Academic Success Mentors

The Academic Success Mentors (ASMs) support students' academic and personal successes. They can discuss a wide-range of personal and academic success topics (e.g., time management, stress/anxiety management, study/learning strategies, motivation strategies, and techniques to address procrastination) and connect students  with appropriate campus resources and services. If a student has a course-specific content question beyond the ASM's knowledge, then they will connect the student with one of ACE's course-specific tutors and sessions. Students can use the ASM's appointment link to access both in-person and Zoom meeting options for Sun- Fri, between 10am and 8pm.

O: G051 WJB
P: 850-645-5485 
E: jjerez@fsu.edu
 

JJ Jerez

Academic Success Mentor at the Academic Center for Excellence

JJ is a doctoral student in the Combined Counseling and School Psychology Ph.D. program at Florida State University. JJ earned his bachelor's degree in psychology from Florida State and his Masters and Education Specialist degree in Counseling in the Human Systems with a concentration in Career Counseling. His research interests include the intersectionality of career and mental health of first-generation college students. Outside of research, JJ enjoys eating at all the local hot spots, traveling when possible, playing video games, and spending time with his cat, Luna. At ACE, JJ supports students in their transition to college life and helps students in improving study skills, time management, and other topics to assist each student to work on succeeding in their academics. Hablo Espanól así que no dudes en venir a mí. 

To schedule an appointment with JJ, click here.

 

O: G026 WJB
P: 850-645-5485
E: glclark@fsu.edu 

 

Gwyneth Clark

Academic Success Mentor at the Acadmemic Center for Excellence

Gwyneth is a doctoral student in the Combined Counseling and School Psychology Ph.D. program at Florida State University. She earned her B.S. in Psychology and her M.S./Ed.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Florida State University. Gwyneth has worked with diverse populations in a variety of settings, and her research interests include ADHD and mental wellbeing among college students. In her free time, Gwyneth enjoys reading, playing piano, watching movies, and spending time with her friends and family. As an Academic Success Mentor at ACE, Gwyneth provides students with individualized support in order to improve their study habits, time management strategies, and coping skills for stress and burnout. 

To schedule an appointment with Gwyneth, click here.

O: G051 WJB
P: 850-645-5485
E: seortiz@fsu.edu 

Selena Ortiz

P.R.E. Program Specialist
Acadmemic Center for Excellence

Selena joined the Academic Center for Excellence (ACE) in August of 2024. She currently serves as the Proactive Referral and Engagement (PRE) Program Specialist. In 2024, Selena earned her B.S. degree in Human Development & Family Sciences from Florida State University, and is currently pursuing her Master of Social Work degree. She has a history of working in student success with her time as a TEAM Leader and Upward Bound Summer Residential Counselor for the Center for Academic Retention & Enhancement (CARE) Program and as an Academic Success Mentor at FSU. In these roles, she proactively engages with students by connecting them to important campus resources, developing and facilitating workshops on college success strategies and self-regulation, and utilizing data analysis to enhance program outcomes. Selena is now a point of contact in advocacy for PRE and its early alert process and works with Dr. Tackett, the PRE Director to coordinate and train ACE’s Academic Success Mentors and Study Skills Tutors. She is dedicated to doing everything possible to support students in flourishing at FSU.

To schedule an appointment with Selena, click here.

O: G015B WJB
P: 850-645-4047
E: stackett@fsu.edu

Samantha Tackett, Ph.D.

P.R.E. Program Director 
ACE Assistant Director

Dr. Samantha Tackett serves as faculty with the Academic Center for Excellence (ACE) in the Division of Undergraduate Studies at FSU. At ACE, Dr. Tackett directs the early alert process known as the Proactive Referral & Engagement (PRE) program, teaches academic recovery courses, and manages the Academic Success Mentors (ASMs) and Study Skills Tutors (SSTs) staff. In addition to consultations with faculty of Gateway and STEM courses, she counsels students who are experiencing academic difficulty and teaches undergraduate and graduate courses. 

Faculty and Staff, use this link to request a presentation from Dr. Tackett for your students.
Students, use this link to schedule a meeting with Dr. Tackett.