Division of Student Success Directory

Bio: Dr. Ashley Purgason is a Maverick through and through, having received her BS and MS from UTA. Dr. Purgason is a toxicologist by training and received her Ph.D. from the University of Texas Medical Branch. She is also a former member of the UTA Women's basketball team. She leads a unit of professional staff in a variety of activities designed to meet student academic needs from registration to graduation.

Bio: Dr. Aaron Brown provides leadership and support for the University Advising Center and advising initiatives across the institution. He is a low-income and first-generation college graduate who earned a Ph.D. in Public Affairs from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV). He has over 18 years of higher education experience serving in a variety of roles including service as an associate dean and elected member of the faculty senate and executive committee.

Bio: Dr. Kimshi Hickman received her BS and MS from Texas A&M University. Her Doctorate of Education is from Texas Tech University. In DSS, she oversees the Academic Success Center which houses Academic Support Programs and Academic Engagement Programs. This native Texan loves supporting students in achieving their academic goals.

Bio: Liz received her BS from the University of North Texas and her Masters in Organizational Development from Abilene Christian University. Dedicating the majority of her service years at UTA to academic advising, Liz also supports the strategic and technology initiatives within the Division.