Student Support Summit - April 11, 2025 - Register HERE
The LSU Cox Communications Academic Center for Student-Athletes is proud to host the 2025 Student Support Summit, a free virtual conference designed for academic and student support professionals across higher education. This annual event serves as an essential platform for the exchange of knowledge, innovative strategies, and wise practices aimed at advancing the academic, social, and emotional development of students.
With the theme “Geaux All In: Creating Holistic Systems for Academic, Social, and Emotional Growth,” this year’s summit seeks to inspire conversations that matter, fostering a community of practice where educators and professionals can collaborate to address evolving challenges in student support.
Whether you specialize in student-athlete support, learning assistance, academic advising, or broader student success initiatives, this summit offers unparalleled opportunities to:
- Learn from experts about evidence-based strategies for improving student outcomes.
- Explore case studies on successful program innovations and interventions.
- Engage in thought-provoking discussions that challenge and expand your professional perspectives.
- Network with peers from institutions across the nation, building connections that can lead to collaborative opportunities.
We are currently accepting session proposals that highlight creative approaches, impactful research, and successful student-centered initiatives. This is your chance to contribute to a growing body of knowledge in student support services while showcasing your expertise to a wide audience of professionals in higher education.
Don't miss this opportunity to contribute to and benefit from a transformative professional development experience!
Together, let’s shape the future of student success. Geaux All In!
Student Support Summit Full Schedule
(All Times in CST)
Opening Session & Keynote Speaker
9:00am - 10:20am
Dr. Jason Fountain
Superintendent at Central Community School System
Dr. Jason Fountain has spent over twenty years impacting the lives of students.
Fountain started his teaching career at Bay Minette Middle School in Bay Minette, Alabama, as a 7th grade math teacher in 1995. He continued in that position until 2002 when he made a transition to working with student-athletes at the collegiate level. After a brief stint as a graduate assistant at his alma mater, Troy University, Fountain began work as an academic advisor for student-athletes at Mississippi State University in December 2002. A year later, Fountain began working at Florida State University as the academic advisor for football, soccer, and softball. In 2006, Fountain moved to Baton Rouge to work at Louisiana State University as the academic advisor for football student-athletes, where he coordinated academic services for the 2007 National Championship football team. He continued in this capacity through the end of 2008.
In January 2009, Fountain began serving as assistant principal at Tanglewood Elementary School. He remained in that position until July 2012 when he was named co-principal at Central Middle School. Beginning in 2013, Fountain served as the sole principal for the next three years. During this time, Central Middle School earned and maintained an “A” rating as determined by the Louisiana Department of Education.
In July 2016, Fountain moved to the Central Office as Director of Secondary Curriculum and Instruction. During this time, the District revamped its Discipline Center, rebranded and relaunched the Virtual Academy, and implemented the Eureka math curriculum in grades K-8.
Fountain began serving as the second Superintendent of the Central Community School System in January 2018.
Fountain grew up in a small town in south Alabama (East Brewton). He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from Troy University, a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics Education from Athens State University, a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from the University of South Alabama, and an Educational Doctorate from the University of Louisiana-Lafayette. Fountain is married to the former Aimie Chapman from Central, and the couple has two children, Ainsley and Jase.
Concurrent Sessions #1
10:30am - 11:20am
Finding the "Why": Incorporating Values into Student Support
Jodi Manton, Associate Professor of Professional Practice, Counselor Education Program, Louisiana State University
Taylor Dennehy, Assistant Director, LSU Cox Communication Academic Center for Student-Athletes
In student support roles, we often encounter students when they are struggling. They have lost their way and need help getting on track. In these times, values can act as a compass for pointing us in the direction of our deeper purpose and meaning and provide a foundation on which to stand when life is difficult. This session will focus on ways student support staff can incorporate values exploration into their work to help students find their "why" when the going gets tough.
From Assistive Tool to Ethical Dilemma: Navigating AI Use Among Student Athletes
Kyrsti Wyatt, Assistant Director/Sr. Case Manager, Student Advocacy & Accountability,
Louisiana State University
Eric Sorensen, Case Manager, Student Advocacy & Accountability, Louisiana State University
As artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT and Grammarly become more integrated into academic life, student-athletes face unique challenges in using them ethically while managing their demanding schedules. This session will explore AI’s potential as a study aid, its risks related to academic integrity, and how athletics support staff can guide student-athletes toward responsible use. Attendees will learn strategies for fostering ethical AI engagement, understand evolving institutional policies, and discuss real-world scenarios to help student-athletes navigate the fine line between assistance and misconduct.
