Student Success Faculty and Staff
Associate Vice Chancellor, Student Success
Chief Student Affairs Officer
Dr. Snyder serves as the Associate Vice Chancellor of Student Success, where he oversees institution-wide initiatives to make meaningful positive change in the life of Memphians and throughout the state of Tennessee. As part of this work, Dr. Snyder directs the UTHSC QEP: Community Engaged Care, a multi-year effort to enhance student learning and institutional impact around the social determinants of health.
Dr. Snyder is an applied medical anthropologist focusing on three distinct areas that impact public health. He was worked on developing interventions to drug use, addiction, and drug-related chronic illness in environments where the use of drugs is deeply embedded within the cultural framework and sense of identity. Dr. Snyder also conducts community-based projects that aim to improve patient-provider relationships, patient adherence, and the provision of culturally-appropriate health care services. Dr. Snyder’s third area of focus is on community response to crisis with particular emphasis on displaced populations as may be found following large-scale natural disasters or military conflict. Dr. Snyder has conducted fieldwork in East Africa, Haiti, the South Pacific, and with Native people in the United States.
Education
BA, Anthropology, Washington State University
EdM, Curriculum and Instruction, Washington State University
MPH, Public Health Practice, University of New England
PhD, Anthropology, Washington State University
Business Manager
Eliane Pater serves as the Business Manager for the Office of Student Success, overseeing all aspects of the business and financial operations. She has over twenty years of experience in administration, management, and finances, and over five years of experience in higher education. Her combined experience has prepared her for her role as a business manager, as well as ceremonies, events, and student support. Eliane Pater holds a Bachelor of Arts in Tourism and Hospitality Management, a Master of Science in Education with a major in Educational Leadership, and a Business Management certificate from Vanderbilt University.
Eliane Pater is a first-generation college graduate in her family and a Brazilian native. She believes that education and hard work can change the course of anyone’s life. She loves linguistics and speaks three languages fluently. She enjoys traveling, getting to know other cultures and outdoor activities such as camping and hiking.
Education:
BA - Tourism and Hospitality Management
MS - Education
Business Management Certificate - Vanderbilt University
Assistant Director of Community Engagement
Jess Guthrie is the Assistant Director of Community Engagement in the Office of Health Disparities Education and Community Engagement. Jess oversees programming related to the QEP, like the Co-curricular Certificate on the Social Determinants of Health, poverty simulations, as well as large-scale, interprofessional community health outreach events. She also oversees the Campus Cupboard, an on-campus food pantry serving the UTHSC community and partner organizations. Jess is also the campus GivePulse administrator and is always happy to help faculty and students learn more about using the platform to manage their community engagement activities.
Jess is currently a doctoral student at the University of Memphis, studying Higher and Adult Education Leadership. She previously served as theater design faculty at Simpson College, Minnesota State University, Mankato, and Illinois State University, and studied the history of protest fashion.
Education:
BA – Drama, Texas A&M University
MFA – Design, The University of Georgia
MS Ed – Higher Education Leadership, The University of Tennessee, Martin
Community Engagement Specialist
Monica Onwuka is the Community Engagement Specialist in the Office of Health Disparities Education and Community Engagement. Monica oversees the daily operations of the Campus Cupboard, the on-campus food pantry serving UTHSC faculty, staff, and students. She also assists in the development and implementation of community engagement and outreach opportunities for UTHSC faculty, staff, and students. Monica received a bachelor's degree in Psychology and a master's degree in Higher Education Administration from The University of Tennessee Knoxville. She is currently a doctoral student at the University of Memphis studying Higher and Adult Education.
mthompson1@uthsc.edu
901.448.9427
Education Specialist
Ashley graduated from the University of Mississippi with a Bachelor of Music in Music Education in 2007. She taught Music for 9 years in Mississippi and Tennessee. While teaching, she earned her Master of Education from Middle Tennessee State University in Supervision and Administration in Higher Education.
Ashley joined UTHSC 2022 where she previously worked as the admissions coordinator for the Physician Assistant program. She transitioned to the Office of Student Success in May 2023 as the Education Specialist for Student Conduct. In this role, she also assists students with immunization and insurance.
Associate Director of Student Life
Jennesa LaSane serves as the Associate Director of Student Life and Health Career Programs. She oversees commencement, student events. registered student organizations, Engage, and resource fairs. She also works with her colleagues to assist with tours and the Pre-Health Scholars Program. She enjoys creating welcoming environments for students and keeping them first in her work. Jennesa earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Memphis in Anthropology. She earned her Master of Science degree from the University of Tennessee- Martin in Higher Education Leadership.
Student Affairs Specialist – Pre-Health Scholar Program
Takisha Mack began her journey at UTHSC in 2022. As a Student Affairs Specialist in the Office of Health Career Programs (HCP), Takisha provides programming, outreach, and pipeline programs to diversify the health care professions. She also helps coordinator group and individual tours for the Office of Student Success. Previously, Takisha provided pre-college support to low-income and first-generation students with TRiO in Kentucky.
