Meet the Staff

A&S Academic Advising Staff Biographies and contact information.

Need to make an advising appointment? Call our office at (502) 852-5502, schedule online through Cardsmart, or stop by Gardiner Hall.  for any other questions.

Advisors

Melissa Benningfield

Melissa Benningfield

Academic Counselor, Sr.

Email:  melissa.benningfield@louisville.edu

Phone: (502) 852-3203

Education:

  • Indiana State University, MS Criminology with Corrections specialization
  • Indiana State University, BS Criminology
  • Vincennes University, AS Conservation Law Enforcement

My advice for A&S students:
This is your life!  Take responsibility for yourself and your actions. It is ok if you do not have a clear path for your future because most of us have changed directions more than once in our lives. What is important is that you do not lose yourself in the process and that you make good choices on your journey. Have confidence; be strong; and don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it.

Maria Blair

Academic Counselor 

Email:  maria.blair@louisville.edu 

Phone: (502) 852-9624 

Education:

  • Midway University, BS Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing

My advice for A&S students:
Use a planner with dates, so you can visually see what is due when. It saved my life in college and I was always ahead of assignments.  

Matt Church

Matt Church

Academic Coordinator

Email:  mschur01@louisville.edu

Phone: (502) 852-1326

Education:

  • Bellarmine University, BA History
  • University of Louisville, MA History
  • University of Louisville, MA Higher Education Administration

My 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 wont like it in college.

Megan Clifton

Megan Clifton

Academic Coordinator

Email:  Melark01@louisville.edu

Phone: (502) 852-5182

Education:

  • University of South Carolina, M.Ed Higher Education and Student Affairs
  • Bellarmine University, BA Communication

My advice for A&S students:
Get to know your advisor and your professors!

Kelsey Coronel 

Academic Counselor 

Email:  kelsey.coronel.1@louisville.edu  

Phone: (502) 852-3207 

Education:

  • Bellarmine University, BA Psychology and Criminal Justice Studies 

My advice for A&S students:
Don’t let fear stop you from all the amazing experiences life has to offer. This is your opportunity to get out of your comfort zone, meet new people, and learn new things. You got this!  

Joey Decker

Joey Decker

Academic Counselor, Sr.

Email:  

Phone: (502) 852-6489

Education:

  • Indiana Wesleyan University, M.Ed Education with a focus on Curriculum and Assessment
  • Bellarmine University, BA Elementary Education & Learning and Behavior Disorders

My advice for A&S students:
College is a great time to make connections and build relationships, especially with your advisors, instructors, and fellow classmates. You never know when you will be conversing with your future physician, a future educator of your children, or a future best-selling author. Building a network of "human resources" will be valuable here at the University of Louisville and beyond for years to come. I look forward to being part of your network and advising you during your journey as a Cardinal!

Danielle Dolan

Danielle Dolan

Assistant Dean and Director

Email:  danielle.dolan@louisville.edu

Phone: (502) 852-4115

Education:

  • University of Louisville, M.Ed Education Counseling Psychology with a focus on College Student Personnel
  • University of Louisville, BA English and Communication

My advice for A&S students:
It is up to you to participate in your own education and we are here to serve as a guide and as a resource. You are now part of a community that has larger implications on a greater number of people. Open yourself up to the experience, in and outside of the classroom and to the diversity this campus affords. Most importantly, participate in positive dialogue with people that might have a different worldview. You will find yourself connected to a vast network of engaged people that will be invaluable to your experience here at UofL.

Sofia Draper

Sofia Draper

Academic Counselor, Sr.

Email:  

Phone: (502) 852-9042

Education:

  • Grand Valley State University, M.Ed Higher Education with a concentration in College Student Affairs Leadership
  • Purdue University, BS Psychology

My advice for A&S students:
My Advice to A&S Students: Try to step outside of your comfort zone, whether that be talking to the person next to you in class, taking a course in a subject you don’t know much about, or getting involved on campus or in the community. Every time you push yourself, you are given an opportunity to grow so don’t be afraid to put yourself out there! Also make sure to utilize the resources UofL offers you, especially your advisor! We are here to help in any way we can so do not hesitate to reach out!

