CoLA Saluki Success Coaches

Tobias Gillespie

My name is Tobias Gillespie (He/Him/His). I am a sophomore from Chicago, Illinois studying Health Care Management with a double minor in Long Term Care Administration and Infection Prevention and Control. I am also a proud member of the Africana Theatre Lab where I serve as the Treasurer. I also am an orientation leader here where I work alongside new students and help them have a great first experience. Outside of school I enjoy hanging out with friends, traveling, shopping, and trying out new restaurants with my family. If you have any questions, feel free to shoot me an email.

Office: Faner 2514, Tuesdays 2:00-4:00pm and Wednesdays 8:00am-4:00pm
UNIV 101 Class: Section 70 (Wednesdays 10:00-10:50am with Dr. Enrique Paz)

Eris Golden

eris.golden@siu.edu

Hi, I'm Eris, a 4th year student born in Stockbridge, Il. I'm a communications major with a focus on public relations. I'm also a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity inc. In my free time, I like to socialize and play games.

Office: Faner 2514, Tuesdays 10:00am-2:00pm and Thursdays 10:00am-3:00pm
UNIV 101 Class: Section 1 (Tuesdays 2:00-2:50pm with Jeremy Allen)

Noemi Gomez

noemi.gomez@siu.edu

Hey Salukis!! My name is Noemi Gomez, and I am from Waukegan, IL! This is my third year here at SIUC. I am majoring in Biological Science with a minor in Chemistry on the Pre-Dental track! I am on the Saluki Cheerleading team here and some RSOs I am a part of is Women in Business Association, Pre-Heath Profession Association, and Alpha Chi Sigma (Chemistry Fraternity). Within SIU I enjoy connecting with others in different departments outside of mine. Some fun facts about me are I love cooking, listening to music, reading, watching shows and exploring the Windy City!! I am here to help you and give you more knowledge about college, and things you did not know! Do not be afraid to reach out or come to me!

Office: Faner 2514, Tuesdays 9:00am-1:00pm and Thursdays 8:00am-1:00pm
UNIV 101 Class: Section 8 (Tuesdays 1:00-1:50pm with Jeremy Allen)

King Haynes

sercye.haynes@siu.edu

King Haynes is a dedicated financial economics major with a minor in accounting at Southern Illinois University. Alongside academic pursuits, King is a committed track athlete, balancing rigorous training with coursework. In addition to excelling in both fields, King recently took on the role of a peer mentor, supporting fellow students in navigating their academic and personal development. Passionate about finance and driven by a strong work ethic, King embodies the spirit of both athletic and academic achievement.

Office: Faner 2514, Mondays 8:00-9:00am/1:00-2:00pm, Tuesdays 8:00-11:00am/12:00-2:00pm, and Wednesdays 8:00-9:00am/1:00-2:00pm
UNIV 101 Class: Section 7 (Tuesdays 11:00-11:50 with Caleb McKinley-Portee)

Brogan Long

brogan.long@siu.edu

My name is Brogan Long (he/him) and I am proudly from Dekalb, Illinois. I am majoring in English Education, with an additional license in Special Education, and I have already completed most of a minor in Political Science. I am a member of Undergraduate Student Government, serving as the Director of Umbrella Development. I love to get outside and love live music. As an educator and advocate, I am deeply invested in the success of our community and in turn that of new students.

Office: Faner 2433, Tuesdays 9:00-11:00am/2:00-4:00pm, Thursdays 9:00-11:00am/2:00-4:00pm, and Fridays 9:00am-12:00pm
UNIV 101 students assigned from Summer UNIV 101 class.

Jessica Orange

jessica.orange@siu.edu

Hey! My name is Jessica Orange and I am from St.Louis, Missouri. This is my 4th year here at SIU and I am majoring in Dental Hygiene with a minor in healthcare Management. Some things I enjoy doing are meeting new people, online shopping, traveling, and spending time with my 1 year old doggie, Dream.

Office: Faner 2514, Wednesdays 1:00-4:30pm and Fridays 8:00am-1:30pm
UNIV 101 Class: Section 5 (Mondays 12:00-12:50pm with Caleb McKinley-Portee)

Alyssa Poker

alyssa.poker@siu.edu

Hello, my name is Alyssa Poker and I am from Plainfield, Illinois. I am a senior this year who is majoring in Geography and Environmental Resources with a double minor in Environmental Studies and Horticulture. I am a part of the Honors program here at SIU which has allowed me to explore a lot of different and interesting courses through SIU. With the honors program, I also pride myself on providing as much community service as I can as I believe it is important to give back to your community in any way you can. Outside of school, I really enjoy going out with my friends as well as cooking and baking. I am always looking for lots of new and fun recipes to try out. I am excited about this school year and I want to be here for students in any way I can to make sure that I can provide the proper resources as well great advisement in order to ensure the success of students.

Office: Faner 2514, Mondays 11:00am-2:00pm, Wednesdays 11:00am-3:00pm, and Fridays 10:00am-12:00pm
UNIV 101 Class: Section 9 (Thursdays 11:00-11:50am with Caleb McKinley-Portee)

Kayden Shaw

kaden.shaw@siu.edu

Hello everyone!

