Meet the Staff

Christopher Almond, MBA

Retention and Graduation Specialist

Education:
MBA, Global Management, American Intercontinental University
BBA, Marketing, Morehouse College

I enjoy meeting and working with outstanding students from diverse backgrounds. As a Retention Specialist, I assist students with the timely progression and completion of their degrees.

Phone: 404/413-2052
E-mail: calmond@gsu.edu
Office Location: Suite 224, Sparks Hall 

Nia Woods Haydel, Ph.D.

Assistant Director for First-Year Programs

Education:
Ph.D., Educational Policy Studies, Georgia State University
MS, Higher Education Administration, Texas A&M University
BS, Psychology, University of New Orleans

I enjoy working at Georgia State because the students here are remarkable and the opportunity to interact with such a wide range of individuals with such broad experiences is phenomenal.  Since there is such a variety of individuals in the Georgia State community, it is necessary for us to create programs and services that will meet students where they are with their different needs.  Being at Georgia State in Undergraduate Studies affords me with countless occasions to interact and impact students as they travel on their journey toward acquiring their degrees. I like being at Georgia State because when I am interacting with students, I can feel that my efforts make a difference. My primary focus at Georgia State is developing programs that support academic and personal success for first-year students. In this role, I am charged with directing the Freshmen Learning Communities program, the GSU 1010 course, as well as initiatives that will create opportunities for students to maximize on the vast resources available for them to be successful at Georgia State.

Phone: 404/413-2052
E-mail: nhaydel@gsu.edu
Office Location: Suite 234, Sparks Hall

Nikolas Huot, MA

Administrative Specialist for Retention Programs

Education:
MA, English Studies, Universite de Montreal

Working in the Office of Undergraduate Studies allows me to help a large number of students successfully  transition to a college environment and make the most of their time at GSU. Because of the efforts of everyone involved in Undergraduate Studies, students are more likely to persist in their studies and graduate in a timely manner. My main responsibilities involve data reporting, assessment of retention programs, Freshman Learning Communities scheduling and registration, and the coordination of the First-Year Book program. As an administrative specialist, I am also responsible for providing administrative support to all staff members in the office and to the Assistant Vice President for Student Retention. Every fall, I also teach a few sections of GSU 1010 as part of the Freshman Learning Communities.

Phone: 404/413-2052
E-mail: nhout1@gsu.edu
Office Location: Suite 224, Sparks Hall

Gala Jackson, M.Ed.

Academic Professional for Supplemental Instruction

Education:
M.Ed., Higher Education Administration, Valdosta State University
BFA, Speech Communication, Valdosta State University

I am passionate about student development and academic success. Serving as the Academic Professional for Supplemental Instruction at Georgia State University provides me with the opportunity to develop new and innovative academic support initiatives to help students reach their full academic potential. In my current position I direct the Supplemental Instruction program, supervise 80 SI Leaders, collaborate with faculty and staff to develop academic initiatives, and serve  as a GSU 1010 instructor. I look enjoy serving the students at Georgia State, working with elite faculty and staff, and making positive contributions to the diverse GSU community.

Phone: 404/413-2061
E-mail: gjackson10@gsu.edu
Office Location: Suite 249, Sparks Hall

Crystal Mitchell

Retention & Graduation Counselor

Education: 
BBA, Marketing, Clayton State University

My service at Georgia State University continues to provide rewarding and inspiring experiences that allow me to make a positive impact in the life of our students and community.  At GSU students are an active participant in a unique institution and learning environment that offers diversity, supportive faculty and staff, community service, and academic preparation for successful careers and professional studies. As a Retention and Graduation Counselor, my focus is to provide support and assistance to students so as to help them achieve academic success, persistence, and ultimately graduation.  My goal is to work with students to ensure appropriate academic and administrative decisions are made that lead to timely degree completion.

Phone: 404/413-2052
E-mail: cmitchell@gsu.edu 
Office Location: Suite 224, Sparks Hall

Amy Molina, M.Ed.

Academic Professional for Latino Student Retention and Recrutiment

Education: 
M.Ed., Educational Leadership and Policy Studies, Iowa State University
BA, Sociology and Chicano Studies, University of Wyoming

Georgia State University is an exciting place to work at as things are always changing and evolving. I love the challenges of working in Undergraduate Studies as it allows me to grow both personally and professionally. One of the best things about working at Georgia State is the opportunity to work with students and staff members from diverse backgrounds. Every interaction and experience is a learning opportunity. As the Academic Professional for Latino Student Retention and Recruitment, I am responsible for overseeing the Office of Latino Student Services and Outreach LASSO. I am fully committed to improving the retention, progression, and graduation of Latino Students at Georgia State.  My personal mission is is to create a safe and welcoming environment that supports academic success, develops leadership, and embraces Hispanic/Latino students’ cultural identity. 

Phone: 404/413-2052 
E-mail: amolina@gsu.edu
Office Location: 75 Piedmont (Citizen Trust Bank Building), Suite 368

Marlena Parker

Coordinator of Scholarship Outreach

Education: 
BS, Human Resource Policy & Development, Georgia State University

I love the process of helping students organize their interests and seeing the puzzle pieces finally fit together when they realize what their passion is. The diversity of students that I am able to work with brings new challenges and exciting conversations every day.  I am extremely proud to be a part of what we do here to provide intellectually stimulating programs blended with a real commitment to student success.  Serving as the Coordinator of Scholarship Outreach at Georgia State University affords me the opportunity to incorporate creativity and personal interests at work.  I am responsible for coordinating the university wide open application scholarship process, providing scholarship outreach and overseeing the Scholarship Resource Center.  I am excited about continuing to enhance positive recognition of the scholarship program and empowering students to discover proactive solutions for the challenges they face in funding their education.  I welcome you to visit our office, website or attend a scholarship workshop if you need any assistance.

Phone: 404/413-2052 
E-mail: mrparker@gsu.edu
Office Location: Suite 251, Sparks Hall

Victoria Wimberley

Senior Administrative Coordinator

Education: 
BS, Psychology, Georgia State University
BS, African American Studies, Georgia State University

My higher education experience is an accumulation of years at UC Berkeley, Emory University, and now Georgia State University.  I have served as support to both students and faculty.  My experience includes working with student organizations and assisting students with job placement on campus. As an alumnae of Georgia State University I understand the type of support needed by students to manage activities and roles with student organizations while maintaining scholastic achievement. In the Office of Undergraduate Studies, I support the Assistant Vice President of Student Retention and coordinate the placement of the student staff for the Office Undergraduate Studies.

Phone: 404/413-2052
Email: vwimberley1@gsu.edu
Office Location: Suite 224, Sparks Hall