First Year Student Success Hub – Drop-In Advising
We’re offering drop-in hours for our advisees from Wednesday, August 13 to Monday, August 25 (weekdays only).
Hours: 9:00 AM–12:00 P.M. & 1:00 P.M.–4:00 PM
Location: In person (UC 210) or Virtually by clicking this Zoom link
Not sure who your advisor is?
Check to see which advisor supports your major by viewing the Clusters By Major list, or contact the First-Year Student Success Hub via phone (859-572-6900) or e-mail (fyssh@nku.edu).
*If you are more than 10 minutes late for a scheduled appointment, you may be asked to reschedule.*
Music & Theatre Majors, Last Names A-Z
Art Majors, Last Names A-C
Jen Davis is the Team Lead Advisor for the Arts Cluster in the First Year Student Success Hub. She began her career at NKU in Admissions in 2017 before moving to the College of Business in 2020, and is thrilled to be part of the team in the Hub! Jen earned both her BA in theatre and her MA in English from NKU, and has never felt more at home anywhere than on this campus. She loves working with first-year/freshman students to help build a stable foundation and offer guidance as they become more confident and independent in their own paths. In her free time, Jen is active in community theatre and is the co-editor-in-chief of Many Nice Donkeys literary magazine. Her first love, aside from her two super awesome children, is poetry, and she will begin her MFA in poetry with Spalding University in Fall 2024. She’s an excellent speller and a terrible typist.
Art Majors, Last Names D-Z
Alexis Draut earned her Bachelor’s degree from Berry College (2017) and her Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing at Chatham University (2021). Originally from Louisville, Alexis lived in Georgia, Pennsylvania, and New Zealand before returning to her home state to pursue her Ph.D. in English at the University of Kentucky. She taught freshmen rhetoric and composition for three years before coming to NKU to serve as a First Year Advisor for the First-Year Student Success Hub. In her free time, Alexis enjoys writing poetry, printmaking, and reading on her front porch.
Business Majors, Last Names A-K
Amanda is a proud two time graduate of NKU, she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Organizational Leadership in 2020 and her Master’s Degree in Public Administration in 2022. She is originally from Central Kentucky, but has called Northern Kentucky home since college. During her free time, Amanda can be found with her nose in a book, exploring local parks and coffee shops, or catching up on the latest women’s gymnastics meet.
Business Majors, Last Names L-Z
Lauren is a proud first-generation graduate of NKU. Originally hailing from South Eastern Kentucky, she made the transition to Northern Kentucky in 2019 to pursue her bachelor's degree in Social Work. During her undergraduate experience at NKU, Lauren was actively involved in various campus organizations, including NKU Campus Recreation, TRIO, LGBTQ+ Initiatives, and Norse Violence Prevention, among others. Following her experience as a counselor, she decided to shift her focus and embark on her Master's degree in Public Administration at NKU. Lauren is enthusiastic about advising and impacting the NKU student experience, with the goal of easing some of the anxieties that often accompany the freshman year. She aims to inspire students and show them that they have the potential to achieve anything they set their minds to. Outside of her academic pursuits, Lauren enjoys her leisure time with her partner and their three cats - Mabel, Rose, and Sadie - as well as their pet snake, William Snakespeare.
Education Majors, Last Names A-Z
Ed Thornton is the Team Lead Advisor for first year students within the College of Education. Born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, Ed made the trip to NKY where he attended Thomas More College (now University). He received his Bachelor’s degree in Communications and started his higher education career as an admissions counselor. He recently received his Master’s degree in Organizational Leadership from Lincoln Christian University, which led him to the advising position at NKU. In his free time, Ed coaches basketball and is a huge fan of March Madness! He also enjoys music and spending time with his family.
Exploratory Studies Majors, Last Names A-Z
Bio
Tom’s a Cincinnati native who’s been with NKU for 5 years now. While he earned his Bachelor’s in AYA Social Studies Education at Ohio University and Master’s in School Counseling at Xavier University (both on the Ohio side), he absolutely loves NKU as if it were his second home. He brings advising experience from all sorts of Major areas (Allied Health, Nursing, Education, Humanities, Social Sciences, etc.) to his role as our ‘Exploratory Studies’ First-Year Advisor/Team Lead. Plus, he started off in his first year of college as an ‘Undecided student’ so he’s been in the same boat as those students he advises. His favorite way to spend his downtime is outdoors with his family (1 wife, 2 kids). And a few other things he enjoys are coffee, geography, music, and tattoos.
