Leadership

Meaghan Higgins, Executive Director

Meaghan Higgins serves the Kansas State College Advising Corps as Executive Director. In addition to supporting advisers, she provides leadership, overall operation, and long-term sustainability.

Prior to her work with KSCAC, Meaghan served as a postsecondary advisor with Kauffman Scholars, Inc., a college access and scholarship program, helping high school juniors and seniors in their efforts to prepare for and attend best fit colleges and universities. Meaghan’s professional background also includes two years with the Missouri College Advising Corps, where she was placed at Van Horn High School in Independence, MO as a college adviser. During her time with MCAC, she fostered a college-going culture for underrepresented and first-generation students. Additionally, she assisted in the navigation of complex admissions, financial aid, and matriculation processes by providing intrusive advising and exposure to postsecondary pathways.

Meaghan holds a Bachelor's of Science degree in Business Administration from the University of Missouri and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Missouri-Kansas City.

Tremesha Robinson, Regional Director -Wichita & Southwest Kansas

Tremesha is the Regional Director for Wichita & SW Kansas who began her experience with KSCAC as an in-school adviser at Olathe North H.S. where she served from 2016-2018. She then transitioned to a Hybrid Adviser from 2018-2020.

For high school Tremesha attended Sumner Academy and then moved on to the University of Missouri-St. Louis where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Social Work and graduated in Summer 2015. In St. Louis is where her passion for college access and success first sparked when she served as the Scholar Support and College Access Coordinator for inspireSTL.

She holds experience in family casework that allows her to bring a unique lens to working with students and families. Tremesha loves trying new restaurants and local coffee shops and spending time with family, especially her son, Carter.

Dr. Christopher Beggs, Regional Director - Kansas City

A proud Kansas City native, Dr. Chris Beggs has spent most of his career helping first-generation and low-income students have educational opportunities. Prior to joining the Kansas State College Advising Corps as Regional Director, Dr. Beggs taught, advised then led a federal TRIO program, and served as an administrator for academic support services at the University of Central Missouri. He resides with his wife and three children in Kansas City, MO.

Mallory Martin, Program Coordinator

Mallory Martin serves K-State College Advising Corps as the Program Coordinator. She assists both the College Advisers and Program Staff to better serve students across the state of Kansas. Mallory continues her work with KSCAC after serving as an in-school college adviser at Shawnee Mission Northwest High School from 2019-2021.

Mallory received her bachelor's degree from Kansas State University in 2019 where she studied Human Development and Family Science and got a minor in Conflict Analysis and Trauma Studies. Additionally, Mallory is currently working toward earning her master's degree in Social Work from the University of Kansas- Edwards Campus. While at K-State, Mallory was involved with Pi Beta Phi Sorority where she served as the Vice President of Philanthropy, then continued as the Policy and Standards Chair. She also has experience in nonprofit work with Stand Up For Your Sister Inc. In her free time, Mallory enjoys going on walks while listening to a podcast, playing with her dog Riggley, and watching movies.

Laura Loyacono, Director of Community Engagement and Development

Laura Loyacono provides support to KSCAC in identifying and securing funds for the program. In her capacity with Kansas State Olathe Campus, she works directly with school districts on college access initiatives including summer programming. Laura graduated with a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Kansas and a bachelor's degree in political science from Stephens College.