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Academic Coaches

Supporting Your Journey from Enrollment to Graduation

About Our Program

We offer individual success coaching to all first-year students and upper-class students by request. Every first-year student is assigned a coach and will engage in meetings throughout their first year.

Student Success & Retention coaches reflects the core values of Tougaloo College's mission, preparing students to be lifelong learners who are committed to leadership and service in a global society.

Our specially trained coaches guide students as they learn to navigate life within the Tougaloo College community and connect students with the needed services, programs and resources that promote success from enrollment to graduation.

Mission

Our mission is to support and assist students as they define, work towards and attain personal and academic goals. Our specially trained coaches guide students as they learn to navigate life within the Tougaloo College community and connect students with the needed services, programs and resources that promote success from enrollment to graduation. We empower students using a holistic approach to moving from thought to action, learning the skills necessary to be lifelong learners.

Guiding Principles

Appreciative Advising
Embracing a Holistic Approach
Promoting Engagement
Supporting a Proactive Mindset
Meaningful, Authentic Relationships

Our Services

Providing comprehensive resources to support every aspect of your college experience.

Academic Coaching

Personalized support to help you develop effective study strategies, time management skills, and achieve your academic goals.

Career Coaching

Guidance in exploring career paths, developing professional skills, and preparing for post-graduation opportunities.

Life Coaching

Holistic support addressing personal development, wellness, and life balance to help you thrive in all areas.

Meet Our Staff

Our dedicated team of success coaches and coordinators are here to support your journey at Tougaloo College.

Alfredlene T. Armstrong, M.Ed, RS, CD

Coordinator: First-Year S.O.A.R.S | Tutorial Services/Lead Coach

601-977-6182 (Tutorial Centers)
601-977-7942 (Academic Success Center)

D'ante R. Benford

Student Success Coach | Assistant Baseball Coach/Recruiting Coordinator

When I'm not at Tougaloo, you can find me

"In St. Louis rolling on dubs."

Favorite place to visit

Denver, CO

What brought me to Tougaloo

The opportunity to directly impact and learn from the next generation of free-thinking, innovative, and inspired scholars.

Education

Tougaloo College, Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication; University of Southern Mississippi, Master of Science in Public Relations; Jackson State University, Doctor of Philosophy in Higher Education (In progress)

Hometown

Jackson, MS

Words that describe Tougaloo

"There's no place like home"

Advice to college students

Network, join campus clubs and organizations, aspire for leadership roles, document everything, ENJOY COLLEGE, be a creator—cultivate your skills

Favorite random fact about Tougaloo

Tupac once performed in Brown Lee Hall and it's said that the gym floor caved in.

Lashanda M. Jones-Lewis

Student Success Coach

Education

Hinds Community College: Associate in Applied Science in Early Childhood Development, Tougaloo College: Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, Angelo State University: Master of Education in Guidance and Counseling, and currently pursuing Doctor of Philosophy in Advanced Studies in Human Behavior.

Hometown

Jackson, MS

Words that describe Tougaloo

One of a kind, a home away from home and Prestigious

Advice to college students

Always put God first, never forget where you come from, and always strive to do your best.

Favorite random fact about Tougaloo

Tougaloo College has 2 Mascots. The eagle which represents Academics and The Bulldog which represents Athletics.

When I'm not at Tougaloo, you can find me

At home which is called my happy place

Favorite place to visit

New Orleans, Louisiana

What brought me to Tougaloo

Employment brought me to Tougaloo in 2013. I started as the Administrative Assistant for the First-Year Experience Program.

Kendall A. Laster, M.S.

Student Success Coach

Education

Master of Science in Psychology and Counseling, University of West Alabama, 2018; Bachelor of Arts in History, University of Southern Mississippi, 2015 and Associate of Arts, Pearl River Community College, 2013

Hometown

Hattiesburg, Mississippi

Words that describe Tougaloo

Vibrant and peculiar

Advice to college students

This world owes you nothing; therefore, do not anticipate each day to be a glorious occasion. Take this opportunity to develop the purpose that is uniquely designed for you.

When I'm not at Tougaloo, you can find me

"somewhere enjoying the company of my family and friends."

Favorite places to visit

New Orleans, Louisiana and Washington, D.C.

What brought me to Tougaloo

Tougaloo alum and former Student Success Coach, Melvin Smith presented me with an opportunity to fulfill my mission of helping people to explore and expand their horizons. It has been a challenging experience that I'm grateful for.

Precious Vines

Academic Retention Coach | Adjunct History Instructor

Education

Jackson State University, History B.A. and M.A.

Hometown

Toledo, Ohio

Words to describe Tougaloo College

Historical, tradition

Advice to college students

Do not waste time and money.

When I'm not at Tougaloo College, you can find me

Reading, hanging with family and friends

Favorite place to visit

New Orleans and Mobile, Alabama

What brought me to Tougaloo College

Professional Development