Healthcare Majors - All Healthcare majors are currently being advised by the Team Lead Advisor, Mark Dvornak.
Bio
Cara Wagner earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, as well as minors in Journalism, Political Science, and Peace Studies from the University of Missouri (2023). She then returned home to Cincinnati and earned her Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling from the University of Cincinnati (2025). Cara is passionate about supporting students in making the transition to college and creating a safe space to both address difficulties of the college experience and celebrate students' wins. In her free time, Cara enjoys reading, volunteering, and staying active. She is also a lifelong theater kid and is always ready for a spontaneous musical number.
Healthcare Majors, Last Names L-Z
Mark Dvornak is originally from Corvallis, Oregon but has spent time living in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Washington all before moving to northern Kentucky. Mark attended Eastern Kentucky University where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and attended the University of Louisville where he got his Master’s in Higher Education Administration. While working on his Master’s, Mark worked in the College of Education and Human Development’s Office of Undergraduate Advising and Student Success where he created academic programs for first year students and at-risk students. In his free time, you can find Mark outside hiking, skateboarding, or trying to find new coffee shops.
Humanities & Social Science Majors, Last Names A-Z
(Except Secondary Education)
Susan comes to NKU with 15 years of experience in academic advising. She has previously worked as an Advising Manager at EKU and an Online Advisor at the KCTCS System Office working with three KCTCS Colleges. Susan holds a M.A. in College Student Personnel from EKU, a M.A. in Religious Education from Anderson University in Indiana, and a B.S. in Vocal Music from Mid-America Christian University in Oklahoma City, OK. Susan enjoys spending time with her family and is head-chauffeur to her daughter’s cheer and softball practices and games. Besides parenting, Susan enjoys crafting, singing in choir, hanging out with friends, and various activities with her faith community.
Secondary Education Majors in Humanities, Last Names A-Z
(English, History, French, Spanish)
Ed Thornton is the Team Lead Advisor for first year students degrees in education. Born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, Ed made the trip to NKY where he attended Thomas More College (now University). He received his Bachelor’s degree in Communications and started his higher education career as an admissions counselor. He recently received his Master’s degree in Organizational Leadership from Lincoln Christian University, which led him to the advising position at NKU. In his free time, Ed coaches basketball and is a huge fan of March Madness! He also enjoys music and spending time with his family.
Informatics Majors, Last Names E-Z
Jasmine is a proud NKU alumna and first joined the Career Services team in December 2021 as an Administrative Specialist after graduating from Northern Kentucky University with a bachelor's degree in psychology. She is currently in the MA English program at NKU. She has now transitioned to serve the First-Year Student Success Hub as an Academic Advisor. She realized her passion for helping students and is thrilled for the opportunity to support students as they transition into their first year at NKU.
In her spare time, you can find Jasmine binge reading, hanging out with friends, and serving in her local church.
Informatics Majors, Last Names A-D
Bio
David Sandmann is a Team Lead Advisor in the First Year
Student Success Hub. He earned a B.A. in Classical Humanities from Xavier University with minors in Mathematics, Philosophy, and Theatre. He later earned an M.Ed. from Xavier University as well.
Before Northern Kentucky University, David spent 12 years working as a high school teacher and coach in Cincinnati, Ohio. While he has lived in Cincinnati his entire life, he likes travel and visit new places. When not working David enjoys spending time outdoors, sampling new coffee shops, and exploring local restaurants with his wife. He also enjoys coaching soccer, playing
games, and working on puzzles.
Natural Science, Engineering & Math Majors, Last Names E-Z
Emma is a proud NKU alumna with a degree in Business Management and is a Northern Kentucky native. During her time in undergrad, Emma was an Orientation Leader and discovered her passion for helping freshmen navigate college life. She loves the NKU community and is thrilled to be advising current students. When Emma isn't working you can find her reading a good book, trying new coffee shops, or spending time in nature. .
Natural Science, Engineering & Math Majors, Last Names A-D
David Sandmann is a Team Lead Advisor in the First Year
Student Success Hub. He earned a B.A. in Classical Humanities from Xavier University with minors in Mathematics, Philosophy, and Theatre. He later earned an M.Ed. from Xavier University as well.
