Meet the Team
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Hilary Battle
Position: Academic AdvisorPhone: (470) 578-7728
Email: hgann@kennesaw.edu
Location: WH 202Hilary has a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Berry College and a Master of Education degree in Higher Education Administration from Georgia Southern University. She has worked in various student support offices and has been advising since 2017. Hilary is skilled in building rapport with students and loves seeing them grow and reach their goals. In her spare time, Hilary loves traveling, listening to Taylor Swift, and spending time with family and friends.
Hilary is an advisor for:
- Psychology students with the last names Gf-Ki
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Lara Berry
Position: Senior Academic Advisor, Transfer Specialist
Phone: (470) 578-7728
Email: lberry14@kennesaw.edu
Location: WH 202Lara has over 20 years of experience in higher education working in academic advising, transfer evaluation, and admission. She graduated from George Mason University with a B.A. in Communication. She provides her advising knowledge to the UAC and experience working in the private sector. She is passionate about helping students find the best resources for their success inside and outside the classroom. During her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, and watching the Georgia Swarm and LOVB Atlanta.
Lara is the advisor for:
- English
- English Education- Interest
- Criminal Justice students with the last names Rj-Z
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Adam Calhoun
Position: Academic Advisor
Phone: (470) 578-7728
Email: acalho12@kennesaw.edu
Location: WH 202Adam is a Kennesaw State University graduate with a B.B.A. in Business Management (2019). He joined the RCHSS Advising team in 2022 after two years with the Undergraduate Admissions department at KSU.
Adam is the advisor for:
- Psychology students with the last names Nk-Sh
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Carley Cole
Position: Academic Advisor
Phone: (470) 578-7728
Email: cmulkey9@kennesaw.edu
Location: WH 202Carley is a proud Owl and received her bachelor's degree in political science and master's in public administration from KSU. She enjoys fostering a supportive space for students to express and achieve their goals, both inside and outside of the classroom. Carley's favorite hobbies include reading, hiking, running, watching the Braves and Falcons, visiting the Atlanta Zoo and traveling.
Carley is the advisor for:
- Political Science
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Charity Costa-Reese
Position: Academic Advisor
Phone: (470) 578-7728
Email: ccostare@kennesaw.edu
Location: WH 202Charity joined KSU in 2019. She has a Bachelor's in Criminal Justice and a Master's in Counseling Education from North Carolina Central University. Before coming to KSU, she advised Biology students at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
Charity is an advisor for:
- Criminal Justice students with the last names A-G
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Christy Curley
Position: Director, Advising
Phone: (470) 578-7728
Email: ccurley@kennesaw.edu
Location: WH 202Christy has a BA in English and an M.Ed in Student Services Counseling. She loves working with students to help them overcome challenges and meet their individual goals. Christy believes that self-awareness is one of the most powerful tools for achieving this. Reflecting on your thoughts, feelings, and the choices you make will give you the insight needed to make positive changes in your life and harness your potential for success! Christy enjoys spending time with her husband and two sons, reading, singing karaoke, and going to Disney World. She loves planning trips to Disney almost as much as she enjoys going there!
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Daniel Frentress
Position: Academic Advisor
Phone: (470) 578-7728
Email: dfrentre@kennesaw.edu
Location: WH 202Daniel has his BA in Psychology and an M.Ed. in Educational Leadership and Policy. Prior to his role in advising, Daniel spent 7 years working in on-campus housing with a diverse range of student populations. His favorite part of working with college students is the opportunity to build meaningful relationships and offer holistic support at all points throughout their journeys. He loves being able to assist students in dreaming big and actualizing their goals by helping them create actionable plans. Outside of work, Daniel loves to bake desserts, explore new places, drink coffee, and take his pug, Spud, on mini road trips. He also enjoys spending time with friends, being outside, and listening to music—especially Taylor Swift!
