University Advising Team

Ryan Gibbs, EdD | ryan.gibbs@ttu.edu

Assistant Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education

Division of Undergraduate Education & Student Affairs

Ryan Gibbs, EdD, is Texas Tech's Assistant Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education.

Dr. Gibbs is an alumnus of Texas Tech University 3 times over (B.A. in Political Science, 1998, Masters in Public Administration, 2000, Doctorate in Higher Education Administration, 2010). Ryan's 10 plus years in higher education includes preparing at-risk pre-college students for the rigors of college, advising and mentoring first generation to college students, teaching in the classroom, and leading a community college to 4 straight student enrollment records.

Ryan's research interests include the mission of the American Community College and the community college baccalaureate degree. Ryan has several professional honors including Who's Who Among America's Teachers and completing the Future Leaders Institute (2008) for the American Association of Community Colleges.

Joshua Barron, MBA | joshua.barron@ttu.edu

Unit Associate Director &
Campus Advising Liaison

University Advising

Joshua Ryan Barron, B.B.A., M.B.A., is the Associate Director of the University Advising Center. He believes that, with deliberate effort, people and organizations can positively impact every person and situation they encounter. Therefore, Joshua focuses his efforts on equipping, organizing, empowering, and supporting the University Advising Center staff as they serve students.

From his work in information technology and knowledge management, consulting with global organizations, and investing in one-to-one mentoring of students, Joshua's experience has proven beneficial in affecting change. Joshua is interested in the dynamics that produce positive changes within individuals, teams, and systems of people; especially the effects of technology on these processes.

A native of Lamesa, Texas, Joshua graduated from Texas Tech University with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Management and earned his Master of Business Administration in Organizational Strategy and Management Information Systems from the University of Texas at Dallas. Joshua is currently in the midst of pursuing a Ph.D. in the discipline of Technical Communication & Rhetoric, focusing on influencing positive change in the lives of high school and new college students through the transitional period from high school into the university environment.

Away from the office, Joshua is heavily invested in his family (an amazing wife, their four energetic children, and the smartest Westie in the west) and several community organizations that support positive change in the lives of the people they impact.

Publications & Presentations

• NACADA 8th Annual Academic Advising Administrators' Institute - Tampa, FL, 2010.
  
  • "What Administrators Need to Know about Effectively Using Technology in Academic Advising."
  • "Question and Answer and Action Plan Consulting for Technology"
• NACADA National Convention - San Antonio, TX, 2009. (j.mp/nacada09)
  • "Action Plan: An Evolutionary Leap Forward for the Advising Syllabus."
  • "But Technology & Assessment Give Me HEARTburn!"
  • "Educational Advising AND Customer Service."
  • "Prelaw Team: Purpose, Players, and a Playbook."
  • "Triage: Academic Advising at the Front Desk." (on behalf of Deb Conrad)
  • "Actively Confronting Probation Students." (on behalf of Deb Conrad)
• NACADA South Central Region 7 Conference - New Orleans, LA, May 2009. "Dining with First Generation College Students: How to Serve Up Success."
• UTSA Advising Conference - San Antonio, TX, 2008. "Advising Syllabi vs. Advising Action Plans."
• NACADA National Convention - Chicago, IL, October 2008. "Advising Administration: No Dumb Questions."
• NACADA National Convention - Baltimore, MD, October 2007.
  • "Educational Advising When they Expect Customer Service."
  • "Advising Administration: No Dumb Questions."
  • "Advising Syllabi vs. Advising Action Plans."