Before Northern Kentucky University, David spent 12 years working as a high school teacher and coach in Cincinnati, Ohio. While he has lived in Cincinnati his entire life, he likes travel and visit new places. When not working David enjoys spending time outdoors, sampling new coffee shops, and exploring local restaurants with his wife. He also enjoys coaching soccer, playing
games, and working on puzzles.
Pathfinder students are assigned an advisor based on their UNV 101 section.
Casey is a Cincinnati, Ohio native that started at NKU in
July of 2014. Prior to arriving at NKU Casey was the Academic Exploration Coordinator at his undergraduate alma mater, The College of Mount Saint Joseph. Casey earned his Master’s Degree in Student Affairs in Higher Education from Miami University in May of 2013. Casey has eight years of higher education experience that includes residence life, academic advising, and teaching first year experience courses.
Honors and Special Populations
Alexis Draut earned her Bachelor’s degree from Berry College (2017) and her Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing at Chatham University (2021). Originally from Louisville, Alexis lived in Georgia, Pennsylvania, and New Zealand before returning to her home state to pursue her Ph.D. in English at the University of Kentucky. She taught freshmen rhetoric and composition for three years before coming to NKU to serve as a First Year Advisor for the First-Year Student Success Hub. In her free time, Alexis enjoys writing poetry, printmaking, and reading on her front porch.
Exploratory students that are seeking readmission or submitting a tuition appeal should contact Amy Pieper.
As the Director of the First-Year Student Success Hub, Amy provides leadership to ensure excellence in advising and coordinated care to first-year students. She brings many years of higher education experience from a variety of settings, including Ohio University, University of Houston, and the University of Central Florida. Amy has had the pleasure of working at NKU since 2013. She has been recognized with the Outstanding Academic Advisor Award (2021), the Academic Affairs Outstanding Staff Member Award (2020), and was recognized as one of NKU's "Wise Women" (2023). She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Organizational Communication, and a Master’s degree in College Student Personnel from Ohio University. When she is not at work, you will find her at a baseball field, basketball court, or soccer field, cheering for her kids!
Samantha (or Sam) Dutle is the Associate Director for the First Year Student Success Hub. She is a proud NKU alumna, where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology. She also earned a Master’s Degree in Higher Education and Student Affairs from Indiana University. Samantha has over 10 years of advising experience, including both academic and career advising as well as teaching career readiness and orientation to college courses. Throughout her career, Samantha has worked with a wide variety of student populations: undecided/exploratory students, interdisciplinary studies majors, highly competitive programs, co-op programs, international students, transfer students, and online learners. Samantha was born and raised in Michigan, but now calls Northern Kentucky “home.” She lives in Alexandria, KY with her husband, two children, and dog. In her free time, she enjoys baking, crafting, and home renovation projects.
BIO
Terkerah has worked at Norse Advising since 2001 and has been the Senior Advisor since 2019. She became a Master Advisor in 2007. She has continued working with students in some professional capacity for over two decades. In addition to advising students in an academic capacity, she also advises students in extracurricular groups on campus through the African American Student Initiatives office.
Terkerah is now the Coordinated Care and Student Engagement Specialist. She will be the contact person between Academic Affairs and Student Affairs to serve as a partner across campus for our students. She writes a newsletter that goes out to students 3 times or more a semester to inform students of activities going on across campus. She also taught UNV 101 (First Year Experience classes) and currently teaches Communication classes as well as serves on several committees across campus.
Terkerah earned her bachelor's degree at Kentucky State University, her Master of Education degree from the University of Kentucky, and her Certificate to Teach in Communication from Northern Kentucky University.
BIO
Tara Henry is the Administrative Specialist in the First Year Student Success Hub. She is a proud NKU graduate! She earned her bachelor's degree in journalism and also wrote news articles for the Northerner during her time as a student. NKU campus feels like home to her, and she is so happy to be working with freshman/first-year college students. Both of her children will be attending NKU as of fall 2025. She loves spending time with family and crafting.
Major: Accounting
Major: Computer Science
Major: Animation
Major: Engineering Physics
Major: Computer Science
Northern Kentucky University
Nunn Drive, UC 122
Highland Heights, KY 41099
Phone: 859-572-7876
E-mail: fye@nku.edu
Northern Kentucky University
University Center, 210
Highland Heights, KY 41099
Phone: 859-572-6900
E-mail: fyssh@nku.edu