Concurrent Sessions #2
11:30am - 12:20pm
Thriving in College with ADHD: Practical Strategies for Success
Jada Bruce, Assistant Learning Specialist, LSU Cox Communication Academic Center for Student-Athletes
Christine Sotile, LCSW, Coordinator of Student Athlete Mental Health, Louisiana State University Sport Psychology and Counseling, Louisiana State University
Supporting college students with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) mentally, emotionally, and academically requires a combination of understanding, empath, encouragement, and practical strategies. This presentation will share applicable strategies students and support staff can use daily.
Universal Design for Learning: Research & Practical Applications
Mahannah El-Farrah, Graduate Assistant, LSU Cox Communication Academic Center for Student-Athletes
Chelsey Fontenot, Content Tutor, LSU Cox Communication Academic Center for Student-Athletes
Dorothy Kemp, Ph.D., Director of Educational Support Services, LSU Cox Communication Academic Center for Student-Athletes
This session explores Universal Design for Learning (UDL) through the research and perspectives of CRLA Level 3 tutors. Presenters will review recent literature on UDL’s impact in academic support and share practical strategies for integrating its principles—engagement, representation, and expression—into tutoring and learning environments. By examining real-world applications and tutor-led research, attendees will gain insights into how UDL enhances accessibility, flexibility, and student success. This session will provide actionable strategies that educators and academic support professionals can implement to create more effective and engaging learning experiences.
Growing Where Your Roots Aren’t
Louise A. Bodack, PhD, Director of Student Affairs, LSU Cox Communication Academic Center for Student-Athletes
Brad Jones, Assistant Director of Student Support Services/Math Specialist, LSU Cox Communication Academic Center for Student-Athletes
Jason Shaw, Director of Academic Affairs, LSU Cox Communication Academic Center for Student-Athletes
Have you ever taken—or considered taking—a job away from your friends and family, leaving behind your roots? Or perhaps you've turned down an opportunity because it felt too far from everything familiar. In this session, three individuals will share their journeys to Baton Rouge, LA, and Louisiana State University, each having relocated at different stages of their lives and careers. They will discuss their unique paths, how they have continued to grow professionally, and the resilience they've shown in overcoming both workplace and personal challenges from a distance. We invite you to join the conversation, ask questions, and take away valuable insights to help you navigate your own professional and personal journey.
Mid-Day Keynote Speaker
12:30pm - 1:30pm
Dr. LaKeitha Poole
Assistant AD/Sport Psychology & Counseling
Dr. LaKeitha Poole had led LSU Athletics’ Sport Psychology & Counseling unit as an Assistant Athletic Director, an administrative promotion from Director of Student-Athlete Mental Health which she held during her first six years in the department.
She also served as the Interim Senior Advisor to the Athletics Director for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion from March 2020 through July 2021. In this role, she worked to implement various initiatives including a climate survey, hiring practices, diversity supplier policies, supporting racial equity, and assessing communication and developing educational programming for student-athletes, coaches and staff.
Poole played numerous roles on campus before moving over to the Athletic Department in 2016. She spent six years in LSU’s Office of Multicultural Affairs (OMA), serving as an Assistant Director and as the Coordinator of the LSU African American Cultural Center. As the Assistant Director, and complementary to her programming and student development roles, she was responsible for creating and managing the mental health services of the department.
In addition to her primary roles at LSU, Poole serves as an adjunct instructor in the College of Human Sciences and Education, was a board member for the Baranco-Clark YMCA in Old South Baton Rouge, and owns a private practice, Small Talk Counseling & Consulting. Her private practice allows her to have a broad range of clinical experiences ranging from athletes and working professionals, couples and families, universities and professional organizations, including Brown University, the NCAA, Women Leaders in College Sports, as well as professional leagues and clubs, including the NFL, Team USA and, most recently, the 2021 – 2022 World Champion Golden State Warriors.
