Meet Our Advising and Student Success Team


The Advising and Student Success Center is dedicated to supporting students throughout their academic journey. Our team of experienced advisors, faculty, and staff are here to provide guidance, resources, and encouragement to help students achieve their educational and career goals.

Whether you need academic advising, professional development support, or mentorship, we are committed to your success.

Get to know our dedicated team and find the right advisor to assist you on your path to becoming an educator!

Advising Contacts

Students interested in the following teacher preparation programs should schedule an appointment with an advisor in Education Student Services at least once a semester:

  • Elementary Education (P-5)
  • Early Childhood Education, Birth through Kindergarten (B-K)
  • Health & Physical Education (P-12)
  • Middle Grades Education (4-8)
  • Secondary Education (6-12): Mathematics or Biology, Chemistry & Physics
  • History Education (6-12) prior to teacher preparation program admission
Undergraduate Contacts

 

Our Dedicated Team

Ayanna Ivery

Ayanna Ivery

Academic Advisor

abaxte14@kennesaw.edu
(470) 578-5960
BEB 231

 

Ayanna is originally from Virginia and was raised right here in Atlanta. As a former early childhood educator herself, she is passionate about guiding aspiring teachers along their journey of matriculating into certified teachers. She prides herself on being a knowledgeable, accessible, and compassionate advisor and supporter of her advisees.

In her spare time, she enjoys adventuring with her three children, dancing, and serving others in her community. She holds a Bachelors degree in Exercise Science and is in progress of obtaining her M.Ed in Higher Education Administration.  

Ayanna advises Elementary Education majors (last names A-F), Middle Grades Education majors, and Birth to Kindergarten majors.

Amanda Frank

Amanda Frank

Director, Academic Advising

awilkin9@kennesaw.edu 
(470) 531-2057
KH 3005

 

Amanda Frank is from Marietta, Georgia. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Auburn University and received a Master of Education in Professional Counseling (College Student Affairs program) from the University of West Georgia.

Amanda enjoys working in higher education and enjoys encouraging students to realize and fulfill their full potential. She loves sports, especially Auburn football, and loves to travel.

Amanda serves as the Director of Academic Advising in Bagwell. 

Amy Jordan

Amy Jordan

Administrative Assistant

ajorda60@kennesaw.edu 
(470) 578-2802
BEB 232

Amy Jordan is an Atlanta native, who prior to coming to KSU, worked as a legal secretary and volunteer at her daughter's school. Each day, Amy is learning as much as she can about the many offerings and opportunities Bagwell College has to offer students.

Jamal Murray

Jamal Murray

Academic Advisor

jmurra68@kennesaw.edu 
(470) 578-6105
BEB 225

 

Jamal Murray loves working in higher education and enjoys helping students reach their goals and stay on track to graduate. He loves to exercise and loves to travel.

Jamal advises Elementary Education (last names Mc-Z), Learning, Design & Technology majors and Health & Physical Activity Leadership (HPAL) Teacher Education track majors.

Jessica Stephenson Reaves

Jessica Stephenson Reaves

Interim Director of Student Success, Wellness and Engagement and Associate Professor of Science Education

jstep198@kennesaw.edu 
(470) 578-7699
KH 3113

 

Dr. Jessica Stephenson Reaves is an Associate Professor of Science Education in the Department of Elementary and Early Childhood Education.  She completed her BS in Environmental Science from Virginia Tech, her Master’s of Science Education from the University of Virginia, and her PhD in Curriculum and Instruction, Science Education from Virginia Tech.  Dr. Stephenson Reaves has taught Environmental Education and Math in both public and private schools, in both rural and urban areas, and has over 20 years of experience in K-16 classrooms, education programming, curriculum development, and project management.

Dr. Stephenson Reaves loves working with pre-service teachers in classrooms and field experiences and supporting their professional and personal growth in the process. Developing the next generation of passionate, empathetic, and highly qualified classroom educators is her ultimate goal.  In her free time, she enjoys traveling, knitting, skiing, and finding every-day adventures outside. 

Dr. Stephenson Reaves serves as the Interim Director of Student Success, Wellness and Engagement for the Bagwell College of Education.

Sydney Boyer

Sydney Boyer

Academic Advisor

sboyer17@kennesaw.edu 
(470) 578-5922
BEB 230

 

Sydney is excited to work within the Bagwell College of Education and help students fulfill their academic goals. With four years of experience as a high school educator, she is passionate about supporting educators and uplifting those within the education community. She loves to travel and spend time with family.

Sydney advises Elementary Education (last names G-Ma), History Education, and Secondary Education majors.

Undergraduate Advising Contacts

For advising in the following undergraduate programs, please contact: