August 17, 2017
Academic Achievement Center welcomes assistant director and two academic coaches
Submitted by Stephanie Bannister
The Division of Student Life welcomes R.J. Youngblood as the assistant director of the Academic Achievement Center, or AAC.
Youngblood earned her bachelor's degree in English from the University of Central Florida and a master's degree in English from Florida Gulf Coast University. She has served as the supplemental support and outreach coordinator with the Academic Achievement Center and as the tutoring coordinator and instructor with the Pilots Program at Kansas State University from 2015 to 2017. In 2017, Youngblood was awarded the Outstanding New Professional Award at K-State for her commitment to making a positive difference in students' academic success. Before coming to K-State, Youngblood had careers in clinical research and technology and experiences teaching English at the university level from 2010 to 2015.
"Over the past year, the AAC has undergone strategic changes to grow outreach and support to not only students but fellow faculty and staff. Youngblood's commitment to student success will be an excellent addition to the work of the AAC team. We are fortunate to have her vision and energy to move us forward," said Stephanie Bannister, assistant vice president for student life.
The center also welcomes Allison DuLac and Jessica Preston Kerr to the academic coaching team. Academic coaches meet one-on-one with students to assist with strengthening academic skills, discovering purpose and reaching academic goals.
DuLac received her master's degree in college student development from K-State and has experience as a graduate assistant with the center's academic coaching program. DuLac looks forward to working with students to support them on their path to success.
Kerr received her master's degree in curriculum and instruction from K-State and is a doctoral student in educational leadership. Kerr also has experience serving as the Academic Mentors Community Service Federal Work Study Program with the Staley School of Leadership Studies, as a literacy coach with USD 475, and as a high school English teacher with the Chicago Public Schools. Kerr is excited to help students achieve academic success by fostering self-transformation to help students realize opportunities.
For more information about the Academic Achievement Center or academic coaching, visit k-state.edu/aac or 101 Holton Hall.