Meet the Staff

Joan Collier, M.Ed.

Retention Specialist and Faculty Liaison

Education:
M.Ed., University of Georgia
BBA, Managerial Sciences, Georgia State University

As the Retention Specialist and Faculty Liaison in the Office of Undergraduate Studies, I am the professional responsible for the Freshman Learning Community Peer Mentor Program and Atlanta-Based Learning program. Additionally, I work with special programs such as Success Academy and the Panther Excellence Program.
I enjoy working with college students because I believe in the power and liberty that being an educated person provides. Learning is a process. Sometimes that process requires the assistance of others who have the experience to assist students in reaching their goals. College students are an amazing group to work with because they are growing into who they are as a person by shaping, redefining, and affirming their beliefs and values and identifying the change they want to make in the world.

Phone: 404/413-2052
E-mail: jcollier8@gsu.edu
Office Location: Suite 224, Sparks Hall 

Nikolas Huot, MA

Assistant Director for First-Year 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: nhuot1@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 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

Elizabeth Jimenez, M.Ed.

Retention Coordinator

Education: 
M.Ed., College Student Affairs Administration, University of Georgia
BA, English Literature, Florida State University

One of the most exciting things about being at Georgia State University is being able to work with students and staff from diverse backgrounds and experiences. As a Retention Coordinator with the Office of Latino Student Services and Outreach, I enjoy supporting and assisting students in their transition to GSU. Additionally, I assist our office in providing different programs for students to enhance their college success.

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

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

Jolayna Palm, MA

Retention Coordinator

Education:
MA, Higher Education, Student Affairs, Eastern Michigan University
BBE, Business Management, Marketing & Technology, Eastern Michigan University

Working at Georgia State University has provided me with an opportunity to do what I truly enjoy, which is helping students succeed. As the Coordinator of the Academic Coaching Program, I promote student success by establishing partnerships with various campus departments, facilitating academic workshops, connecting students with resources, as well as providing them with guidance and support to help them progress at Georgia State University. My role at Georgia State University, also gives me the opportunity to support first-year students by instructing GSU 1010 courses and assisting with Success Academy and the Panther Excellence Program.

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

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 249, Sparks Hall