Kourtney Hall

Kourtney Hall

Academic Counselor, Sr.

Email:  kmdavi09@louisville.edu

Phone: (502) 852-2717

Education:

  • University of Louisville, MA Higher Education Administration
  • University of Louisville, BA Communication

My advice for A&S students:
Don’t be afraid to ask questions!!! As an advisor, I’m here to help you find the answers! Your college experience is yours to make. Make sure that your decisions are your own!

Sierra Kronka

Academic Counselor 

Email:  sierra.kronka@louisville.edu  

Phone: (502) 852-2577 

Education:

  • University of Louisville, M.Ed Counseling & Personnel Services with a concentration in College Student Personnel  
  • University of Louisville, BA English

My advice for A&S students:
As an academic counselor one of my driving goals is to help guide students on their own personal paths of self-discovery and growth while also giving them the tools to feel empowered and autonomous. My advice to students is to lean in and embrace the feeling of uncomfortableness. Embracing that feeling allows for growth and resilience.  

Becky Ledford

Rebecca Suter Ledford

Academic Coordinator

Email:  rlsute01@louisville.edu

Phone: (502) 852-2715

Education:

  • University of Louisville, MA Higher Education Administration
  • University of Louisville, BA Psychology

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.

Sydney Miller

Academic Counselor 

Email:  sydney.miller@louisville.edu 

Phone: (502) 852-9043 

Education:

  • University of Louisville, M.Ed College Student Personnel   
  • University of Louisville, BA Psychology 

My advice for A&S students:
College is a time of transition and a time to learn more about yourself! Make sure to do that! Keep in mind everyone’s path is different and make sure you stay on the one for you! Take advantage of all the different types of resources, events, and opportunities to connect with other students, staff, and faculty! You never know who you’ll meet and what you’ll learn. 

Josh Nelson

Joshua Nelson

Academic Counselor

Email:  

Phone: (502) 852-2719

Education:

  • Western Kentucky University, MA Education with a Concentration in Student Affairs in Higher Education
  • Western Kentucky University, BIS Emphasis in Education

My advice for A&S students:
College is a time where you have the option to explore what you truly love and follow your dreams. Never ever stop dreaming, and always continue to fight for those dreams. "They say anything is possible, you got to dream like you never seen obstacles". I encourage all students to believe in themselves, believe in their dreams and enjoy the ride, because it's over before you know it. Everything you want is right in front of you, keep moving forward. Much Love #110.

Mattie Perez 2016

Mattie Perez

Academic Counselor

Email:  mpmedd01@louisville.edu

Phone: (502) 852-2714

Education:

  • University of Louisville, M.Ed Higher Education Administration
  • University of Louisville, BA Spanish

My Advice for A&S Students:
You are your best advocate, so never be afraid to ask questions and seek guidance. Get to know your instructors, your advisor, and other students in your major, and allow them to get to know you. These are relationships that will last far beyond your undergraduate experience, and they can be formed whether you are a traditional or non-traditional student.

Jessi Spillman-Johnson 

Academic Counselor 

Email:  jessi.spillmanjohnson@louisville.edu 

Phone: (502) 852-3397 

Education:

  • University of the Cumberlands, MA Clinical Mental Health Counseling 
  • Kentucky Christian University, BS Counseling Psychology 

My advice for A&S students:
Make the most of your time in college! It is a completely different experience where there are numerous opportunities, from meeting new people to delving into your future career. So, join a club or take a class that sounds interesting, feel comfortable exploring all that college has to offer.     

Support Staff

Cynthia Jeffery

Cynthia Jeffery

Administrative Assistant

Email:  

Phone: (502) 852-5502

Karla Morton 2016

Karla Morton

Administrative Associate

Email:  kjmort02@louisville.edu

Phone: (502) 852-5502

LaRee Shontee

Program Assistant Sr.  

Email:  laree.shontee@louisville.edu 

Phone: (502) 852-5502