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Center for Student Advancement

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Center for Student Advancement

The Center for Student Advancement leads initiatives that focus on students’ academic resilience which includes academic intervention and recovery, mentorship, and guidance, allowing students to both enhance and improve their academic experience at the University of Oklahoma.

CSA is committed to providing programs and services that promote the retention and success of students experiencing academic challenges. CSA offers specialized advising and the following courses: Strategies for Success, Transitions, and First-Year Student Mentoring. The Center is open for student walk-ins or appointments.

Questions? Contact us at (405) 325-2574 or visit Lissa and Cy Wagner Hall, Suite 150.

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Hours of Operation

Location: Lissa & Cy Wagner Hall, Room 150

Schedule:  Appointments are to be made online at https://iadvise.ou.edu/csa

  • Monday: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. CST
  • Tuesday: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. CST
  • Wednesday: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. CST
  • Thursday: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. CST
  • Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. CST 

For additional information, email the Center for Student Advancement at csa@ou.edu.
Phone: (405) 325-2574

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Course Enrollments

faculty mentoring

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FACULTY MENTOR BIOS

ECON Support and Business Students

Dr. Burge is a Professor and Department Chair of Economics at the University of Oklahoma (Norman). He specializes in applied microeconometric analysis, focusing primarily on topics in urban, public, labor, education, and housing economics. His dissertation considered the various causes and consequences of development impact fee programs as they relate to housing affordability and the supply of new housing.


Meteorology or Out-of-State

Known as Professor Emeritus within the School of Meteorology here at the  University of Oklahoma. Dr. Carr has won numerous awards for his work in Meteorology, and his research interests are in synoptic, tropical and mesoscale meteorology, numerical weather prediction, data assimilation, and the use of new observing systems in diagnostic and numerical weather prediction. Dr. Carr has been a very committed professor to the mentoring program for many years. Highlights of his time with the program include many trips to the National Weather Center and the Wichita Mountain with her mentoring students. 


Psychology or Small Town Student or First Generation

Dr. Jenel Cavazos is an Associate Professor and Master Teacher in the Department of Psychology at the University of Oklahoma. As the Introductory Psychology Program Coordinator, she teaches an average of 1500 students per year, supervises sections of PSY1113 taught by graduate students, and conducts a graduate mentor program for teaching. Her emphasis areas include curriculum development, the implementation of technology in the classroom, and program assessment. 


Students Interested in Latinx Studies

Robert Con Davis-Undiano is Executive Director of World Literature Today organization and is also the director of the Latinx Studies Program at OU. He is dedicated to innovative, interdisciplinary teaching and is a mentor and role model to Chicano and other minority students and faculty. Students credit him with changing their thinking, their attitudes, and their lives. 


Autism and ASD Support

Dr. Kim Gaddie is a Lecturer for the Marketing & Supply Chain Division in the Price College of Business.  Her teaching focus is in Digital Marketing & Social Media Marketing.  Dr. Gaddie has been as long-time advocate for students with autism and autism spectrum disorders (i.e., Aspergers Syndrome) not only in her classroom but also in her role as an executive board member of the Oklahoma Autism Foundation. 


Sociology

Dr. Hill has been an Assistant Professor of Sociology since August 16, 2013. He currently teaches Criminology, The System of Criminal Justice, and Juvenile Justice. For 11 years prior to his appointment at the University of Oklahoma, he served in several research and administrative positions in all three branches of state government


Out-of-State or Small Town Student

Dr. Johnson is currently a Lecturer at the University of Oklahoma. She is originally from South Dakota where she completed her bachelor’s degree in economics and finance at Black Hills State University. After that, she moved to Washington State University where she completed her master’s degree in applied economics and my PhD in economics. She is currently researching agricultural cartels and marketing orders but also has interests in agriculture, sustainability, education, labor, and environmental issues. 


Accounting or Business Majors

Jonathan earned a dual bachelor’s and master’s degree in accounting from the University of Oklahoma. He is a CPA and brings seven years of full-service accounting experience, five years of experience in tax preparation and two years of experience in audit and review.  During his time at OU, he worked as a tutor for algebra, business calculus, foundations of financial accounting, and foundations of managerial accounting. Prior to returning to OU, he worked in public accounting at Gray, Blodgett & Company, an alliance firm of BDO. He has a passion for theatre and contributes by teaching and directing local productions.


Engineering Students

Dr. Kittur is an Assistant Professor in the Gallogly College of Engineering at The University of Oklahoma. He completed his Ph.D. in Engineering Education Systems and Design program from Arizona State University, 2022. He received a bachelor’s degree in electrical and Electronics Engineering and a Master’s in Power Systems from India in 2011 and 2014 respectively.


STEM
Support

Dr. Moore-Russo works for the Department of Mathematics and teaches a variety of mathematics courses. Her interests include Wrestling, ice hockey, any sport her kids are playing, any Buffalo professional team – no matter how bad their record and all OU Sooner sports.


Small Towns/Rural Communities, First Generation, Mental Health, Sports, or Psychology Students

Elizabeth Nelson earned a Clinical Master's degree in Counseling and is a practicing LPC supervisor for candidates.  She is currently a full-time faculty member of the Psychology Department and with 15 years of experience in the mental health field and additional training in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) she helps children and families process their trauma for overall wellness. Professor Nelson serves on the Board of Directors for South Central CASA of Oklahoma and has been Governor-appointed to serve on the State Advisory Board for PARB and serves at the county level as well.  Helping undergrads discover their next steps post-graduation has become her passion and goal for many years to come.


Any
Student

Allison Pellerin is a dedicated educator specializing in ethical and intercultural leadership, she is passionate about guiding individuals in their personal and professional development. She enjoys connecting with her students and creating an environment where they can explore their values and aspirations. Through her mentorship, Allison empowers her students with the necessary skills to become the best versions of themselves.


Education Students

Corey Peltier is an associate professor of special education in the department of educational psychology at the University of Oklahoma. Peltier's research interests include (1) identifying effective interventions and assessment procedures to improve the mathematical outcomes for identified or at-risk for disabilities, (2) methodological considerations when using single-case research designs (see #ScrdChat on Twitter), and (3) the use of systematic reviews and meta-analyses to inform the fields' understanding of effective interventions under specific contexts.


Construction Science

Matthew Reyes is an associate professor in the Christopher Gibbs College of Architecture.  He holds a Master's in Construction Science as well as a PhD in Educational Psychology.  His research interests include Construction Safety Management and Safety, The Latino Workforce in the Construction Industry, and Gaming and Other Novel Instructional Interventions.


Engineering Students

Rebecca Scott is an assistant professor in the Stephenson School of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Oklahoma. Her areas of expertise are tissue engineering and engineering education. Her interests include outdoor activities, puzzles, and watching OU athletics.


LGBTQ+@OU

Jenny Sperling (she/her) is an assistant professor of Critical Studies in Education in the department of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies at the University of Oklahoma. Some of her research interests include critical youth studies and LGBTQIA+ experiences, with specific attention to sexual(ity) and reproductive education. Prior to joining the faculty at the University of Oklahoma, Jenny completed her Ph.D. in Education at the University of California, Santa Barbara and her M.A. in Education from the University of California, Berkeley.


Students Interested in Math

Dr. Sepideh Stewart is an Associate Professor of Mathematics at the Department of Mathematics, University of Oklahoma. She is the editor of And the Rest is Just Algebra (2017), and co-editor of Challenges and Strategies in Teaching Linear Algebra (2018). She completed her doctoral dissertation on research on pedagogy of Linear Algebra at The University of Auckland, New Zealand in 2008.