A 2009 graduate of Florida State University, Poole was honored as a 2018 Notable ‘Nole, an award that recognizes FSU alumni ages 35 or younger for their significant contributions to their professions, communities or alma mater.
She earned her master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health from LSU and her doctoral degree in Counselor Education & Supervision from Regent University in Virginia Beach, Va.
Concurrent Sessions #3
1:30pm - 2:20pm
Understanding Generation Z: Trends, Challenges, & Opportunities
Jennifer Curry, Professor, School of Education, Louisiana State University
Braydan LaFleur, M.Ed. Candidate, Counselor Education, School of Education, Louisiana State University
Generation Z, born roughly between 1997 and 2012, is emerging as a dominant force in the workforce, market, and society. As the first truly digital-native generation, Gen Z has a unique worldview shaped by technology, social media, economic uncertainties, and diverse cultural influences. In this session, we will explore the defining characteristics of Gen Z, their behaviors, values, and preferences, as well as how organizations, educators, and leaders can engage with and adapt to this fast-evolving demographic.
Affect, Belonging, and Composition: The ABCs of Supporting the Undergraduate Writer
Dr. Kathleen Crosby, Learning Specialist, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
What does it mean to belong to an academic space? What actions and emotions signify belonging? How can we craft spaces that support our students' sense of belonging? This presentation takes both a global and granular approach, looking first at how belonging can be fostered in academic support practices and then how those principles can be applied when working with the student writer. It offers an overview of the inclusive and student-centered principles; provides a framework for centering affect, belonging, and composition-focused training for writing support professionals and tutors; and offers strategies to support the development of the basic writer.
Concurrent Sessions #4
2:30pm - 3:20pm
The Best Use of Data
Samantha Weed, Reading Specialist, Texas A&M Athletics
Alyssa Lamme, Learning Specialist, Texas A&M Athletics
Karlie Abbott, Scholastic Supervisor, Texas A&M Athletics
Collecting quantitative data to show student growth and the impact of student services provided is a challenge for Learning Specialists when reporting to Scholastic Supervisors and other stakeholders. Grades, GPAs and APR scores do not capture the overall skill development of a student who utilizes support from Learning Services. Collaboration with Scholastic Supervisors and creativity in data collection are key to advocating for student success withing academic services.
Always Persevering: Encouraging Student Success at Athletic Academic Centers
Maya Robertson, Athletic Learning Specialist, Center for Athletic Academic Services (CAAS), The University of Memphis
This presentation is designed for athletic academic services and learning assistance center attendees, including athletic academic counselors, student-athlete support staff, and athletic academic staff. It is particularly relevant for tutors, learning specialists, higher education administrators, and senior-level athletics administrators. Attendees typically include individuals involved in developing and implementing academic and social support strategies, tutoring programs, and learning interventions aimed at encouraging student success. Attendees will be provided with practical strategies highlighting key student services designed for collegiate athletes, which are listed as: Academic Support Services, Mental Health and Wellness Support, Career Development, Nutritional Support and Wellness Programs, Financial Aid Assistance, and Social Support and Community Building. This presentation seeks innovative solutions, best practices, and networking opportunities to improve academic experience for student-athletes while developing a culture of academic integrity and success in a competitive collegiate environment."
Concurrent Sessions #5
3:30pm - 4:20pm
It is a Team Effort for Academic Success: Collaborating Between Athletics Staff and Faculty for Student Athlete Advisement
Kendra Hancock, Assistant Professor and Program Coordinator, Sport Management,
Fayetteville State University
Justin Mallory, Athletic Academic Coordinator, Athletics, Fayetteville State University
Unlocking Potential: A Reading Intervention Program for College Success
Priscilla Herrera, Learning Specialist, LSU Cox Communication Academic Center for Student-Athletes
Marisa Stelly, Reading Interventionist, LSU Cox Communication Academic Center for Student-Athletes
This presentation will discuss the reading intervention program offered to student-athletes at the Cox Academic Center for Student-Athletes. It will explain the need for the program, curriculum that is used, how sessions are conducted, qualifications for the program and the outcomes observed so far. The goal of the program is for students to develop reading strategies and resources to use while in college.
Student Support Summit - April 11, 2025 - Register HERE