I'm Kayden Shaw. I am a sophomore here at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. I am from Homewood, Illinois! I am majoring in Health Care Administration and currently looking for a minor. I am on a dance team here at SIU for the dance team Dynasty. I love being active around campus and meeting people to help their SIU experience be awesome! When I am home and not on campus, I love to hang with my family and friends and travel. I love sneakers and clothes, and my favorite color is blue!

Office: Faner 2514, Mondays 10:00am-2:00pm, Wednesdays 11:00am-1:00pm, and Fridays 10:00am-1:00pm
UNIV 101 Class: Section 2 (Wednesdays 10:00-10:50am with Jeremy Allen)

Journey Short

journey.short@siu.edu

My name is Journey and I am a junior at Southern Illinois of Carbondale studying journalism with a minor in Africana studies. I chose this job because I understand the impact a success coach has on a student.

My freshmen year, I was fortunate enough to have a Campus Contact and the influence she has been on my life is tremendous and vast. I can wholeheartedly say that my journey at Siuc has been much easier with her guidance and kind words. And that is what I hope to be to my mentees, someone who can help and guide you through all the troubles and hardships you may have and share with you your triumphs.

I hope I am able to be of service to you as others have been to me.

Office: Faner 2514, Wednesdays 8:00-10:00am, Thursdays 8:00-9:00am/2:00-4:00pm, and Fridays 12:00-4:00pm
UNIV 101 Class: Section 71 (Thursdays 1:00-1:50pm with Dr. Jeff Punske)

Sophia Slupski

sophia.slupski@siu.edu

Hello, my name is Sophia Slupski. I am from Mahomet, Illinois. Currently, I am a junior majoring in Social Work, with a minor in Psychology. I am a part of the Social Work Student Alliance Club here at SIU. I love to cook, be outdoors, hike, take photos, socialize, listen to music, go on coffee runs, and go to events here on campus. I love making new friends. My favorite sport to play is Tennis, as well as pickleball. I am a huge football fan, whether that is NFL or college. You can see me at most sporting events here on campus cheering on the Salukis! I am the type of person who likes to keep busy, so I am always finding something to do. I am excited for this school year! I want to be here to help my students with whatever they need, to make sure I give the proper resources here on campus to them, and to help make sure my students have a successful college career. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to send me an email.

Office: Faner 2514, Mondays: 10:15am-12:00pm & 2:00pm-4:00pm, Tuesdays 12:30pm-2:30pm, Wednesdays: 9:45am-11:30am & 2:00pm-4:00pm
UNIV 101 Class: Section 3 (Thursdays: 1:00pm-1:50pm with Joseph Sramek)

Dennis Sturkey

dennis.sturkey@siu.edu

Hello, my name Dennis Sturkey, most of the time I go by my nickname Sturk. I’m a fourth year first gen student majoring in Africana Studies. I plan on going to law school after I finish my undergraduate degree and becoming an IP attorney. I’m the vice executive of the Student Programming Council and vice president of the Black Men Coalition here on campus. I’m from the west side of Chicago. In my spare time I like playing video games, listening to music, socializing, and reading. If you have any questions I’m always here to talk, just send me an email.

Office: Faner 2514, Mondays 12:00-2:00pm, Tuesdays 9:00-11:00a/2:00-4:00pm, and Fridays 11:00am-2:00pm
UNIV 101 Class: Section 6 (Mondays 11:00-11:50am with Jeremy Allen)

Rhi Taylor

My name is Rhi Taylor, I use They/Them pronouns. I am from Charleston Illinois, and I am a Junior here at SIU. I am double majoring in Anthropology and Classics and minoring in Ancient Practices. I am a part of the Anthropology Club. Outside of school, I enjoy being outdoors, hiking, camping, and just enjoying nature. I love to find gorgeous new scenery here in SOIL and I love to share my favorite places with everyone.

Office: Faner 2514, Mondays 10:00-11:00am/4:00-4:30pm, Tuesdays 12:15-3:30pm, Wednesdays 10:00am-2:00pm/3:00-4:00pm, Thursdays 12:15-3:30pm, and Fridays 9:00-10:00am
UNIV 101 Class: Section 74 (Mondays 3:00-3:50pm with Dr. Michael Olsen).
UNIV 101 students assigned from Summer UNIV 101 class.

Dnyia Williams

Hey Salukis!!! My name is Dnyia Williams I am from the south side of Chicago. This year I am a sophomore here at siuc majoring in political science with a specialization in prelaw and a minor in sociology. I love socializing, cooking, and making new friends. My favorite sport is volleyball, and my favorite color is blue. I love traveling and adventure to try and find new things in the world. I love reading books and binge watching tv shows. I am here to help you and give you more knowledge about college, and things you did not know! Do not be afraid to reach out or come to me.

Office: Faner 2514, Wednesdays 9:00-11:00am/12:00-1:00pm, Thursdays 8:00-9:30am/12:30-2:00pm, and Fridays 1:00-4:00pm
UNIV 101 Class: Section 4 (Wednesdays 11:00-11:50am with Caleb McKinley-Portee)