Meet Our Team
The CLASS team is committed to creating a welcoming, student-centered environment where every student can connect with the academic support, strategies, and resources needed to succeed.
Our professional staff, graduate assistants, and peer educators work collaboratively with students, faculty, academic programs, and university partners to strengthen learning, address academic challenges, and support persistence toward graduation.
Whether you are connecting with a Success Coordinator, working with an Academic Coach or Content Tutor, participating in Supplemental Instruction, or accessing support through VCLASS, our team is here to help you identify your next step and move forward with confidence.
Leadership
The CLASS Leadership Team provides strategic direction and cultivates partnerships that advance student learning and academic excellence across Augusta University.
Paula S. Owens, MSCJ
- Director, Center for Learning and Academic Support Services
706-446-5167
Professional Staff
CLASS professional staff provide personalized academic support, coordinate learning services, and connect students with resources that support their academic progress. Success Coordinators work with designated academic colleges and student populations while collaborating with faculty, advisors, and campus partners to ensure students receive timely and coordinated support.
Jaime Simon
- Administrative Assistant I
- Center for Learning and Academic Support Services
706-667-4777
Alana Dyson, Ed.S.
- Success Coordinator for Training & Strategic Initiatives
- Supports CLASS training, professional development, strategic initiatives, and service consistency across academic support programs.
706-667-4777
Tiffany S. Smith, M.Ed, MSHRM
- Success Coordinator
- Supports students with majors in:
- College of Allied Health Sciences (CAHS)
- College of Nursing (CON)
- College of Science and Mathematics (CSM)
- Dental College of Georgia (DCG)
- Special Population:
- Honors Students
706-667-4777
Maria Brockhaus, MS, MA
- Success Coordinator
- Supports students with majors in:
- Hull College of Business (HCOB)
- School of Computer and Cyber Sciences (SCCS)
- College of Education and Human Development (COEHD)
- Pamplin College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences (PCAHSS)
- Special Population
- First-Year Transfer Students
706-667-4777
Laurel Brodkorb, MAT
- VCLASS Success Coordinator
- Provides virtual academic support and Success Coordinator services for designated courses and academic programs through VCLASS.
- Hull College of Business (HCOB)
- School of Computer and Cyber Sciences (SCCS)
- College of Education and Human Development (COEHD)
706-667-4777
Carol "Lou" Scharff, Ed.S
- VCLASS Success Coordinator
- Provides virtual academic support and Success Coordinator services for designated courses and academic programs through VCLASS.
- Pamplin College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences (PCAHSS)
706-667-4777
CLASS Success Coordinators work within Augusta University's coordinated student success structure to provide college-aligned academic support and connect students with appropriate university resources.
Graduate Assistants
CLASS Graduate Assistants support the delivery of academic success programs and services while gaining meaningful professional experience in student support, peer education, and higher education.
Working alongside CLASS professional staff, Graduate Assistants contribute to academic coaching, tutoring, student outreach, workshops, program coordination, and other initiatives that strengthen student learning and persistence.
Renato Gerena, Master of Science in Medical Physiology
- Graduate Assistant
- Peer Coach for: Mens Golf, Womens Golf, Womens Tennis, and Volleyball Athletes
706-667-4777
Jones Gresham, Master of Science in Medical Physiology
- Graduate Administrative Assistant
706-667-4777
Nicolle, Chavez-Ramirez, Master of Science in Medical Physiology
- Graduate Assistant
- Peer Coach for: Mens Basketball, Softball, and Mens Tennis Athletes
706-667-4777
Meghan Kirk, Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics
- Graduate Assistant
- Peer Coach for: Womens Cross Country, Womens Indoor Track & Field, and Womens Outdoor Track & Field Athletes
706-667-4777
France Komba,Master of Science in Medical Physiology
- Graduate Assistant
- Peer Coach for: Womens Basketball, Cheer, and Dance Athletes
706-667-4777
Denetria Thomas, Master of Science in Medical Physiology
- Graduate Assistant
- Peer Coach for: Baseball Athletes
706-667-4777
Caleb Turkson-Williams, Master of Science in Medical Physiology
- Graduate Assistant
- Peer Coach for: Mens Cross Country, Mens Indoor Track & Field, and Mens Outdoor Track & Field Athletes
706-667-4777
Peer Educators
CLASS Peer Educators are Augusta University students who use their academic strengths, experiences, and training to help fellow students learn, grow, and succeed.
Serving as tutors, Academic Peer Coaches, Supplemental Instruction Leaders, and other student-support roles, Peer Educators create welcoming and collaborative learning experiences while helping students strengthen academic skills, build confidence, and become more independent learners.
Peer Educators are an essential part of the CLASS team and contribute to a university-wide culture of learning, connection, and student success.
