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Dr. Alexandra Victor
Director
Student Success Programs(SSP)
avictor@memphis.edu
901-678-2351 |
| A recent transplant from Northwest Indiana, Dr. Victor, a first-generation college
graduate herself, received her undergraduate degree in Management and Communication
Arts from Calumet College of St. Joseph, Whiting, IN, her M.S.M. in Management from
National Louis University, Chicago, IL and her Ed.D. from Benedictine University,
Lisle, IL. Before arriving at The University of Memphis, Alexandra spent twenty-one
years with her alma mater, Calumet College of St. Joseph, working as a Special Event
Fundraiser, Chief of Staff to the President, Vice President for Student Affairs and
the Vice President for Business and Finance/CFO. Alexandra has always had a passion
and mission in her life to serve first-generation and other at-risk students by breaking
down the barriers that often become roadblocks to the successful completion of their
education. Helping students identify these “roadblocks” early and creating plans to
address them, have led to many successful outcomes. As Ralph Waldo Emerson said,
“Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a
trail.”
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Shea Houze
Project Coordinator
Student Success Programs(SSP)/First Scholars
firstscholars@memphis.edu
901-678-2351 |
| Originally from Hattiesburg, Mississippi, Shea Houze received a Bachelor of Arts degree
in Speech Communication from the University of Southern Mississippi and Master of
Education degree in College Student Affairs Administration from the University of
Georgia. Shea’s higher education career has included work in the areas of first year
experience, student activities, multicultural affairs, and career development at the
University of Southern Mississippi, Angelo State University, Tarleton State University
and the The University of Memphis.
Shea is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Higher Education where her research focuses
on campus ecology and racial identity development. Shea’s motivation comes from working
with students, finding their strengths, and offering strategies for success in college
and beyond. Shea is pleased be a part of the Student Success Programs team as the
Coordinator for First Scholars.
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Naomi Martinez-Jones
Retention Counselor
Student Success Programs(SSP)/STEM
nmrtnzjn@memphis.edu
901-678-2351 |
| Naomi Martinez-Jones was born and raised in Colorado Springs, Colorado. She attended
the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley, Colorado, where she obtained her Bachelor
of Arts Degree in Special Education and her Master of Arts Degree in Educational Leadership.
While at the University of Northern Colorado, Naomi was involved in Pi Lambda Chi
Latina Sorority, Diversity Counsel, Best Buddies, and volunteered with a local church
that provided events for adults who have disabilities. She was also a member of The
Student Success Programs (SSP).
Naomi has partaken in TRIO since middle school and continued throughout college. She
understands the importance of such programs in preparing and assisting students with
their educational goals. According to Naomi, it would have been difficult for her
to navigate through college without the assistance of Student Success Programs (SSP).
As a result of her experiences, she is committed to helping TRIO students succeed
in college.
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Janet Robbins
Project Assistant
Student Success Programs(SSP)/Classic & STEM
jcrbbins@memphis.edu
901-678-2351 |
| Janet Robbins is the Project Assistant for TRIO Student Success Programs (SSP). She
is a native of Texas, but has become a Memphian after living here many years. Ms.
Janet brings many years experience in administration, accounting and computers to
our department. Her passion for helping young people and students attain their goals
shows in her support of the students she meets through the office and her work with
the Boy Scouts of America. She believes in the ability of all students to succeed
with determination and personal support.
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Desmond A. Robinson
Retention Counselor
Student Success Programs (SSP)/Classic
drobnsn2@memphis.edu
901-678-2351 |
| Desmond A. Robinson is a native of Memphis, TN who received his Bachelor of Arts in
Communications from The University of Memphis. During his tenure at the university,
Desmond was very active with the Black Student Association and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity,
Inc. – serving as president of both organizations. His involvement included a number
of other campus organizations both on campus and in the community at-large, which
resulted in his induction into the Carson Circle in 2008. He was also named Mr. University
of Memphis in Fall 2007.
Desmond recently completed his Masters of Arts in Education with a specialization
in Higher Education and Student Affairs at Louisiana State University. While at LSU,
he was involved with a number of Student Success Programs through the Office of First
Year Experience such as Welcome Week, the Tiger Transition Team Peer Mentoring Program,
and the Black Male Leadership Initiative. His work with his fraternity continues as
he is on the national leadership team for its College Life to Corporate Life Initiative.
With the words “the great aim of education is not knowledge but action” by Herbert
Spencer in mind, Desmond aims to support students through their academic journey by
assisting them in reaching their highest potential.
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Manuel Thompson
Project Coordinator
Student Success Programs (SSP)/STEM
mlthomps@memphis.edu
901-678-2351 |
| Manuel Thompson, who is originally from Tupelo, Mississippi, came to The University
of Memphis as an undergraduate student. As an alumnus, of The University of Memphis,
with a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree in Management Information Systems,
and a Master of Business Administration Degree, Manuel Thompson brings a unique background
to the program that includes experience as an Assistant Coordinator with another U
of M STEM-related project. In addition to this, he has over six years of experience
in Information Technology in various technical support roles and application administrator
roles in the biopharmaceutical industry, banking industry, and manufacturing industry.
Mr. Thompson has a passion for mentoring and guiding others. It is his aim to help
students overcome some of life’s hurdles and assist them in achieving success and
fulfilling aspirations.
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Pepper E. Walker
Retention Counselor
Student Success Programs (SSP)/Classic
pwebster@memphis.edu
901-678-2351 |
| Pepper Walker came to Memphis by way of Spring Hill, TN. The move was prompted by
an effort to pursue her educational objectives at The University of Memphis. Her educational
credentials include a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications, Master of Science
Degree in Counseling, and she is currently pursuing a Doctorate Degree (ABD) in Higher
and Adult Education. Ms. Walker has many certifications to include Certified Rehabilitation
Counselor, CPR/First Aid Instructor, and Zumba Fitness Instructor.
Ms. Walker has 14 years of experience in instruction, five in community social services,
and more than eight years in higher education— four being at The University of Memphis.
Because she began her higher education as a first-generation student, she understands
the challenges disadvantaged students face. Her professional experience includes working
with people with disabilities, with grant projects and educational programs, which
involve mentoring, tutoring, community outreach, and techniques that enhance the success
of at-risk students.
Ms. Walker enjoys helping student reach their fullest potential. She offers guidance
along with genuine concern and high expectations. Her philosophy can be summed up
in the words of Frederick Douglas, "Without a struggle, there is no progress.”
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Student Success Programs
405 Mitchell Hall
Phone - (901) 678-2351
Fax - (901) 678-0382
Our goal is to provide SSP students with the support and skills needed to remain and be successful in college and complete a baccalaureate degree.
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