Memberships, Affiliations, & Service

• AD&D - The Association of Deans and Directors of University Colleges and Undergraduate Studies.
  • 2008-Present. Member & Conference Representative.
• NACADA - National Academic Advising Association.
  • 2006-Present. Member.
  • 2006. Summer Institute. Participant.
  • 2009-Present. Commission on Distance Education Advising, Research Subcommittee. Member.
  • 2006-Present. Commission on Academic Advising Administration. Member.
  • 2006-2010. Commission on Assessment in Advising. Member.
  • 2006-Present. Commission on Technology in Academic Advising. Member
  • 2007-2009. Commission on Academic Advising Administration. Steering Council Member.
  • 2009-Present. NACADA Commission on Distance Education Advising, Research Subcommittee. Member.
  • February 2008. Academic Advising Administrators' Institute, Assessment Institute, Data-Driven Decision Making Seminar. Participant.
  • February 2009. Winter Seminar: Advising 2.0 - Effective Use of Technology in Academic Advising. Curriculum Committee. Member.
    Academic Advising Administrators' Institute. Participant.
  • February 2010. Strategies for Increasing Student Persistence and Retention Seminar. Participant.
    Academic Advising Administrators' Institute. Faculty.
  • 2011-Present. Commission on Undecided and Exploratory Students. Steering Council Member.
  • 2011-Present. Commission on Technology in Academic Advising. Steering Council Member.

Consulting Engagements

• Anonymous Company. Student Retention Intervention System. Advisor and Administrator Points of Pain and Systems for Solutions. Marketing Plan. Business Plan Revision. Spring 2010.
• The Suder Foundation (TSF). Plano, Texas, 2010.
  • TSF First Generation College Parent Guide. Layout and Design Specialist.
  • TSF First Generation College Student Guide. Creative Lead. Content Contributor. Layout and Design Specialist.
• University of North Texas - Denton, TX, 2009. "Integration and Coordination of Academic Advising to Facilitate Student Transition and Retention."
• Noel-Levitz Focus Group - Lubbock, TX, 2009. "Emerging Sophomore Survey Instrument and Report."

Course Instruction

• CFAS 2300-Think Speak Act:Communication Civility & Ethics, supporting Dr. Kitty Harris-Wilkes. Fall 2009.

Cathe Nutter, MA | catherine.nutter@ttu.edu

Lead Academic Advisor, University Advising Leadership

University Advising

Catherine Nutter, B.A., M.A., is originally from Abilene, Texas.  She earned her Bachelor of Arts in English from Texas A&M University and her Master of Arts in English from Sam Houston State University.  She is pursuing a PhD in Curriculum and Instruction at Texas Tech. 

Cathe has over 15 years of experience working with high school and college students.  She is passionate about helping students succeed and has taught at both the high school and college level including TAKS preparation and mentoring new teachers.  Certifications include Principal, K-12 English as a Second Language and Special Education, 8-12 History, and 4-8 History and English.

Facilitating curriculum delivery models and teaching in technical settings are also part of her professional background. She helped create the coursework used to teach developmental English classes for college students and created curriculum guides and course syllabi for middle school history and English courses. She served as a mentor and instructor for ITT Technical Institute and as adjunct faculty for DeVry Institute in Dallas.  Most recently, Cathe has served as principal for the Cedar Crest campus of Trinity Charter Schools in Belton, Texas, a charter district serving at-risk youth.

Cathe spends as much time as possible with her three daughters and enjoys reading, cooking, and most outdoor activities. 

Publications & Presentations

• Creative Arts: Strengthening Academics and Building Community with Students At-Risk.  Reclaiming Children and Youth, January 2006.

Memberships, Affiliations, & Service

• 2010-present NACADA member
• 2010-present NACADA Engineering & Science Commission member

Course Instruction

• ENGL 0301, Lee College Huntsville Center
• ENGL 0302, Lee College Huntsville Center
• ENGL 2322, Lee College Huntsville Center
• Oral Communications, ITT Technical Institute
• Written Communications, ITT Technical Institute
• Student Success Program, ITT Technical Institute
• Written Communications, DeVry Institute

Courtney Bray, MS | courtney.bray@ttu.edu

Lead Academic Advisor, Preparatory Advising

University Advising

A certified Secondary Education science teacher, Courtney received her Bachelor of Science degree in Earth Science with an emphasis on science education from Texas A&M University. Her Master of Science degree in Geography from Texas A&M focused on desert geology of the Chihuahuan Desert, Big Bend National Park.

