Meet Our Team
Our entire staff is dedicated to helping you succeed in all aspects of your college career. We truly care about helping you find your passion.
Have a question? Email DGS at genstudies@illinois.edu. DGS Advisors do not conduct academic advising through email.
Click here to Schedule an Appointment
Academic Advisors
Janelle Brooks
Education
Kansas State University, M.S. in Counseling and College Student Development; Truman State University, B.S. in Exercise Science- Sport and Recreation Mgt.
Best Part of My Job
Discussing with students their interests, strengths, and goals and collaborating with them on their next steps.
Interests
Cooking, Dancing, Listening to Music, Watching TV/Movies, Reading, and Chocolate.
Emily Davidson
Education
Western Illinois University, Master of Science in College Student Personnel Truman State University, Bachelor of Science in Communication Disorders
Best Part of My Job
Helping students realize their strengths and values; and utilize them to be successful in college and after college!
Interests
Listening to True Crime Podcasts, hanging out with my cat named Luna, Traveling & Adventuring, Lifelong Learning
Heather Fletcher
Education
Western Illinois University- Master of Science, College Student Personnel; Illinois State University- Bachelor of Science, History
Best Part of My Job
Supporting students as they navigate college and helping them find their niche.
Interests
Traveling, trying new restaurants, athletics, dystopian fiction, and spending time with family and friends.
Leslie Lewis
Education
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Ed.M. in Education Policy; University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Journalism MS; Millikin University, Elementary Education BS
Best Part of My Job
Helping students unfold and develop their unique narratives
Interests
Photography, Music (singing, playing piano, and listening), all topics in social justice and equality, nail polish, watching movies and television, conversing with friends and family
Dr. Michael Myers
Education
University of Notre Dame, Ph.D. in Medieval History; York (England), M.A. in Medieval Studies; Colorado State, M.A. in Medieval History; University of Arizona, B.A. in History
Best Part of My Job
Spending time with the people I work with
Interests
Masonry, gardening, English sports cars, chainsawing, boating, and keeping up with my teenagers
Nikki O'Brien
Education
University of Pennsylvania, MSW Social Work; Michigan State University, BA Human Resource Management
Best Part of My Job
Being part of student journeys as they explore & claim their unique voices and authentic selves
Interests
Energy healing, writing, health equity/social justice education, spirituality & faith, cooking, baking and pinterest
Kate Patterson
Education
Florida State University, M.S. in Higher Education; University of South Carolina, B.A. in English and History
Best Part of My Job
Helping students adjust to college and get excited about the opportunities available to them
Interests
Reading, travel, watching movies and period dramas, trivia, going to museums, visiting parks
Katelyn Talbott
Education
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, M.S. Sport Management; University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, B.S. Recreation, Sport, and Tourism
Best Part of My Job
Helping students discover career paths they might not have known about that reflect their personal interests and pursuits
Interests
Baking and cooking, sport and sustainability, international/domestic travel, taking trips on our Harley-Davidson, and spending time with family, friends, and pets
Pre-Engineering Advisors
CJ Holterman
Education
Grand Valley State University, Master of Education in College Student Affairs Leadership; University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, Bachelor of Science in Education and Human Services
Best Part of My Job
Helping students navigate their college experience and campus
Interests
Cooking, playing games, traveling, being outdoors, visiting local parks with my family and coffee!!
Clarissa Leman
Education
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign: MSW Social Work, BS Human Development and Family Studies
Best Part of My Job
Utilizing a student's interests and strengths to guide them toward achieving academic goals
Interests
Spending time with family, reading, listening to true-crime podcasts, exploring the local music scene
Kimberly Powers
Education
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, M. A. in Anthropology and History; University of Louisville, B.A. in History and B.F.A. in 2D Studio Arts
Best Part of My Job
Learning about students’ diverse interests and experiences
Interests
Listening to podcasts about design, history, and politics; playing indoor soccer; international travel; animal rescue
Assistant Director
Sarah Gardiner, Honors
Education
Ball State University, M.A. in Student Affairs Administration in Higher Education; Eastern Illinois University, B.S. in Family & Consumer Sciences
Best Part of My Job
Supporting and interacting with some of the most talented and motivated students on campus; it is exciting to see what heights of success they can achieve!
Interests
Spending time with family and friends, listening to music, checking out all the fun places in the Champaign-Urbana area.
Associate Director
Teri Farr, Academic Advising and Student Success
Education
Illinois State University: M.S. in History and B.S. in History
Best Part of My Job
Working with students to help them realize their full potential and make decisions based upon experience. My favorite moment with a student is when they make the connection between what they are learning in the classroom to their ultimate career and educational goals.
Interests
Gardening, home improvement and decorating, reading, vacation trips to the beach, and spending time with family and friends
Director
Dr. Daniel Turner
Education
Loyola University Chicago, Ph.D. in Higher Education; Northern Illinois University, M.S. Ed. in Instructional Technology and B.S. in Psychology
Best Part of My Job
Helping students explore all the academic opportunities available to them and talking about their personal goals and dreams
Interests
Hiking, biking, travel, live music, visiting Colorado and Chicago, and being outdoors