Student Success Advisor

Academic Advisor

Student Success Advisors for the College of Liberal Arts are located either in the Mass Communications building or the Liberal Arts building.

Chris Palmer

cpalmer3@uco.edu; 405-974-5567; LAR 125B

CRIMINAL JUSTICE-GENERAL, CRIMINAL JUSTICE-POLICE, CRIMINAL JUSTICE-CORRECTIONS, SPANISH, SPANISH EDUCATION, GERMAN, GERMAN EDUCATION, FRENCH AND FRENCH EDUCATION

Chris received his Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication/Broadcasting in 1998 and Master of Education in Adult Education-Training in 2016 from the University of Central Oklahoma. He truly breathes and bleeds bronze and blue! Chris started his professional career at UCO as the Supervisor of Housing Operations for over four years. He believes a positive well-rounded academic and social experience starts with on-campus living, especially for freshman and sophomores.  Getting involved with different clubs and organizations will increase your success at UCO. Being on-time for class, participating, and being present, put your odds of graduating on the positive side! Chris enjoys spending quality time with his kids and wife. Last year, he added someone to the family, Cotton, who’s a Bichon Frise. Some of his hobbies include watching Oklahoma City Thunder games, movies, concerts, and reading books and magazines. Chris has an “open door” policy and loves to help students succeed at life.

Gary Parsons

gparsons2@uco.edu; 405-974-5140; MCOM 103A

INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION, PHOTOGRAPHIC ARTS, PROFESSIONAL MEDIA, ORGANIZATIONAL COMMUNICATION, STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS

Gary received a Bachelor of Science in Church Music from Southwestern Assemblies of God University in 1996 and is currently seeking his Masters of Education in Adult Education – Lifelong and E-Learning here at UCO. Gary has been in the “people business” all of his life and loves interacting with students. Helping students achieve their degree is a challenge and one that he is ready to accept. Gary has an open door policy and is here to assist the students with their advising challenges and needs.

Jeannine Nyangira

jnyangira@uco.edu; 405-974-5818; LAR 125

English, English Education, English - Creative Writing, English - Technical Writing, Sociology, Sociology - Human Services, Sociology - Substance Abuse Studies 

Jeannine was born in Kenya, raised in Lincoln, Nebraska, and lived for fourteen years in Wheaton, Illinois (a suburb of Chicago). After attending Wheaton College (B.A., Christian Education) and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (M.A., English), she taught Composition and Business Writing at Doane College in rural Nebraska and Composition at Kennedy-King College in urban Chicago. Most recently, she worked for five years in Admissions at Wheaton College before becoming a Student Success Advisor at UCO in 2011. Having moved to Oklahoma in 2010, she’s been pleasantly shocked by how friendly Oklahomans are and enjoys living here — although when football Saturdays roll around, you can find her screaming for her Nebraska Huskers! Jeannine loves the liberal arts and what they can do for a soul by opening one up to the world.  She’s also passionate about connecting people with the information they need.  As a Student Success Advisor, she’s excited to connect students with resources/ideas/opportunities that will enhance their college experiences.

Lacey Taylor

ltaylor35@uco.edu; 405-974-5817; LAR 125

Applied Liberal Arts, Geography, History, History Museum Studies, History Education, Humanities, Philosophy, Political Science and Political Science-Public Administration

Lacey was born in Wichita, KS, but immediately returned to Oklahoma where she grew up in a small, rural community called Deer Creek – Lamont. Upon graduation from Deer Creek – Lamont High School, Lacey attended Northern Oklahoma College on the Tonkawa Campus where she earned her Associates of Science degree. Lacey then transferred to the best university in the state, the University of Central Oklahoma (Go Bronchos!), where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Community Health. Lacey is currently pursuing her Master’s Degree at UCO in Adult and Higher Education with a focus area in Training. Lacey started her professional career at UCO as a Transfer Specialist where she spent three years assisting Transfer Students and developing a passion for helping students. As a Student Success Advisor, she provides information regarding available resources in order for students to succeed in their education at the University of Central Oklahoma. Lacey enjoys outdoor activities with her husband, Tim, and their chocolate lab, Duke. She appreciates visiting with old friends and making new ones wherever she goes – she’ll brighten your day with a good laugh and her country charm. She also loves baking and crafting. Lacey has an “open door” policy and she welcomes you to stop by to visit her at any time. 

Laura Donner

ldonner@uco.edu; 405-974-5108; MCOM 103

Interpersonal Communication, Photographic Arts, Professional Media, Organizational Communication and Strategic Communications

Laura Donner is a Student Success Advisor under the College of Liberal Arts and is housed in the Department of Mass Communication. Laura joined the UCO team in 2016 but has been in higher education since 2007. Laura attended the University of Kansas after receiving an athletic scholarship in the sport of rowing. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Strategic Communications.  After landing a job in college admissions, she discovered her passion for helping students. She made the decision to return to school and later graduated with a Masters degree in Higher Education, from the University of Saint Joseph in West Hartford Connecticut in 2012.  Laura is originally from Canada, but now makes her home in Edmond Oklahoma.  In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her two children, her husband and her two dogs.  She loves to do anything outdoors including, golf, kayaking, running and hiking.