Courtney began her career in higher education at Texas A&M University in 2002, spending five years as an Academic Advisor for General Academic Programs and as a Learning Specialist in the Center for Athletic Academic Services. As Academic Advisor, she advised and facilitated programming for undeclared and undecided freshmen and sophomores, provisionally-admitted students, and freshman learning communities. At New Mexico State University, Courtney served as Program Coordinator II for the National Science Foundation's Academy for Young Scientists and course instructor for UNIV 150 - The Freshman Year Experience.

Courtney grew up in Richmond, Texas, and she, along with her husband and little boy, is proud to now call Lubbock home. As a member of the Texas Tech University Advising team since 2009, Courtney is dedicated to guiding college students through this exciting period of immense personal and academic growth.

Publications and Presentations

• Barron, J. and Bray, C. (2012, June). Pre-Law Team: Purpose, Players, and a Playbook. Concurrent session presented at the conference of Pre-Law Advisors National Council, Washington, D.C.
• Barron, J. and Bray, C. (2011, March). PreLaw 101: What every advisor needs to know. Concurrent session presented at the annual regional conference of NACADA, Oklahoma City, OK.
• Barron, J. and Bray, C. (2010, October). PreLaw 101: What every advisor needs to know. Concurrent session presented at the annual national conference of NACADA, Washington, D.C.
• Brown, S., Tomlinson, L. and Harmon, C. (2010, September). Impact of out-of-school time on students' science interest. Concurrent session presented at the annual conference of National Association for Research in Science Teaching, Philadelphia, PA.

• Brown, S., Harmon, C., and Tomlinson, L. (2009, October). Keeping Students Engaged: Recruitment, Retention, and Ramping it Up! Concurrent session presented at the National Science Foundation conference on Informal Science Education, Washington, D.C. 

• Brown, S., Tomlinson, L. and Harmon, C. (2009, March). Hot topics for summer. Concurrent session presented at the annual conference of National Science Teachers Association, New Orleans, LA.

• Brown, S., Tomlinson, L. and Harmon, C. (2009, March). Easy GPS in the Classroom. Concurrent session presented at the annual conference of National Science Teachers Association, New Orleans, LA.

• Tomlinson, L., and Harmon, C. Electrifying Science Facts. (2008, April). Concurrent session presented at the annual conference of American Association for the Advancement of Science, Albuquerque, NM.

• Murdock, S., Harmon, C., and Medina, M. (2006, October). Lost in Translation: The Need for an "Academic Interpreter" in the Initial Advising Experience. Concurrent session presented at the annual national conference of NACADA, Indianapolis, IN.

• Harmon, C., Redo, D., Jorge Jiménez Ortega, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México. (2006, May). El Impacto Ambiental del Uso del Suelo en la Región del Valle El Hundido y Cuatrociénegas, Coahuila Mexico. Concurrent session presented at the annual Texas A&M University Center Research Symposium, Mexico City, Mexico.

• Harmon, C., and Tchakerian, V.P. Geomorphology of desert pavements, Big Bend National Park, Texas. Concurrent session presented at the annual national conference of Association of American Geographers,  Chicago, IL.

• Prosser, J., Metoyer, S., Brannstrom, C., and Harmon, C., et al. (2006, March). The prevalence of "dead" Internet references in leading geography journals: A case for concern?. Concurrent session presented at the annual national conference of Association of American Geographers,  Chicago, IL.

• Harmon, C., Hopf, F., and Jorge Jiménez Ortega, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México. (2005, May). El Delta del Río Colorado: Una Historia de Uso de Agua Bilateral, Legislación, e Impactos Ambientales. Concurrent session presented at the annual Texas A&M University Center Research Symposium, Mexico City, Mexico.

