbia Schools in NE Ohio and as a principal in the Granville Exempted Village Schools and in the Diocese of Columbus. I also taught in the Diocese of Columbus and the Reynoldsburg City Schools.
I have served on several state professional committees for various associations.
Katie Kozak
Academic Program Specialistkkozak2@kent.edu
304 White Hall
Area: VOSS
Laura McGlothlin
Academic Advisorlmcgloth@kent.edu
304 White Hall
Area: VOSS
Laura received her B.A. in Psychology from Ohio Dominican College in 1992. She completed her M.Ed. in Higher Education Administration from Kent State University in 2004. Her higher education experience at Kent State involves academic advising for both Undergraduate Studies and the College of Education, Health and Human Services. She also spent 3 1/2 years as an Accessibility Specialist for Student Accessibility Services.
Laura's advising philosophy is that advising should be a collaborative process between the student and advisor. Her primary goal is to make sure students have all the information needed to make decisions about their academic career. Laura would like to be mentor to students and support them throughout their college experience.
Hilda Pettit
Special Asst. to Assoc. Dean for Undergraduate Educationhapettit@kent.edu
304 White Hall
Area: VOSS
Hilda Pettit has been a member of the Kent State University staff for over 13 years. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Organizational Management from Malone University in Canton, Ohio, and a Master's Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from Hiram College in Hiram, Ohio. Pettit is also a 2002 graduate of the Kent State University Leadership Academy.
Personally, Pettit is married, has two children, three granddaughters, three dogs, and a huge extended family that fills her time outside of work. Her favorite university activity is acting as a host family for university international students who attend Kent State.
Kaylee Phillips
Academic Program Specialistkphilli3@kent.edu
304 White Hall
Area: VOSS
I am a 2008 graduate of Kent State University, where I earned my Bachelor's degree in Nutrition and Food with a concentration in Hospitality Management. I began working in the College of Education, Health, and Human Services in 2004 as a student worker. I have since worked in the Vacca Office of Student Services in various positions, including Receptionist and Clerical Specialist, totaling over seven years of service to the office. My current position is Academic Program Specialist.
Lauren Rowley
Academic Advisorlrowley1@kent.edu
304 White Hall
Area: VOSS
Lauren Rowley believes that, as an Academic Advisor for the College of Education, Health, and Human Services at Kent State University, she is responsible to collaborate with her advisees, contribute to the community that she works in, and participate in professional development within her field. Lauren strives to develop cooperative relationships with students to aid in their persistence and success. Her goal is to provide the tools and support necessary to inspire students to write their success stories.
Within the Vacca Office of Student Services, Lauren serves as a liaison to the Adolescent and Young Adult Education program. She also coordinates the Destination Kent State: Advising and Registration program.
Lauren earned a Bachelor of Arts from Baldwin-Wallace College and Master of Education from Kent State University. Her educational background has focused on student development, business administration and law in higher education, international and multicultural education, as well as communication studies.
Katie Smith
Academic Advisorksmit154@kent.edu
304 White Hall
Area: VOSS
Katie graduated from Ohio State University in 2007 with Bachelor of Arts degrees in Psychology and Communication. She earned her M.Ed. in College Student Personnel, with a graduate minor in Women’s and Gender Studies from Ohio University in 2009. In addition to academic advising, Katie has worked in a variety of areas of higher education and student affairs, including residence life and housing, conference and guest services, student financial aid, and women's student services.
Kelley Stillwagon
Academic Advisorkstillwa@kent.edu
304 White Hall
Area: VOSS
Kelley has been a part of the Kent State University family since 2000 when she accepted her first position at KSU as a student employee within the Center for Student Involvement (formally called Campus Life). Her most current position allowed her to join the Vacca Office of Student Services as an academic advisor in August 2011. As an Academic Advisor, Kelley believes that respect, responsibility and relationship building are the keys to successful student and advisor collaborations.
Although her attention was always to be a teacher she found that she really enjoyed her first experience working for a University and it opened her eyes to a career in higher education. Her first full time position with KSU was a Student Activities Coordinator where she coordinated the America Reads program. In 2005, Kelley transferred to the Career Services Center as a Career Counselor. In this position she enjoyed working with current students and KSU alumni in career exploration, job searching and career development.
Kelley has earned two degrees from the KSU College of Education, Health and Human Services. She received her Bachelor of Science in Education in Integrated Social Studies and her Master of Education in Higher Education Administration and Student Personnel. Kelley utilizes her diverse background to help her students in advising, career exploration and student involvement.
Julie Wilcox
Director, Academic Recruitment & Retentionjwilcox@kent.edu
309 White Hall
Area: VOSS - DEAN
I earned my Bachelor's degree in Physical Education in 1995 from the State University of New York College at Cortland. I was a long-term substitute teacher for few years and during this time I discovered that I wanted to work with students in a different capacity. I applied to the School Counseling program and became a member of the Kent State University community in July of 1997. I earned my Master's degree in School Counseling in 1998 and my Educational Specialist degree in Counseling in 1999. I became a full-time Residence Hall Director in 1999 and in April 2002 I was hired as an Academic Advisor in what is now the Vacca Office of Student Services. In July 2008 my role in EHHS changed and I accepted a new position in Recruitment and Retention. I am currently the Director for Recruitment and Retention for EHHS.
Mrs. Kathy Zarges
Director of Undergraduate Advising and Licensurekmzarges@kent.edu
304 White Hall
Area: VOSS
I completed my undergraduate degree from Mount Union College in English and Communication Studies. Originally, I wanted to be a high school teacher, but quickly realized that the college environment was the place for me. I have not left the college environment since I started my undergraduate degree!
After my undergraduate degree, I came to Kent State University for my Master's Degree in Higher Education Administration. I decided to go into Higher Education because I feel such an energy and excitement in the college and university setting, and decided that is where I wanted to stay.
After I completed my Master's Degree, I moved to Connecticut and worked as an Academic Advisor at Michell College. A few years later, I was fortunate to end up back at Kent State University, as an Academic Advisor in the College of Fine and Professional Arts. I have been at Kent State University since 2003 and have really enjoyed working with the faculty, staff, and of course the students!
Through all of my positions, I have found a love for advising. I really enjoy working with students and helping them transition from high school to college and to develop strategies that they can use to achieve their academic goals. I have enjoyed establishing relationships with students, and then seeing when they accomplish their goals of graduating!
When I am not at work, I love spending time with my two boys, who keep me busy! My husband and I love to garden, cook, and bake.