School of Communication majors with the last names D-I
- Journalism and Emerging Media
- Media and Entertainment
- Organizational Communication & Professional Communication
- Public Relations
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Christine Jacobs
Position: Academic Advisor
Phone: (470) 578-7728
Email: cjacob36@kennesaw.edu
Location: WH 202Christine joined the RCHSS advising team in 2018. She has a B.S. in Horticulture from Cornell University and M.Ed in Educational Strategies from Wilkes University. She has been working in the education field for over ten years. Her passion for working with students began when she was working as a Senior Gardener at Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, PA. Christine supervised and mentored college interns and international students and also conducted workshops on various horticultural topics. Christine then went on to earn her teaching certification and taught middle school science until she moved to Georgia. Christine joined KSU in 2010 and has worked for KSU's College of Graduate and Professional Education and KSU's Upward Bound Program where she advised and provided academic support to high school students and non-traditional learners. Christine is passionate about helping her students navigate through their college career successfully, while also helping them think about their future goals and career opportunities. In her free time, Christine loves hiking, spending time with family, reading, traveling, and going to concerts.
Christine is the advisor for:
- Anthropology students
- Geography students
- Geographic Information Sciences Certificate students
- Geospatial Sciences students
- Land Surveying Certificate students
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George Kruger III
Position: Academic AdvisorPhone: (470) 578-7728
Email: gkruger@kennesaw.edu
Location: WH 202George Kruger rejoined our team after being at Georgia State as a professional advisor. George has both a B.A. in History and a B.A. in Philosophy from Kennesaw State University. He worked as a peer advisor for 3 years in the Undergraduate Advising Center in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences at Kennesaw State University. George is the most passionate about being an Owl and graduating from KSU. He has also presented at NACADA at the local and regional level.
George is the advisor for:
- History
- Philosophy
- School of Communication majors with the last names V-Z
- Journalism and Emerging Media
- Media and Entertainment
- Organizational Communication & Professional Communication
- Public Relations
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Donna McPherson
Position: Academic AdvisorPhone: (470) 578-7728
Email: dmcphe12@kennesaw.edu
Location: WH 202Donna has been working with Kennesaw State University for the past 27 years. Before joining the RCHSS Advising Center, she was the Program Coordinator, for KSU’s Technical Communication & Interactive Design Programs, on the Marietta Campus. Donna majored in Political Science at KSU and worked as a Student Assistant for the English and History Department. Her expertise is Student Advising and Academic Counseling. She enjoys mentoring students choosing their academic and career paths and she is passionate about making sure students navigate successfully through their college career. During her tenure here at KSU, Donna served as Chair of the Staff Senate, was awarded Outstanding Staff Employee of the Year, and has been nominated for numerous other awards and honors. In her free time she loves spending time with family, playing the piano, and going to concerts.
Donna is the advisor for:
- Black Studies
- Interdisciplinary Studies
- International Affairs
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Ashley Newton
Position: Academic Advisor
Phone: (470) 578-7728
Email: anewto17@kennesaw.edu
Location: WH 202Ashley graduated from Kennesaw State University in 2019 with a B.S. in Journalism and Emerging Media. Her passion is helping others. In her free time, she enjoys crocheting, reading, going to concerts, watching hockey, spending time with her pets, and hanging out with family and friends.
Ashley is an advisor for:
- Psychology students with last name A-Ch
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Amanda Passmore
Position: Academic Advisor
Phone: (470) 578-7728
Email: apassmo7@kennesaw.edu
Location: WH 202Amanda has a BA in History and a M.Ed in Higher Education and Student Affairs. Before Advising at KSU, Amanda worked at Georgia College and State University where she advised Nursing, Public Health and Psychology students. Amanda enjoys playing board games and video games. She also enjoys reading and watching superhero movies/television shows. Amanda truly works hard to assist her students in seeing their dreams come to fruition. She looks forward to assisting you in your future.
Amanda is an advisor for School of Communication majors with the last names J-O
- Journalism and Emerging Media
- Media and Entertainment
- Organizational Communication & Professional Communication
- Public Relations
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Toni Raines
Position: Academic AdvisorPhone: (470) 578-7728
Email: traine28@kennesaw.edu
Location: WH 202Toni previously worked as an advisor to the health sciences at the Community College of Denver. She also has experience working in Residence Life and in LGBTQ* Services. Toni has her BA in Psychology from Stony Brook University and is currently pursuing her MA in Higher Education Administration from the same university. She is passionate about advocating for students and she has a lot of experience working with transfer and first-generation college students. In her spare time, Toni enjoys hanging out with her wife, two dogs, and her cat. She also has been skateboarding for about a year and she played clarinet in her college marching band.
