As the Director of the Center for Academic Success & Excellence, Donell Young has established a career devoted to student success and student development. He received a Bachelor of Science and Master of Arts degree from Lincoln University. Additionally, he completed a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Missouri School of Law in 2016.

In 2004, he joined the Mizzou team as the Senior Coordinator for the Office of Student Conduct, presiding over the university’s student conduct process. In 2013, he became an assistant director in the Department of Student Life, supervising the Office of Student Conduct, the Gaines/Oldham Black Culture Center and the Multicultural Center. In 2015, he was named the Director of the Center for Academic Success & Excellence.

During his time at the University of Missouri, Young has also served as an adviser for multiple student organizations and mentored students in creating comprehensive plans that lead to success both in and outside the classroom. With his dual appointment with the Division of Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity as the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Student Engagement and Success, he hopes to continue serving students and the university for many years to come.

As a Student Services Coordinator, Devara Brock serves students by taking a holistic approach towards their graduation throughout their college journey. She has extensive expertise in Counseling and Education. Prior to joining the Center for Academic Success & Excellence, Brock served in the United States Army. She is an avid traveler and sports fan. In her role as a Student Services Coordinator, she works to create trusting and engaging relationships that promote student engagement and growth.

With experience working with students throughout the University of Missouri in various capacities, Ana-Maria Fernandez is a Retention Specialist at the Center for Academic Success & Excellence. She works with students on developing success plans, referring students to various campus resources and provides overall guidance for students throughout their college experience. Her extensive involvement with the Columbia, Missouri, the community has helped her connect students with opportunities beyond the campus and created a space for community growth.

Justin Light serves as a Student Services Coordinator in the Center for Academic Success & Excellence. As an alumnus of the University of Missouri, with a degree in Communications, he understands the challenges students face in college. Prior to joining the Center for Academic Success & Excellence team, he worked in the non-profit sector and currently serves on the board for Day Dreams Foundation in Columbia. In his role as a Student Services Coordinator, he hopes that by doing Success Planning and helping students connect to campus resources, they will be able to establish relationships that will promote their success. By working in the Center for Academic Success & Excellence, Light wants to continue fostering confidence, curiosity and a desire to achieve in students.

Angie Vick serves as the Administrative Assistant for the Center for Academic Success & Excellence. With her open-door policy, she supports the office programs and initiatives that help make students successful. She holds an Associate’s degree in Business Management and has over 20 years of experience working in the field of oncology cancer research with the University of Missouri. She joined the Center for Academic Success & Excellence in September 2015 to follow her passion for supporting student success and guiding the student in achieving their dreams.