Memberships, Affiliations, & Service

• NACADA Member since 2005
• National Science Teacher's Association since 2008
• Asombro Institute for Science Education, Board of Directors, 2008-2009
• Association of American Geographers (AAG), 2004-2006

Course Instruction

• UNIV 150: The Freshman Year Experience, New Mexico State University 2008 and 2009

Devin McCain | devin.mccain@ttu.edu

Academic Advisor

University Advising

Jim Cloninger, MS | james.m.cloninger@ttu.edu

Academic Advisor

University Advising

Lilly Kilcrease, BA | lilly.j.kilcrease@ttu.edu

Academic Advisor

University Advising

Lilly Kilcrease is excited to continue her career at TTU as one of the University Advising Academic Advisors!

Prior to joining University Advising, Lilly was the International Exchange Coordinator, Study Abroad Counselor at the Texas Tech University Study Abroad Office. (2003- early 2012)  and started her TTU career in the Office of Financial Aid as a Financial Aid Advisor.

Through her previous jobs, Lilly has gained a perspective and enjoyment in helping students achieve their goals during their college career.

Being a Red Raider herself, Lilly looks forward to helping Texas Tech students have a rewarding academic and personal experience.

Lilly moved to Lubbock to attend Texas Tech University and has received her B.A. degrees in Modern Languages, one in German, Italian, and the second in French. Prior to moving to Lubbock she lived in Europe, primarily in Germany, for a total of 6 years and during her undergraduate degree spent a year on a study abroad program in Italy.

Away from the office, Lilly enjoys reading, traveling, watching sports, and letting her dog take her for walks.

Maggie Gilchrest, BS | maggie.j.gilchrest@ttu.edu

Academic Advisor

University Advising

Maggie is excited to join the University Advising team in 2013.  She is passionate about helping students explore their academic options and individual potential.  Maggie believes that each student can have and should have the best collegiate experience possible.

A native of Lampasas, Texas, Maggie has a Bachelor of Science degree in Interdisciplinary Agriculture with an emphasis in Technical Writing and Communication. She is currently pursuing a Master of Arts Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with an emphasis in Military History, Modern Conflict, Diplomacy and Reconciliation (MCDR), and Managing Organizational Behavior. Maggie has obtained two certifications: 1) Strategic Studies through the TTU Political Science department and 2) Leadership & Ethics through the TTU Rawls College of Business. Her current thesis work centers on ethical dilemmas faced by combat journalists and photographers documenting war atrocities.

Through studying ethical responsibilities, leadership, and war, Maggie has a well-developed understanding of individual and organizational behavior in times of crisis, human capabilities under stress, conflict resolution, and the determination of choices. She believes this will help her advise students who are in need of making positive choices that produce positive changes for their academic success and future careers.

Prior to working for University Advising, Maggie worked as a graduate assistant in the Vietnam Center & Archive at Texas Tech.  She continues to free-lance report for the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal.

Maggie is blessed to have a supportive husband and beautiful daughter who keep her busy when she is away from the office.  She is also heavily involved in church groups, volunteer work, PTA, and all things Texas Tech.  Maggie is a die-hard Red Raider and strives to bring honor to the university through her work.

Melissa Aday, MA | melissa.aday@ttu.edu

Academic Advisor

University Advising

Originally from Tatum, New Mexico, Melissa earned her BA in English Literature from Eastern New Mexico University in 2010. She then came to Texas Tech to pursue her Masters in English Literature and invest her time in literary research. While working on her MA she went back to her roots in Early Childhood Education, teaching preschool at a local Parent’s Day Out program. Her interests are broad and varied, but she receives the most gratification from being able to help others. Thus, Melissa is a great fit at University Advising, an office geared toward student success. She started with the University Advising team during the Summer 2012 Red Raider Orientation season. She is proud to be a Red Raider and to help incoming Red Raiders adjust to the academic expectations of college life. Go Tech!

