Advising Staff Biographies
A&S Academic Advising Staff Biographies and contact information.
A&S Academic Advising Staff
Center for Advising and Student Services Staff
(502) 852-5502
A list of advisors by division is also available here.
or call us at (502) 852-5502 for an appointment.
Katie Gardner Adamchik
Coordinator, and CONECT Program Coordinator, Natural Sciences Division
Email Katie
Years with advising: 4+
Education:
University of Louisville, Master of Education, College Student Personnel
Earlham College, Bachelor of Arts, African and African American Studies
Professional Memberships:
NACADA – National Academic Advising Association
ACPA – College Student Educators International
NASPA – Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education
When asked why she/he became an Academic Advisor Katie said:
I hope to assist students with identifying their goals, determining the right major for them, and finding the classes that are not only required but also interest them most. I really enjoy working with students one-on-one and advising provides me with the opportunity to serve as a resource to students while developing relationships throughout their college journey.
Community Service:
Central Kentucky Boxer Rescue
My advice for A&S students:
College is your time to explore yourself and your future. Explore majors, consider careers and lifelong goals, and utilize all the resources UofL has to offer you.
Dr. Tomarra Adams
Years with advising: 8+
Education:
B.A. Psychology/Minor Pan-African Studies, University of Louisville MSSW Kent School of Social Work, University of Louisville Ph.D. Social Work, University of Louisville/University of Kentucky
Professional Memberships:
National Academic Advising Association (NACADA) National Association of Social Workers (NASW) National Council of Black Studies (NCBS) Council of Social Work Education (CSWE)
Why did you become an Academic Advisor?
“Since 1997 I have worked to have a positive impact on student retention, and found a relationship between counseling and student persistence that lead me to academic advising and student services. My mission is to look at the whole student within the larger system to positively impact on their success.”
Your advice for A&S Students:
“To whom much is given, much is expected” – Luke 12:48
Eddie Paul Bobbitt
Academic Counselor, Sr., Social Sciences Division
Years with advising: 4+
Education:
University of Louisville, Masters of Education, College Student Personnel (in progress)
University of Louisville, Bachelor of Science, Sport Administration (Marketing)
Professional Memberships:
NACADA – National Academic Advising Association
KACADA – Kentucky Academic Advising Association
Community Service:
Camp Quality Kentucky
Special Olympics
YMCA of Southern Indiana Basketball Coach
Why did you become an Academic Advisor?
I enjoy assisting students in the clarification process of their life goals and in the development of educational plans for the realization of those goals. Throughout my undergraduate career at U of L I had incredible advisors help me so advising provides me the opportunity to return the favor.
Advice for A & S students:
Be sure to use your resources and get involved on campus as soon as possible. Remember, YOUR education is YOUR responsibility.
Phone: (502) 852-3207
Matt Church
Coordinator, Humanities Division
Years with advising: 7+
Education:
BA History, Bellarmine University
MA History, University of Louisville
PhD Educational Leadership and Organizational Development, University of Louisville (in progress)
Certificate of Completion, International History Summer School, Cambridge University, United Kingdom
Professional Memberships:
National Academic Advising Association (NACADA)
Kentucky Academic Advising Association (KACADA)
Community Service/Outreach:
Advisor/Coach University of Louisville Intercollegiate Quiz Bowl Team
Ascension School Quick Recall Coach
Coordinator of A&S Centennial Challenge Academic Tournament
Coordinator of UofL Cardinal Invitational Academic Tournament
Why did you become an Academic Advisor?
I love working with students and course schedules. As an undergraduate, I enjoyed putting my class schedule together and looked forward to when the schedule came out, I still do. Particularly, I enjoy the opportunity the position affords me to help students identify their goals and begin the process of achieving them. Additionally, I take great joy helping students find possible majors and helping them find courses to aid in their career goals and broader educational attainment.
Your advice for A&S Students:
Enjoy your time in college and don’t rush into anything. If you have an idea what you want to major in and pursue as career, by all means follow your ambitions. If you do not know what you want to do, don’t rush into a major or program of study for the sake of finishing in four year. Better to take an extra semester and be happy later on in life than realize you are unhappy with what you are doing fifteen years after school. Also, do not be afraid try new subjects and remember just because you didn’t like a subject in high school, doesn’t mean you won’t like it in college.
Deborah Conrad
Academic Counselor, Exploratory Division
Years with advising: 12+
Education:
Texas Tech University – Masters of Counseling Education
University of Nebraska – Masters of Education in High Education Administration
Mercer University – Bachelor of Science in Human Services
Professional Memberships:
NACADA-National Academic Advising Association
When asked why she/he became an Academic Counselor Deb said:
After many years in higher education I found academic advising to be a great medium to facilitate students to chart, change and complete educational dreams and goals.
