Meet Our Staff

dmwllams@memphis.edu

Hello!

I’m Dr. Dale Williams, and I’m honored to serve as the Director of the Academic Advising Center. With over 25 years of experience in Higher Education, I am passionate about equipping my advisors to help students explore their interests, select the right courses, and plan for a successful future.

Outside of the office, I enjoy traveling, volunteering, unwinding, and spending time with my fur babies, Venice Katt Williams and Winston Churchill Williams. I am proud to lead a team of dedicated advisors, and together, we are excited to support you on your academic journey!

vbrocks@memphis.edu 

Hi Tigers!

I’m Vanessa Brocks, and I’m excited to be your advisor here in the Academic Advising Center. I attended the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) for both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees. I’ve been advising students for almost 20 years and love helping you explore your passions, choose the right courses, and plan for your future. Prior to working at the U of M, I worked at Austin Peay State University as an Academic Advisor.

When I’m not in the office, you can find me reading or hanging out with my friends and family members. I serve as the liaison for the College of Arts and Sciences and serve as the Tiger Learning Communities Program Coordinator. I look forward to working with you and supporting you on your journey!

scocumll@memphis.edu

Hi, my name is Dr. Stephen Cocumelli, and I am looking forward to serving as your advisor here in the Academic Advising Center (AAC). I am a proud alumnus of The University of Memphis, where I earned a BA in English and a MAT in Elementary Education. In 2019, I completed my Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration at Ohio University in Athens, OH. Before entering the world of Higher Education I served as a middle school math teacher. I have been working as an academic advisor for a little over six years - three at The University of Southern Mississippi and the remaining here at the UofM. Here at Memphis, I serve many roles in the AAC including the liaison for the College of Education. In my primary role as an academic advisor, I pride myself on ensuring students are making satisfactory progress toward graduation through appropriate course selection. Additionally, as a first year advisor, I also assist you with learning how to navigate the university via connecting you to campus resources and teaching you how to track your own progress through UMdegree and the Academic Catalog.  

Outside the office, I have a passion for baking and cooking. Mostly, I enjoy spending time with my family and dogs. Your success as a student at the UofM is important to me, so please let me know how I can best guide you as you begin your college career. 

clshipp@memphis.edu

Hi!

I’m Ciara Williams, an Academic Advisor II and ACAD Coordinator, and I’m excited to support you on your academic journey. I’m a two-time graduate of the University of Memphis and have been a professional academic advisor for three years. I love building relationships with students and earning their trust in my knowledge of their fields and the university. Working with pre-nursing students is especially rewarding—I enjoy seeing them get accepted into the Lowenberg College of Nursing and move closer to becoming Registered Nurses.

When I’m not advising, you can find me watching reality TV, spending time with loved ones, or enjoying all things Beyoncé. As the liaison for LCON but an expert in all degree programs, I look forward to helping you navigate your path to success!

marissa.manthongkham@memphis.edu

Hello Memphis Tiger Community! 

I’m Dr. Marissa Manthongkham, and I’m thrilled to serve the AAC team as an Academic Advisor II! My academic journey began at The University of Tennessee in Knoxville, where I earned my undergraduate degree, and I am a proud recipient of the UTK 40 Under 40 Alumni Award. I then ventured to Texas to complete my master’s degree at Baylor University, and my passion for academic advising truly blossomed during my doctoral studies at Michigan State University. With nearly five years of advising experience, I love helping students begin their academic path, explore professional interests, and plan for their future. As the liaison for the College of Communication and Fine Arts, Herff College of Engineering, and ROTC and Military Students, I’m honored to support our dynamic student population.

When I’m not in the office, I’m chasing after my energetic and adorable toddler, Rema. I also enjoy contributing to Memphis' vibrant musical scene as a clarinetist for Bluff City Winds. I look forward to working with you and cheering you on as you embark on this chapter in life. Go Tigers!

brlopez1@memphis.edu

Hi!

I’m Brookelynn Lopez, and I’m excited to be your advisor here in the Academic Advising Center. I attended The University of Memphis and earned my Bachelor of Science in Education in 2019 and my Master of Arts in Teaching in 2021. I served as a Physical Education Teacher in Millington and a 5th Grade Math and Science teacher for Shelby County Schools for 3 years before joining our team here in the AAC. I joined the team March 2024, and I love getting to work in higher education and build positive relationships with my students. I enjoy helping them plan for their future by choosing the right courses and helping them explore their passions.

When I’m not in the office, you can find me rewatching my favorite TV shows for the 5th time or snuggling with my three dogs, Juno, Duke, and Zeno. I also am a sports photographer for GoTigers247 and cover the Memphis Tigers! I serve as the liaison for the College of Health and Human Sciences and the Kemmons Wilson School of Hospitality and Resort Management. I am looking forward to working with you and supporting you on your journey!

cdaniels@memphis.edu

Hi Tigers!

I’m Charles Daniels, and I’m excited to serve as an Academic Advisor II in the Academic Advising Center at the University of Memphis. I have more than 20 years of experience in higher education, with a background in academic advising, student success, graduation planning, teaching, and program leadership.

What I enjoy most about advising is helping students see the bigger picture. Choosing classes is important, but I believe advising is also about helping you understand where you are, where you want to go, and what steps will help you get there. My goal is to make college feel a little less overwhelming by helping you understand your degree requirements, connect with the right resources, make informed decisions, and stay on track toward graduation. I look forward to getting to know you and helping you make the most of your journey at the UofM. Go Tigers!

kmbritt1@memphis.edu

Hi!

I'm Karley Britt, and I'm excited to serve as your Academic Advisor here in the Academic Advising Center at the University of Memphis! I serve as the laison to the College of Communication Sciences and Disorders. I joined the team in June 2025 and am passionate about helping students feel confident, supported, and on track as they navigate college life. I earned my bachelor's degree in Allied Health Studies from the University of Mississippi in 2023 and recently completed my master’s in Higher Education in 2025. My own college experience shaped my passion for guiding students and I truly love being a part of your journey from day one.

When I’m not in the office, you can find me hanging out with friends, staying active at the gym, or exploring all the fun things Memphis has to offer. I can’t wait to meet you and help you make the most of your time here at the UofM. Go Tigers!

ebrown31@memphis.edu

Hi!

My name is Andrea Owen Brown and I am new to Memphis, Tennessee. I am an Academic Advisor I and I serve as the Pre-Health liaison. I have lived in Michigan, Nebraska, Louisiana, and Mississippi. I have a Master of Science in School Counseling and Preventative Mental Health from Creighton University. My travels and education allow me to help students from all different backgrounds navigate their college experience. Outside of work, I enjoy trying out new restaurants and always appreciate a good recommendation. I am excited to meet and work with the UofM students.

mmnning4@memphis.edu

Hi!

My name is Emily Manning, and I am so excited to serve as your academic advisor here in the Academic Advising Center at the University of Memphis! I joined the team in August 2026 after gaining valuable experience at the University of Mississippi. A little about me: I earned my bachelor’s degree in Sports Management with a minor in Business Administration from Delta State University in 2023, followed by my master’s degree in Higher Education from the University of Mississippi in 2026. During my time at Ole Miss, my graduate assistantship with Campus Recreation helped shape my passion for supporting students and helping them achieve their collegiate goals. I’m excited to bring that passion to the University of Memphis and get to know each of you along the way! When I’m not in the office, you can usually find me playing fetch with my dogs Micah and Beau, going to sporting events, or exploring all the great food in Memphis.

I can’t wait to meet you, get to know you, and help you make the most of your time here at the University of Memphis. Go Tigers!