Education:
MPA - Master’s in public administration
BS - Bachelors of Science, Child & Family Studies
Academic Success Staff
Learning Specialist
Rosie Barker serves as a Learning Specialist in SASSI, supporting students academic growth through individual coaching and presentations on study strategies, time management, board preparation, and goal setting. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Master of Science in Counseling at the University of Memphis. Prior to joining UTHSC, she served as a counselor in several Memphis-area schools, specializing in college admissions and advocacy for first generation college students.
rbarke17@uthsc.edu
901.448.9503
Learning Specialist
As a Learning Specialist in Student Academic Support Services and Inclusion, Mary Ann Jimenez specializes in supporting students within the College of Pharmacy in achieving their academic goals. More specifically, Mary Ann offers individual consultations and group workshops for students to learn and improve their test-taking strategies, time management, active recall, board preparation, and other essential skills for academic success.Additionally, Mary Ann supports the office’s programming, workshops, and other large-scale initiatives.
Mary Ann earned her Bachelor of Science from the University of Alabama at Birmingham in Public Health. She received her Master of Science degree from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville in College Student Personnel. Before arriving at UTHSC in July 2023, Mary Ann served as the Leadership and Service Educational Specialist for the Alternative Breaks program at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. She is passionate about community engagement, supporting Latinx students, and her two cats (Kimchi and Sopa).
Education:
BS, Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham
MS, College Student Personnel, University of Tennessee, Knoxville
mjimene7@uthsc.edu
901.448.3167
Councelor
tjohn196@uthsc.edu
901.448.3946
Campus Recreation Staff
Erin Jennings
Assistant Director
Erin Jennings serves the Assistant Director of Campus Recreation. She directly oversees the Aquatics and Outdoor Recreation Departments. Jennings has a career in competitive swimming and water safety management, coaching for US Swimming and training Ironman level triathletes. She has a storied history in outdoor recreation as a seasoned river guide and trip leader on southeastern whitewater. She has worked in higher education in pedagogical development, curriculum implementation and course management. Jennings has also spent over a decade in the classroom as a faculty member, mentoring both undergraduate and graduate students. She enjoys using her unique skill set to foster student success, be it in the woods, the fitness center, or the classroom. Jennings collaborates with Campus Recreation staff to provide students a comprehensive foundation in recreation and wellness that will ensure both professional and personal well-being long after their experience at UTHSC.
Education:
BA, Communications
MA, Political Science
MFA, Photography
erinjennings@uthsc.edu
901.448.2766
Administrative Secretary
As a Memphis native, De'Angelo is dedicated to making a difference and in his community. His purpose is education, impact, and wellness. Benson is inspired to promote change and take pride in leading the next generations.
De'Angelo served in urban communities both Frayser and South Memphis where he taught K-5 Physical Education and life skills to elementary students for 5 years. He has a passion for fitness and wellness and enjoys using skills and knowledge to break barriers in public health and education, serving at local fitness centers like the Memphis Jewish Community Center and YMCA where he completed fitness assessments which included body mass index, body fat percentage, and checking blood pressure.
Education:
BS in Physical Education, Lane College
MS in Fitness Management, Missouri Baptist University
dbenso11@uthsc.edu
901.448.5933
Administrative Services Assistant
Ashley Harris serves as the Administrative Services Assistant for Campus Recreation. She oversees membership services and coordinates with the Office of Student Success regarding all business processes. She also works with her colleagues to assist with front desk management, outdoor rental, aquatic registration, and intramural/fitness session scheduling. She embraces the holistic nature of health and fitness and encourages any guest or member to take advantage of Campus Recreation's programs and facilities. Ashley earned her Bachelor of Music degree in Vocal Performance from Xavier University of Louisiana, her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Memphis in History, and is currently completing her Master of Arts degree in History at the University of Memphis. She hopes to use the cultural and communication skills garnered from these studies to produce a more inclusive and diverse customer service experience for all.
aharr147@uthsc.edu
901.448.9487
Administrative Secretary
901.448.5933
Fitness/Wellness Coordinator
Suzanne Apperson serves as the Fitness Wellness Coordinator in the Department of Campus Recreation. She oversees the Weight and Cardio Room, Group Fitness Classes, Personal Trainers, Fitness Consultation Program, and the Wellness Programs offered through Campus Recreation. She works to encourage everyone to feel comfortable in the workout spaces provided for students, faculty, and staff. Suzanne earned her Bachelor of Science in Recreation from the University of Memphis and her Master of Science in Employee Fitness from the University of Memphis.
sfenech@uthsc.edu
901.448.5416
Jessie Kelsoe
Pool Deck Attendant
901.448.5417
Pool Deck Attendant
901.448.5417
Pool Deck Attendant
901.448.5417
Fitness Trainer
901.448.2189