Community Service:
My advice for A&S students:
I enjoy teaching students to drive their school bus. Their academic success is their goal while the bus is the mode of transportation - the parents and I are passengers for the journey but they are driving…… I advise students to plan for the obstacles, dodge them or change directions if necessary and learn from their mistakes. People won’t know they need help if they don’t ask. What fun it is to watch graduation.
Phone: (502) 852-5502
Danielle Dolan
Academic Counselor, Sr., Natural Sciences Division
Years with advising: 2+
Education:
University of Louisville, M. Ed. in Education Counseling Psychology with a focus on College Student Personnel
University of Louisville, Bachelor of Arts in English and Communications
Professional Memberships:
CPAK – College Personnel Association of Kentucky
When asked why she/he became an Academic Advisor Danielle said:
I have an interest in student services. While Academic Advising is part of academic affairs, I feel that it is ultimately a service to the students. I had wonderful advisors during my time as an undergraduate (and as a graduate student) and knew it would be a very rewarding experience to seek out in the field of education. I enjoy working with students to help them understand their potential and determining what steps are needed in order to live up to that potential.
Community Service:
SOUL Service Project, Site Co-leader
AHEAD Conference, Volunteer
CPAK Conference on Careers in Student Affairs, Volunteer
Kentucky Women’s Book Festival, Volunteer
My advice for A&S students:
I really cannot offer up any advice. Essentially it is up to you to participate in your own education and we are here to serve as a guide. You are responsible for you. We have high expectations for you and it is vital for you to embrace the great deal of independence you are offered in college. You are now part of a community that has larger implications on a greater number of people, the most important member being yourself. I suppose I can offer you this: Open up yourself to the experience, in and outside of the classroom. You may change more than you ever thought you would!
Phone: (502) 852-5502
Beth Forney
Years with Advising: 2+ years in A&S; over 6 years working in Academic Services for Athletics at UofL and with JCTCS students participating in Metropolitan College.
Education:
MEd, UofL, Special Education, Concentration in Learning and Behavioral Disorders
MEd, UofL, Counseling & Personnel Services, Concentration in Student Personnel Services.
BS, University of Evansville, Communication.
Professional Memberships: NACADA
Why advising? I love the accepting atmosphere of a college campus and the numerous possibilities available to students pursuing their education goals.
Advice? Take an active role in your education. Ask questions, make a plan, use resources and follow through - this is YOUR education!
Bret Hirsch
Academic Counselor, Sr., Social Sciences Division
Years with advising: 3+
Education:
Arkansas Tech University, Master of Science, College Student Personnel
Oklahoma State University, Bachelor of Science, Liberal Studies
Why did you become an Academic Advisor?
I became an Advisor in order to help students persist through to graduation. I enjoy seeing students succeed and meet their goals.
Advice for A & S students:
Do not give up. College is meant to be a challenge, and through those challenges you will truly find yourself and emerge as a better person and student.
Phone: (502) 852-5502
Edward L. Laster
Academic Counselor, Social Sciences Division
Years with advising: Having worked at UofL longer than freshmen have lived, advising students to be successful is what I do. Go figure?
Education:
University of Louisville, Masters in Education (College Student Personnel
University of Louisville, Bachelors in Education (Counseling)
Professional Memberships: NACADA-National Academic Advising Association
When asked why he became an Academic Advisor Mr. Ed said: after many years of service at UofL, fate blew me in this direction.
Community Service: The list is long! I have been everything from a student to a member of UofLs Board of Trustees, and I am a former two term chair of the Commission on Diversity and Racial Equality.
My advice for A&S students: Success at UofL is “old school” hard work and not luck. If you model successful students, you will also become a college graduate.
Phone: (502) 852-5502
Rebecca Suter Ledford
Coordinator, Social Sciences Division
Years with advising: 8 years+
Education:
University of Louisville, Masters in Higher Education Administration
University of Louisville, Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Professional Memberships:
NACADA- National Academic Advising Association
KACADA- Kentucky Academic Advising Association
When asked why she/he became an Academic Advisor Becky said: I wanted to be able to help students get the guidance that I received while I was in school.
Community Service:
My advice for A&S students: Take advantage of the resources that are offered to you. There are many people who want to help make your college career the best it possibly can be.
Phone: (502) 852-5502
Margaret Murray
Academic Counselor, Sr., Humanities Division
Years with advising: 5+ years
Education:
University of Louisville, pursuing a Master's degree in the HRE Instructional Design Graduate Program
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Master of Library Science
University of Southwestern Louisiana, Bachelor of Fine Arts, Visual Arts
Professional Memberships:
NACADA-National Academic Advising Association
KACADA-Kentucky Academic Advising Association
When asked why she/he became an Academic Advisor Margaret said:
I have always been interested in academic advising, teaching, counseling and advocacy.
Community Service:
Chair of the Communications Committee, KACADA
I volunteer with the Prevention, Education, and Advocacy on Campus and in the Community Center at UofL and am a volunteer case worker with the American Red Cross.