Staci Rogers, MA | staci.rogers@ttu.edu

Senior Academic Advisor

University Advising

Staci is originally from Bountiful, Utah, but has most recently lived in Champaign, Illinois, and New York City while her husband completed his legal studies.

In the discipline of American History, she holds a Bachelor of Science degree (Southern Utah University - 2004) and a Master of Arts degree (Eastern Illinois University - 2011).  Clearly these achievements are the result of her passion for Atlantic History and Colonial America History. During her time at Eastern Illinois she was the co-Editor-In-Chief for the department's Historical journal, Historia, and was published in the same.

At Southern Utah Staci worked as both a teaching assistant in the History department and as the student intern involved with planning and carrying out Freshman Orientation. Following graduation she taught high school courses online and in the classroom, inviting students to engage the subjects of History and Psychology.  Staci's teaching and leadership go beyond the role of instructor, as demonstrated by her experience coaching high school Girls' Basketball, Cross Country, and Track and Field. She has always had a love for helping students succeed in their education and, through experiences, has seen the ever increasing need for higher education in the demanding job market. Additionally, Staci has seen first-hand the expectations, challenges, and rewards of legal education.

Along with her husband and their little girl, Staci is excited to call Lubbock home ... and is already coming to love Texas Tech. In her free time Staci loves nothing more than spending time with her family, eating good food - always accompanied by a Dr. Pepper, and learning about new things and people.

Stacy Creitz | stacy.creitz@ttu.edu

Administrative Assistant

Community College & Transfer Relations

Stacy Creitz            stacy.creitz @ttu.edu

Administrative Assistant

Community College & Transfer Relations

Stacy has been with Texas Tech University since 1998.  Stacy previously worked in University College (formally Outreach & Distance Education) for 12 ½ years.  She is currently working on her Bachelor of Applied Science through Wayland Baptist University and plans to graduate in November 2013 with her Bachelor of Applied Science in Business Administration.  She works with Community College & Transfer Relations and University Advising.  Stacy prepares all travel for both offices, works with procurement services, and handles human resource matters for both units.

Stacy is the mother of Tanner, a senior at Lubbock Cooper High School and Tamara, a 7^th grader at Lubbock Cooper LBMS.

Memberships, Affiliations, & Service:

Stacy is an active member of Lubbock Monterey Ambucs since 1994.

Binit Singh Bhatia, MS | binit.bhatia@ttu.edu

Application Developer

University Advising

Binit Singh Bhatia, M.S., B.Tech, received Bachelor of Technology in Information Technology from Amrita University, India.  In 2011 Binit graduated with a Master of Science degree in MIS from Texas Tech University.

In his spare time Binit likes to listen to music, watch movies, read books, explore new technologies and free/open source software and spend time with family and friends.  Binit aspires to become an entrepreneur and hopes to start his own company some day.

Justine Barnette | justine.barnette@ttu.edu

Student Assistant

University Advising

Kumudu Witanapatirana | kumudu.witanapatirana@ttu.edu

Student Assistant

University Advising

I’m Kay, and I’m from Sri Lanka, which is a small island under India. I can speak three languages and I grew up in two countries. I like to think I’m funny and I love talking. So when you get the time, come talk to me!

Sagar Parikh | s.parikh@ttu.edu

Student Assistant

University Advising

Shannon Bell | shannon.bell@ttu.edu

Student Assistant and PreLaw Ambassador

University Advising

Major: Psychology

Minor: Legal Studies & Music

Hometown: Allen, Texas

Shannon is a sophomore majoring in Psychology with a minor in Legal Studies and Music. She is from Allen, Texas and graduated from Allen High School in 2011. Some of her hobbies and interests include the Texas Tech Gymnastics Team, Alpha Delta Pi, singing, playing the piano, and jumping horses. After graduation, Shannon plans on attending law school up north.

Justin Washburn | justin.washburn@ttu.edu

College of Arts & Sciences Recruiter

University Advising

Kumudu Witanapatirana | kumudu.witanapatirana@ttu.edu

Student Assistant

University Advising

I’m Kay, and I’m from Sri Lanka, which is a small island under India. I can speak three languages and I grew up in two countries. I like to think I’m funny and I love talking. So when you get the time, come talk to me!

