As the Director for the Center for Academic Success and Excellence, Donell Young has established a career devoted to student success and student development. He received 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 and 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.

Assistant Director for the Center for Academic Success and Excellence Farouk Aregbe has dedicated his career to developing students as leaders and believes every student should have a champion – whether that be a professor, an advisor, a supervisor or residence hall director. He has Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Missouri Western State University and a Masters’ Degree in Business Administration from the University of North Dakota.

Prior to joining the Center for Academic Success and Excellence team, he was the Coordinator of Student Government Services at the University of Missouri, where he mentored student leaders in the Missouri Students Association, STRIPES, Tiger Pantry, Truman’s Closet, the Associated Students of the University of Missouri, KCOU and MUTV. In his role as the Assistant Director, Aregbe hopes to continue to serve as a champion for students, encouraging them to exceed their potential and challenge them to learn, grow and connect the dots in new and innovative ways.

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 and 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, community has helped her connect students with opportunities beyond the campus and created a space for community growth.

Angie Vick serves as the Administrative Assistant for the Center for Academic Success and Excellence. With her open door policy, she supports the office programs and initiatives that help makes 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 and Excellence in September 2015 to follow her passion in supporting student success and guiding student in achieving their dreams.

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 and 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.

Justin Light serves as a Student Services Coordinator in the Center for Academic Success and 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 and 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 establish relationships that will promote their success. By working in the Center for Academic Success and Excellence, Light wants to continue fostering confidence, curiosity and a desire to achieve in students.

Amand Hardiman comes to the Center for Academic Success and Excellence from Utah State University (USU). At USU, Hardiman served in many capacities throughout campus from 2015-2017. He worked in Athletics as a Student Assistant for the USU Women’s Basketball Team. He also served as the Assistant Director Intern for the Undergraduate Teaching Fellows (UTF) Program and was a Canvas Course Designer for the Department of Education. Prior to that, from 2014-2015, he worked for University of Missouri Athletics as an intern for the Mizzou Made Academic Department while coaching boys’ basketball at Battle High School. He received his Bachelors of Science at the University of Missouri in Parks, Recreation and Tourism and is completing his Masters of Education with an emphasis in Higher Education. Hardiman is a Tiger born and raised in Columbia, Missouri, and attended Hickman High School. He is most excited to work with CASE because it will give him an opportunity to serve students and challenge them to become the best version of themselves.