Margaret’s advice for A&S students:
“Life isn't about finding yourself - it's about creating yourself.”
Phone: (502) 852-5502
Christy Raymer Noe
Academic Counselor, Humanities Division
Years with advising: 1+ yrs
Education:
Angelo State University, Master of Education in Student Development and Leadership in Higher Education
University of Louisville, Bachelor of Arts, English
Professional Memberships:
NASPA- Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education
NACADA-National Academic Advising Association
When asked why she/he became an Academic Advisor Christy said: I have known some amazing people, both on and off campus, and they have had a profound impact on my life. My hope is to pass along some of the encouragement I received as a student to others to help them in their journey.
Community Service:
First Generation Student mentor, Cub Scout Troop 9 San Angelo, TX
My advice for A&S students: Persistence is key and get to know your professors! Their knowledge base and experiences can provide a wealth of useful information.
Phone: (502) 852-5502
Margaret Rohmann
Assistant Director, Humanities Division
Years with advising: 30 + years
Education:
B.A. Elementary Education, Antioch College, 1972
M.Ed. Guidance and Counseling, University of Vermont, 1974
When asked why she/he became and Academic Advisor Meg said:
“I have always liked the atmosphere on campus and enjoy interacting with all kinds of people.”
Meg’s advice for A&S students:
Avoid a sense of entitlement and avoid blaming others for your own errors, oversights, and failures.
Phone: (502) 852-6487
Anna Scarff
Years with advising: This is my third year with Academic Advising at the University of Louisville; I have 6 years previous experience in Career Advising
Education:
East Carolina University, Master of Science in Counselor Education, focus on Counseling in Higher Education
Wake Forest University, Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Professional Memberships:
NACADA - National Academic Advising Association
KACADA - Kentucky Academic Advising Association
Community Service:
Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation
Why did you become an Academic Advisor?
When I was pursuing my graduate degree I had the opportunity to work with students on their career development, and I discovered an enthusiasm for working with students and helping them to achieve their goals. After six years of career counseling, I am excited to transition into academic advising and look forward to assisting University of Louisville students as they pursue their college degree.
Advice for A & S students:
Make the most of your college experience - this is your opportunity to grow and develop into anything you want to be. Explore your interests, work hard, and have fun!
Phone: (502) 852-5502
Ellen Schoening
Senior Academic Counselor, Humanities Division
Years with advising: Thirty something
Education: B.A. in French, graduate study in French
Professional Memberships: NACADA
When asked why she/he became and Academic Advisor (your name) said:
I was employed in the Arts and Sciences Dean’s Office, then housed in an old building where Parrish Court is now located, before the Advising Center was established. I was offered an opportunity to work with students as an academic advisor by Associate Dean Polly B. Wood and am glad to have been doing so ever since.
Ellen’s advice for A&S students:
Take responsibility for your education: it doesn’t just happen. Get involved in learning activities both in and outside the classroom. Travel, meet new people, and see new things as much as possible.
Phone: (502) 852-5502
Tonia D. Thomas
Program Director, Post-bac Pre-med Certificate Program,
School of Medicine and the College of Arts and Sciences.
Years with advising: 3+ years
Education:
University of Louisville, Bachelors of Science in Sociology
Professional Memberships:
AAMC – Association of American Medical Colleges
When asked why she/he became an Academic Advisor Tonia said:
I have a passion for helping students reach their full potential and advising has served as an empowerment tool.
Community Service:
Webelos Den Leader for Pack 567 Cub Scouts
My advice for A&S students:
Strive for excellence in everything you do!
Phone: (502) 852-2712
Meagan West
Academic Counselor, Sr., and Peer Advisor Program Coordinator, Exploratory Division
Years with advising: 7+
Education:
B.A. Communication, University of Louisville
Certificate of Completion, French Study Abroad, University of Quebec at Chicoutimi, Canada
Professional Memberships:
NACADA-National Academic Advising Association
KACADA-Kentucky Academic Advising Association
Volunteer Work:
As a member of the Sigma Kappa Sorority Advisory Board, I volunteer my time to the national organization that helped shape who I am today.
Why did you become an Academic Advisor?
“Throughout my undergraduate career here at the University of Louisville, I found a love for working with students as a member of the Student Orientation Staff and Peer Advisor program. Being able to make a difference is an individual’s life is what keeps me motivated!”
Your advice for A&S Students:
“Never strive to be mediocre” and “Work hard…Play harder”
Phone: (502) 852-5502
Andrew L. Williams
Coordinator, Natural Sciences Division
Phone: (502) 852-5502
Support Staff
Karla Morton, Administrative Associate
Cynthia E. Ford, Secretary II
Heather Gurnari, Program Assistant
Kate M. Lawniczak, Program Assistant Senior
