Associate Vice Provost for Student Success

Biography

As associate vice provost, Leonard leads academic and career engagement for the Division of Student Success and works closely with the Academic Success Center, Center for Career Development & Academic Exploration, Veterans Resource Center, Vol Success Teams, and campus-wide advising initiatives.

Leonard’s professional background includes a hybrid of academic and student service experiences related to academic advising, retention and success, and student development. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in liberal studies from Kentucky State University and a Master of Science in adult and higher education from Northern Illinois University, and is currently completing a Doctorate of Education in higher education leadership from the University of Miami.

Leonard’s passion for student success resides in helping students discover who they are, defining their goals for their success, and encouraging them to achieve their dreams.

Gallup Strengths: Competition, Strategic, Woo, Activator, Significance

Executive Director, Center for Career Development & Academic Exploration

Biography

As Director of the Center for Career Development and Academic Exploration, Stephanie Kit assures that all UT students has access to career services and resources that will better position them to achieve their goals. Additionally, she builds strong collaborations with other units on campus to help infuse career in the campus culture and serves as a resource for the community on issues of career development.

Kit holds a B.S. in business administration from Wake Forest University and an M.S. in college student personnel in higher education from the University of Georgia. She is also a Nationally Certified Career Counselor and has worked at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville career center for nearly 25 years.

Kit’s heart lies in career counseling and helping scholars find a major or career they are excited to pursue. She also enjoys helping staff develop professionally and achieve their personal career goals.

Strengths: Discipline, Learner, Maximizer, Empathy, Achiever

Director, Veterans Success Center

Biography

Jayetta Rogers oversees the Veterans Resource Center, which currently serves over 900 military service members and their dependents using VA education benefits. The Veterans Resource Center provides students with the tools and resources they need to be successful and ease the transition from military to civilian life.

Rogers holds a B.A. in psychology and an M.S. in educational psychology, counseling and research with a concentration in adult education. Both from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

Gallup Strengths: Context, Consistency, Belief, Empathy, Responsibility

Director, Academic Success Center

Biography

Doug Renalds oversees the Academic Success Center which helps UT students maximize their talents and educational opportunities.  Vols turn B’s into A’s and stay on top of Rocky Top by accessing Academic Success Center services: academic coaching, supplemental Instruction, and tutoring.

"What a fun and rewarding opportunity it is to serve (and learn from) our amazing students, and to be on this journey with the wonderful team of competent, caring professionals at the Academic Success Center!  Completing my 14^th year of Student Success work at UT, and there’s never been a better or more exciting time to be here." - Doug Renalds

Gallup Strengths: Strategic, Maximizer, Ideation, Positivity, Intellection

Director, Academic Inclusive Initiatives

Biography

Talisha Adams provides strategic direction and assessment of UT’s retention and persistence efforts to support scholars who identify as first-generation, low-income, and/or students of color. Adams provides direct oversight of the TRIO Student Support Services project, current and new first-generation initiatives and new academic initiatives for supporting scholars from underrepresented racial and ethnic backgrounds.

Adams has a B.S. in psychology, Master of Education in Higher Education and Student Affairs, and Ed.D. in educational leadership.

She has a variety of higher education experience including housing and residence life, student activities, academic advising, academic support and learning assistance, first-year experience, access initiatives, and summer bridge programs.

One of Adams' favorites quotes by Dr. Maya Angelou states, “I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Therefore, she believes it is important for educators to ensure that every interaction leaves scholars and colleagues feeling like they matter and belong.

Gallup Strengths: Relator, Achiever, Strategic, Futuristic, Learner