Toni is an advisor for:
- Psychology students with the last names Q-Z
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Sam Rathvon
Position: Academic Advisor
Phone: (470) 578-7728
Email: srathvon@kennesaw.edu
Location: WH 202Sam Rathvon (he/him) received his bachelor's degree in English in 2016 and Master of Public Administration in 2023 from KSU. Between his undergraduate and graduate degrees, he worked for the Georgia Aquarium, at a charter middle school as the Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education Coordinator, and most recently for the Center for Young Adult Addiction and Recovery at KSU. When not at work he spends most of his time taking care of his flock of chickens, wood working, or pursuing one of his many hobbies.
Sam is the advisor for:
- Interactive Design
- Technical Communication
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Liz Schunk
Position: Senior Academic Advisor
Phone: (470) 578-7728
Email: eschunk1@kennesaw.edu
Location: WH 202Liz has a B.S. in Biology from Georgia College and State University and a M.Ed. in Higher Education Administration from Georgia Southern University. Liz has a background in University Housing and Living Learning Communities. She started advising in 2018 at Georgia College where she advised Marketing, Business Undeclared, Public Health, and Exercise Science majors. She joined KSU in 2021. Liz is passionate about helping students be successful while in college, both inside and outside of academics. In her spare time, Liz loves to play board games. She also loves reading and watching SciFi and Fantasy movies and TV shows.
Liz is an advisor for:
- Psychology students with the last names Kj-Nj
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Jessica Stehlin
Position: Academic Advisor
Phone: (470) 578-7728
Email: jstehlin@kennesaw.edu
Location: WH 202Jessica joined KSU in January 2022. She has a B.S. in Environmental Spatial Analysis from the University of North Georgia (UNG). Before coming to KSU, Jessica spent three years advising students in the UNG Financial Aid Office. Jessica is passionate about helping students navigate the college experience, and she finds it especially rewarding to see them reach their goals. In her spare time, she loves hiking, reading, and hanging out with her two cats.
Jessica is the advisor for:
- Asian Studies
- Modern Language and Culture
- Sociology
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Cara Tafoya
Position: Academic Advisor
Phone: (470) 578-7728
Email: ctafoya@kennesaw.edu
Location: WH 202Cara has a B.A. in History from the University of Georgia and a M.A. in History from Missouri State University. Cara worked as an admission counselor, adjunct professor, and volleyball coach prior to joining KSU as an academic advisor. Her favorite part about working with college students is helping them achieve their goals, inside and outside of the classroom. In her free time, Cara loves traveling, coaching volleyball, watching TV, and reading.
Cara is the advisor for:
- Criminal Justice students with last names H-Ri
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Laura Vo
Position: Academic Advisor
Phone: (470) 578-7728
Email: lvo4@kennesaw.edu
Location: WH 202Laura graduated from Kennesaw State University with a Bachelor of Science in Public Relations. Before joining the RCHSS Undergraduate Advising Center, she worked for the School of Communication and Media as the Administrative Assistant. Laura looks forward to establishing meaningful connections with students as a supporter of and resource for their educational journey. Outside of work, Laura can be found reading, antique shopping, and trying new restaurants.
Laura is an advisor for School of Communication majors with the last names A-C
- Journalism and Emerging Media
- Media and Entertainment
- Organizational Communication & Professional Communication
- Public Relations
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Julie Wyatt
Position: Academic AdvisorPhone: (470) 578-7728
Email: jwyatt38@kennesaw.edu
Location: WH 202Julie Wyatt worked at Dalton State as Assistant Director of Residential Life prior to KSU. Previously she was with University of North Georgia for 7 years in residential life. Julie received both her Bachelor's degree in History Education and Master's in Public Administration from University of North Georgia. She loves watching all things Marvel and playing with her dog. Her advice for incoming students is to talk to your professor before class, even just saying hi, so if you want to talk to them later for class assistance you won't be as nervous!
Julie is the advisor for School of Communication majors with the last names P-U
- Journalism and Emerging Media
- Media and Entertainment
- Organizational Communication & Professional Communication
- Public Relations