Michael Bates | michael.bates@ttu.edu

College of Arts & Sciences Recruiter

University Advising

My name is Michael Bates and I am from Peoria, Arizona. I am currently a Political Science major and an aspiring Law School student. I chose to come to Texas Tech University after several visits here and other out of state schools. Texas Tech stood out in academics, school loyalty, scholarships, campus atmosphere, post graduate opportunities, and the people I met. Coming from out of state can be difficult, but Texas Tech became a home for me very quickly and pushed me to excel in school work and life. I am currently involved in the Honors College, Men of God Christian Fraternity, and work as a lifeguard at the Leisure Pool. Texas Tech has given me the opportunity to do a 3+3 Law Program, to graduate early, and paved the way for an internship with a top legislative group in Arizona. I am extremely glad I chose Texas Tech University and am excited to show others how exciting it is to be a Red Raider.

Rocio Rodriguez | rocio.rodriguez@ttu.edu

College of Arts & Sciences Recruiter

University Advising

My name is Rocio Rodriguez and I am a junior microbiology student with minors in chemistry and anthropology, from Brownsville, TX. I chose Tech because it fit my expectations of a solid, affordable university education in a great community. I am a member of the Honors College, secretary for SACNAS, and an undergraduate research student. After graduation, I plan on attending graduate school (or medical school!) and studying global public health with a concentration in infectious diseases. One of my favorite things about Tech is the tradition. I always get goose bumps every football game when the Masked Rider leads the football team out to the field. I am proud to say I am a Red Raider! If you would like to know more about my experience here at Tech, you’re welcome to email me at GoCAS@ttu.edu!

Shannon Bell | shannon.bell@ttu.edu

Student Assistant and PreLaw Ambassador

University Advising

Major: Psychology

Minor: Legal Studies & Music

Hometown: Allen, Texas

Shannon is a sophomore majoring in Psychology with a minor in Legal Studies and Music. She is from Allen, Texas and graduated from Allen High School in 2011. Some of her hobbies and interests include the Texas Tech Gymnastics Team, Alpha Delta Pi, singing, playing the piano, and jumping horses. After graduation, Shannon plans on attending law school up north.

Sydney Stinnett | Sydney.stinnett@ttu.edu

College of Arts & Sciences Recruiter

University Advising

My name is Sydney Stinnett and I am from Anson, Texas.  I am currently a Human Development and Family Studies major and a first generation college student. I chose to come to Texas Tech University  thanks to my cousins, who attended Tech; I visited the university with them and immediately fell in love with the university. I am involved in two groups here at Texas Tech, called HOSA and the Pre-Nursing Association.  Through these groups I work on volunteering in the community. With my HDFS major, I am also working on getting my prerequisites for nursing school. After I have finished my prerequisites, I plan on applying to the nursing school here at Texas Tech University.

Alyssa Bolin | alyssa.bolin@ttu.edu

PreLaw Program Ambassador

University Advising

My name is Alyssa Bolin, and I am from the small town of Center Point, Texas. I am majoring in Psychology and minoring in Political Science. After graduation, I hope to attend law school at either Texas Tech or University of Texas and study Criminal Law.

Ashley Snell | ashley.snell@ttu.edu

PreLaw Program Ambassador

University Advising

Major: Accounting

Minor: Legal Studies

Hometown: Austin, Texas

Ashley is a junior majoring in Accounting and obtaining a minor in Legal Studies. She graduated from James Bowie High School in Austin, Texas in 2009 with highest honors. She is a member of the Honors College and Rawls College of Business where she stays actively involved. With an interest in tax law, Ashley plans on attending law school in either Texas or the east coast to become a tax attorney.

