Staff Directory

Bio: Dr. Ashley Purgason is at her Alma Mater of UT Arlington and serves as the Vice Provost for Student Success. She earned her Ph.D. in Environmental Toxicology from UT Medical Branch in Galveston, Texas, and has taught Biology courses at multiple institutions. Dr. Purgason leads the Division of Student Success in Academic Affairs and is responsible for retention and completion efforts including campus advising initiatives, academic support, first year experience courses, and more.

Bio: Liz received her Bachelor's from the University of North Texas and her Masters in Organizational Development. She is a dedicated higher education professional with a successful history working in academic advising, project management, organizational development, and is a skilled leader. Liz supports the operations and technology initiatives within the Division.

Bio: Dr. Deidra Turner holds a B.A. in Sociology from TCU. She went on to earn an M.Ed. in Student Personnel in Higher Education from the University of Georgia and a Ph.D. in Sociology with an emphasis in Gender, Race, and Ethnicity from Texas A&M University. She promotes continuous learning inside and outside the classroom and strives to create connections that strengthen people and programs. Deidra supports the Division of Student Success and serves students by aiding the Maverick Advising Community in its efforts to be a global leader in offering excellence in academic advising and co-curricular engagement.

Bio: Dr. Candice Calhoun-Butts earned her Doctor of Philosophy degree from the University of the Cumberlands. With over 20 years of experience in higher education, she has served in a wide range of roles. Throughout her career, Dr. Calhoun-Butts has remained deeply committed to service, advancing excellence in education, fostering innovation, and cultivating an inclusive, student-centered environment that supports academic achievement and personal growth.

Bio: Vickie Daniel is passionate about increasing office efficiency and productivity. Vickie supports the Division of student success and serves students by providing essential administrative and logistical support, acting as a point of contact, and facilitating access to resources and services.

Bio: Chad Crawford graduated from UNLV with his master's degree in Higher Education Leadership. He is passionate about serving students in their pursuit of higher education and beyond. Chad supports the Division of Student Success and serves students by challenging and supporting individuals to achieve their goals on and off campus.

Bio: Kassidy Gary graduated from Baylor University with her bachelor's degree in Accounting. Kassidy is passionate about service and leverages her financial and administrative expertise to create structure and efficiency. Kassidy supports the Division of Student Success and serves students through financial reporting and managing administrative processes that help the division operate smoothly and effectively.

Bio: Morgan Hutto graduated from Stephen F. Austin State University with her bachelor's degree in Information Technology. She also graduated from Stephen F. Austin State University with her master's degree in Public Administration. She is passionate about helping staff members feel connected and engaged in their work. Morgan supports the Division of Student Success and serves students by coordinating assessment efforts, onboarding new staff members, and delivering professional development opportunities.

Bio: Katie Marler graduated from Texas Christian University with her master’s degree in Rhetoric and Composition. She is passionate about communication strategies, content writing, and clearly presenting information and ideas. Katie supports the Division of Student Success, serving UTA stakeholders by leveraging her strategic communication skills to provide the right information at the right time.

Bio: Catherine Unite serves as the Director of the Academic Success Center in the Division of Student Success. She has three decades of international experience in higher education, specializing in academic support and peer education. Her career spans roles in research, teaching, and academic leadership, including the development and implementation of national centers and large-scale institutional initiatives. all rooted in a deep commitment to student success and transformative learning.

Bio: I have been at UTA for 5 years. The students I serve are directly responsible for why I love this job. I hope in a small way I have made a difference in the students’ lives as they have done in mine.

Bio: 8 years of service. What I like most about my job is everything I learn from the students we work with.

Bio: Noah Howell graduated from University of North Texas with their bachelor's degree in Psychology. They are passionate about leveraging human capital in the academic space and moving the needle in student success. Noah supports the Division of Student Success and serves students by coordinating vital processes in the Supplementary Instruction program and synergizing with other Academic Success Center programs.

Bio: Elizabeth Perry graduated from Texas Tech University with her master's degree in business administration. She is passionate about student development and creating meaningful opportunities that help students grow academically, personally, and professionally. Elizabeth supports the division of student success by overseeing the ASC tutors and fostering collaboration with faculty and staff to ensure students receive high-quality academic support.

