Staff Profiles. . . . .
Sandy Cole, Director, Center for Community Career Education
Located in the College of Health, Education and Professional Studies, Ms. Cole is responsible for directing the overall efforts of the Center for Community Career Education, which includes the Educational Opportunity Center, Educational Talent Search, Upward Bound Math/Science and Positive Action With Success (an elementary collegiate awareness initiative). Primary objectives are to provide quality services to our participants, to build true collaborations in the community and to continue to raise community awareness concerning the services the Center provides. Experience includes over twenty-five years in career and education advisement; professional development programming for adults; technical preparation program development (Tech Prep); pre-employment preparation for disabled and youth populations; project management and conference and meeting management. Certified to interpret the Myers Briggs Type Indicator by Consulting Psychologist Press. Serving as a 2003 and 2006 Board Examiner for the Tennessee Center for Performance Excellence. Bachelor's Degree in Psychology, a Master's Degree in Industrial/Organizational Psychology, and an ED.S. in Educational Technology from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.
Cynthia Wallace, Project Director, Educational Opportunity Center (EOC)
Responsible as director for providing educational outreach and counseling for the Southern Appalachian Educational Opportunity Center which assists low-income, potential first generation college students pursuing post-secondary education. Experience includes four years in educational planning and administration, eleven years in family support coordination and counseling with the U.S. Department of the Army, and an internship in employment and career counseling. Certified to interpret the Myers Briggs Type Indicator by Consulting Psychologist Press. Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.
Wendy Yates , Program Coordinator, Positive Action Action With Success, TCCY
Wendy Yates coordinates Positive Action With Success (P.A.W.S.) at Brown Academy. This project, funded by the Tennessee Commission on Children and Youth, works with 4th and 5th graders and has a primary focus on positive after school programming and early college awareness. UTC students serve as mentors to the children and assist with monthly campus field trips.
Twyler Boykin, Project Director, Upward Bound Math Science (PRISM)
Responsible as director of the Upward Bound Math Science: PRISM program which is designed to strengthen and further develop the math and science skills of participating area high school students and encourage them to pursue postsecondary degrees in these fields. Experience includes five years as an Academic Counselor and as a Disabilities Academic Coordinator working with students building individual education plans and serving as advocate for students with disabilities, hiring and training individuals to work with disabled students. Also served as a school psychologist intern in the Hamilton County and State of Tennessee educational systems. Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology and Recreatiion Specialist, Master of Science Degree in Psychology (Concentration in School Counseling) from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Currently pursuing a Master of Education Degree in Counseling (Concentration in School Counseling).
Christopher Stokes, Project Coordinator, Upward Bound Math Science (PRISM)
Responsible for assisting the Project Director in coordinating program activities promoting interest in the fields of math and science. Also responsible for coordinating activities that encourage students' successful progress in high school. Experience includes coordinating mentors for at risk 14-18 year old youth meeting low-income requirements in area schools and promoting activities for them that build academic and work readiness skills, tutoring and mentoring. Bachelor's Degree from The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Currently pursuing a Master's of Education Degree in School Counseling.
Catherine Brown , Education Advisors
Responsible for providing educational outreach and counseling for the Southern Appalachian Educational Opportunity Center which assists low-income, potential first generation college students pursuing post-secondary education. Outreach focus in the six county service area includes Marion, Sequatchie and Hamilton counties in Tennessee, and Dade County, Georgia.
Karen Vann, Director, Educational Talent Search
Karen is a first generation college graduate who has spent more than a decade in higher education in the area of K12 reform. She holds a master's degree in English, with areas of concentration in technical and proposal writing. Karen has worked for many years administering both Federal and foundation grant programs, and has a background in technical writing and curriculum development. As director of the ETS program, Karen's responsibilities include overseeing programming to ensure compliance to all Federal and State regulations, interpreting and following all TRIO legislation, as well as budget management and Federal reporting and program evaluation.
Cairon Reagan, Education Specialist, Educational Talent Search
Provides academic, career, and personal development support to first-generation, low-income college-bound youth. A first-generation college graduate, Mrs. Reagan delights in serving as a TRiO professional. Related experience includes coordinating at the college level in areas of recruitment, advising & retention, career planning, post secondary options, student activities and summer youth programs. Prior service also includes DFCS case management, hospitality sales & marketing, and administrative support UTC Adult Services Center. BA Social Sciences, Anthropology, Thomas College.
Floyd Mathis, Education Specialist, Educational Talent Search,
Provides academic, career, and personal development support to first-generation, low-income 9th-12th graders. Mr. Mathis is also a first-generation college graduate. He believes in Trio and he believes in the students that he helps. Mr. Mathis received his BS degree in Management from Carson-Newman College.
Debby Corey, Program Resource Specialist
Responsible for offering computer and technology support to the Educational Opportunity Center. Also responsible for keeping department financial records, purchasing and support for miscellaneous special projects as needed. Experience includes twenty-two years' experience in purchasing, accounts receivable/payable, customer service, sales, and technical support.
Melinda Lomenick, Accounting Specialist
Responsible for management and coordination of support services area; financial accounting functions and related funding source reports and invoices; budget analysis and projections; monitoring and informing staff of regulations and guidelines for both the University and funding sources. Experience includes 26 years in office management, as well as accounting experience in retail, media and private companies.
Ruby Watkins, Administrative Support, Upward Bound Math Science (PRISM)
Responsible for processing documents, mail distribution, ordering office supplies, maintenance of equipment inventory and program files. Experience includes fifteen years as a senior procurement clerk processing purchase orders and invoices, four years in administrative support, as well as several years teaching low-income students in the community.
Student Assistants
The Center typically employs 5-6 students per semester. They are a vital part of our support services area. They provide assistance with general office procedures, as well as gaining valuable work experience. Student assistants are supervised by and work directly with the individual secretaries.