Aubra Hendrix | aubra.hendrix@ttu.edu

PreLaw Program Ambassador

University Advising

I am a graduate from Sweetwater High School, and now a sophomore at Texas Tech. I am majoring in Human Development and Family Studies and minoring in Legal Studies. I would like to attend Tech Law School and later practice family law specializing in CPS and adoption. My interests outside of school include spending time with my family, sports, and watching movies.

David Johns | david.johns@ttu.edu

PreLaw Program Ambassador

University Advising

I am currently a sophomore studying Energy Commerce in the Rawls College of Business Administration.  Upon graduation from college I plan on attending law school in Texas. In addition to the Prelaw Program I am also actively involved in the Tech Marketing Association and the Gamma Beta Phi Honor Society. 

Emily Fox | emily.fox@ttu.edu

PreLaw Program Ambassador

University Advising

Major: English

Minor: Legal Studies

Hometown: Wylie, Texas

Emily is a sophomore majoring in English and minoring in Legal Studies. She is from Wylie, Texas and graduated with honors from Wylie High School in 2011. Last semester, Emily was named to the President’s list.  Her future plans include attending law school and publishing a novel. 

Jordan Williams | jordan.w.williams@ttu.edu

PreLaw Program Ambassador

University Advising

Jordan is a junior with a Marketing major along with a minor in Legal Studies. He is originally from San Diego, California but attended high school in Mansfield, TX at Mansfield Timberview High School in 2011. He is a member of the African Student Organization. His interests include music, sports, sneakers, fashion, and hanging out with friends and family. Jordan plans to attend law school at the University of Texas after receiving his undergrad degree.

Lexi Atkins | alexis.f.atkins@ttu.edu

PreLaw Program Ambassador

University Advising

Major: Psychology

Minor: Legal Studies

Hometown: Allen, TX

Lexi is a junior majoring in Psychology with a minor in Legal Studies. She is from Allen, Texas and graduated from Allen High School in 2010. She is a research assistant for the psychology department and is a member for the Texas Tech Honor Society Alpha Lambda Delta/Phi Eta Sigma. Some of her interests include music, reading, writing, and spending time with family and friends. Lexi has been on the President’s list every semester, and she plans to attend a Texas Law School after receiving her undergraduate degree.

Maggie Jordan | maggie.jordan@ttu.edu

PreLaw Program Ambassador

University Advising

Maggie is a junior majoring in Environment and Humanities with a minor in English. She is from Lubbock, Texas and graduated from Lubbock High School in 2010. She plays tennis and enjoys volunteering. She hopes to go to law school and study Environmental law somewhere in Texas or California.

Monica Huckabay | monica.huckabay@ttu.edu

PreLaw Program Ambassador

University Advising

Major: History 

Minor: Legal Studies and Classics 

Home Town: Denton, TX

Monica is a sophomore majoring in history with minors in legal studies and classics. She graduated from Denton High School in 2010 with honors. Monica is also a member of Texas Tech's ALD/PES Honors Society. In addition, she enjoys anything in relation to art and loves to paint. After receiving her undergraduate degree she plans to attend a law school in Texas. 

Natalija Dobras | natalija.dobras@ttu.edu

PreLaw Program Assistant and Ambassador

University Advising

Natalija grew up in Amarillo, Texas but is originally from Banja Luka, Bosnia. She speaks Serbian and English and is working on German currently. She graduated from Amarillo High School in 2010. She is a junior at Texas Tech, majoring in Philosophy and Sociology with a minor in English. She loves spending time with her family and friends, traveling, playing the violin, and getting involved here at Texas Tech. Natalija is the Recruitment Chair for Phi Alpha Delta Pre-Law Fraternity and a member of Alpha Kappa Delta Sociology Honor Society. She has always wanted to go to law school and plans to study International Law and one day become a successful attorney. 