Bio: Jennifer Janes graduated from Eastern Michigan University with her bachelor's degree in Communication and her master's degree in Educational Leadership. She is passionate about helping students reach their full potential. Jennifer supports the Division of Student Success and serves students by responding quickly to inquiries and building strategies to improve the student experience.

Bio: Karen Clements attended Southern Methodist University for three years before leaving to start her family. She is passionate about supporting the Division of Student Success with her administrative duties and the tasks needed to keep it running smoothly throughout the year.

Bio: Lashawn Hodge graduated from Florida International University with his bachelor's degree in Interdisciplinary Studies. He is passionate about personal growth and development and implementing strategies to foster student success. Lashawn supports the Division of Student Success and serves students by providing tools and resources that will help them achieve their academic goals.

Bio: Alexis Hatch earned a master's degree in counseling from Southern Methodist University and is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Texas. She is passionate about helping students feel confident, supported, and empowered—both in and out of the classroom. At the Division of Student Success, Alexis works closely with students through academic advising, offering guidance, encouragement, and tools to help them stay on track and reach their goals.

Bio: Luis Munoz graduated from The University of Texas at Arlington with his master's degree in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies. He is passionate about building relationships and helping students reach their full potential. Luis supports the Division of Student Success and serves students by providing academic and personal support to our first-time college population.

Bio: LaKeitha Yarborough graduated from University of North Texas with her Bachelor's degree in Human Development and Family Science. She is passionate about helping others achieve their goals by connecting them with resources to assist in seeking their full potential. LaKeitha supports the Division of Student Success and serves students by providing academic guidance that empowers students to achieve their educational and career goals.

Bio: Elizabeth Webb graduated from Kansas State University with her master's degree in Academic Advising. She is passionate about the mission of academic advising and loves supporting students as they pursue their educational, career, and personal goals.

Bio: My name is Tammy R. Drakeford, I was born and raised in Little Rock, Arkansas, moved to Texas in June 1987. I have worked in Higher Education since April 2002, starting in the Career Services (Career Development Center) here at UTA, as a Front Desk Supervisor and currently now as a Coordinator in Academic Progression & Completion. I LOVE it here at UTA! In my spare time I enjoy church, traveling, and spending time with family!

Bio: Audrey Orr graduated from UTA with her bachelor's degree in University Studies and is currently pursuing a master's degree in Education at UTA. She is passionate about mentoring and guiding students through their educational journey. Audrey supports the Division of Student Success and serves students by providing academic advising services to help students successfully navigate course selection and degree requirements to stay on track to graduation!

Bio: I enjoy working with the diverse student population at UTA and seeing our TRIO students succeed. I am fortunate to be working within the Division of Student Success and share the commitment to supporting students throughout their academic journey.

Bio: Angel Hernandez graduated from Rowan University with his Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership with a concentration in Higher Education. He is passionate about both student and employee success, believing that empowered, supported employees are key to transforming and inspiring students. Angel is driven by a passion for helping others and a desire to leave every space and person better than he found them. Angel supports the Division of Student Success and serves students by leading the First Year Advising program and advancing initiatives that simplify processes, improve communication, and enhance the student experience.

Bio: Jessica Gilmore graduated from Southern Methodist University with her master's degree in Educational Leadership. She is passionate about fostering growth and connection through professional development and data-informed practices. Jessica supports the Maverick Advising Community and serves students by advancing practices that support student success.

Bio: Diana Sabogal graduated from the University of Southern California with her master's degree in Leadership. She is passionate about helping students and families navigate the world of higher education. Diana supports the Division of Student Success and serves students by educating students and their families, in both English and Spanish, to help them maximize their educational journey.

Bio: Jody Miller graduated from the University of Texas at Arlington with her Bachelor's of Arts in Sociology. She is passionate about educating students on how to be successful in their first year of college. Jody supports the Division of Student Success by assisting the advisors, hiring, training and supervising student employees.

Bio: Jesus graduated from Texas A&M University with his master's degree in Sport Management. As a passionate advocate for first-generation college students, he is dedicated to helping them establish a strong foundation in higher education. Jesus supports Division of Student Success by using his personal experiences to support and guide the next generation of graduates.

Bio: Felipe Tamayo graduated from Texas A&M University with his bachelor's and master's degrees in Sport Management. He is passionate about student success and fostering an environment where students can thrive, especially those who can face unique challenges, such as first-generation college students like himself. Felipe supports the Division of Student Success and serves students by providing personalized guidance, helping students build strategies for overcoming obstacles, and connecting them with resources to achieve both their academic and personal goals.

Bio: Thomas Michael graduated from Rutgers University with his master's degree in College Student Affairs. He is passionate about building relationships with students and making the advising process for them clear and organized. Thomas supports the Division of Student Success and serves students by taking time to get to know about their interests, lifestyle, and how to holistically uplift their academic performance.

Bio: Alyssa Haddock graduated from Arizona State University with her bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences. She is passionate about helping students succeed. Alyssa supports the Division of Student Success and serves students by supporting students and helping them learn to balance their academic and personal lives.

Bio: Kathleen Cantu earned her Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of North Texas. She is passionate about student support, mental health advocacy, and helping others navigate their academic journeys with confidence. In her role with the Division of Student Success, Kathleen draws on her counseling background and strengths in relationship-building to ensure students receive the right support at the right time.

Bio: Samone Griffin graduated from UNT Dallas with her bachelor's degree in Sociology. She is passionate about helping students achieve their academic and career goals. Samone supports the Division of Student Success and serves students by providing personalized academic advising and using her strong communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills to guide them through their educational journey.

Bio: Claudia Arredondo graduated from St. Mary's University with her Bachelor's in Speech Communication, from the Universidad de Alcala de Henares with a master's degree in Global Higher Education, and from EDSEN Business School with a master's degree in Digital Business. She is passionate about the interculturality behind communication, art, and higher education. Claudia supports First Year Advising and serves students by providing guidance on academic topics such as degree requirements, relevant course selection, and assists students in setting and achieving educational and career goals.

Bio: Jordin Weinberg earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Texas A&M University and is currently working on her Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at UNT Dallas. She is passionate about making college feel more manageable, especially for first-generation students and those navigating pre-health tracks. Jordin supports the Division of Student Success by offering straightforward, personalized advising to help students move forward with confidence.

Bio: Taylor Atkins graduated from Texas A&M University-Texarkana with her bachelor's degree in History. She is passionate about supporting students as they begin their university journey and helping them build a memorable experience. Taylor supports the Division of Student Success and serves students by guiding them to identify their goals and pathways to achieve them, understand their degree requirements, and feel empowered to advocate for themselves and their educational journey.

About Me: Lauren Krznarich graduated from St. Cloud State University with her master's degree in College Counseling & Student Development. She is passionate about developing hands-on learning opportunities for students, helping incoming UTA students find a sense of belonging on campus, and collaborating across campus to positively impact student success. Lauren supports the Division of Student Success and serves students by developing career-engaged experiential learning opportunities and curriculum that supports incoming UTA students in their first year and beyond.

About Me: Hello, my name is Holly Williams, and I am the Coordinator of Experiential Learning in the Office of Academic Engagement. I am a Texas native; I was born in Houston and moved to the Dallas area in 2005 where I’ve been ever since. My background is in Science and Education. I worked as an Education Program Specialist for Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas and most recently as an Assistant Director of Education at Sylvan Learning Center. In 2021, I earned my master’s degree in education from the University of Texas- Arlington. I love positively impacting young minds through education and leadership and hope to continue doing that throughout my career. Outside of work you will find me exploring new adventures through food and travel or spending time with loved ones.

Bio: Justin Correll graduated Warner School of Education from University of Rochester with a masters in Education and Human Development. He is passionate about communication tactics, growth opportunities, and providing guidance. Justin supports DSS and serves students by guiding them on what you will learn with your major as well as what others have to offer. By having the time to learn more about you and what you hope to accomplish.