Ryley Bennett | ryleyt.bennett@ttu.edu

PreLaw Program Ambassador

University Advising

Ryley is a sophomore Honors Arts and Letters major and Legal Studies and Spanish minor from Corrales, New Mexico. She graduated from high school at Sandia Preparatory School in 2011. She is a member of Kappa Alpha Theta and Texas Tech Honors College. She enjoys helping with C.A.S.A, being actively involved in church, and spending time with family and friends. After her undergraduate career she hopes to apply to various law schools and become a successful lawyer.

Sarah Miller | sarah.c.miller@ttu.edu

PreLaw Program Ambassador

University Advising

Major: Environment and the Humanities

Minor: French

Sarah is a junior Honors Environment and Humanities major and French minor from Lubbock, TX. She is a member of the Society for Conservation Biology and Texas Tech Hillel. She enjoys writing, the great outdoors, and competitive tennis. With interests in environmental policy and international law, Sarah plans on attending law school in Oregon or California to pursue a joint M.S. in Environment and Resources and J.D. degree program.

Shannon Bell | shannon.bell@ttu.edu

Student Assistant and PreLaw Ambassador

University Advising

Major: Psychology

Minor: Legal Studies & Music

Hometown: Allen, Texas

Shannon is a sophomore majoring in Psychology with a minor in Legal Studies and Music. She is from Allen, Texas and graduated from Allen High School in 2011. Some of her hobbies and interests include the Texas Tech Gymnastics Team, Alpha Delta Pi, singing, playing the piano, and jumping horses. After graduation, Shannon plans on attending law school up north.

Natalija Dobras | natalija.dobras@ttu.edu

PreLaw Program Assistant and Ambassador

University Advising

Natalija grew up in Amarillo, Texas but is originally from Banja Luka, Bosnia. She speaks Serbian and English and is working on German currently. She graduated from Amarillo High School in 2010. She is a junior at Texas Tech, majoring in Philosophy and Sociology with a minor in English. She loves spending time with her family and friends, traveling, playing the violin, and getting involved here at Texas Tech. Natalija is the Recruitment Chair for Phi Alpha Delta Pre-Law Fraternity and a member of Alpha Kappa Delta Sociology Honor Society. She has always wanted to go to law school and plans to study International Law and one day become a successful attorney. 

Justine Barnette | justine.barnette@ttu.edu

Student Assistant

University Advising

Kumudu Witanapatirana | kumudu.witanapatirana@ttu.edu

Student Assistant

University Advising

I’m Kay, and I’m from Sri Lanka, which is a small island under India. I can speak three languages and I grew up in two countries. I like to think I’m funny and I love talking. So when you get the time, come talk to me!

Natalija Dobras | natalija.dobras@ttu.edu

PreLaw Program Assistant and Ambassador

University Advising

Natalija grew up in Amarillo, Texas but is originally from Banja Luka, Bosnia. She speaks Serbian and English and is working on German currently. She graduated from Amarillo High School in 2010. She is a junior at Texas Tech, majoring in Philosophy and Sociology with a minor in English. She loves spending time with her family and friends, traveling, playing the violin, and getting involved here at Texas Tech. Natalija is the Recruitment Chair for Phi Alpha Delta Pre-Law Fraternity and a member of Alpha Kappa Delta Sociology Honor Society. She has always wanted to go to law school and plans to study International Law and one day become a successful attorney. 

Richard Merritt | richard.merritt@ttu.edu

Student Assistant for Web Development

Undergraduate Education & Student Affairs

Sagar Parikh | s.parikh@ttu.edu

Student Assistant

University Advising

Shannon Bell | shannon.bell@ttu.edu

Student Assistant and PreLaw Ambassador

University Advising

Major: Psychology

Minor: Legal Studies & Music

Hometown: Allen, Texas

Shannon is a sophomore majoring in Psychology with a minor in Legal Studies and Music. She is from Allen, Texas and graduated from Allen High School in 2011. Some of her hobbies and interests include the Texas Tech Gymnastics Team, Alpha Delta Pi, singing, playing the piano, and jumping horses. After graduation, Shannon plans on attending law school up north.