Academic Success Coaching

Sometimes, students need a little extra help to achieve success in college. That’s where our Academic Success Coaches come in. They offer support and educational opportunities to increase the academic success of students who may have barriers and challenges preventing them from realizing their goals.

You are not alone. Our academic success coaches can help you:

• Get and stay organized
• Balance your commitments
• Create successful study habits
• Identify and use your strengths
• Understand your learning style
• Know what campus services are available
• Know where to go for assistance with family and life events

Schedule Time With a Coach

Why You Should Meet with an Academic Success Coach

Academic success coaches focus on helping students manage three major areas: academic success, life balance, and transformational leadership.

Meeting with a coach might be right for you if you want to:

Improve Your Academic Success

• Studying smarter, not harder, and improving your note-taking, reading, and review strategies
• Improving your performance on exams, including better managing test-induced anxiety

Balance Your Life

• Setting a goal, designing an action plan, and measuring progress with support
• Working through procrastination and harnessing your motivators
• Setting priorities, establishing and maintaining new habits, and balancing commitments
• Better following your weekly schedule and/or daily to-do list
• Sharpening your focus and concentration and increasing your productivity

Develop Transformational Leadership Skills

• Identifying ways of self-management of using school and community resources to address life issues such as help with rent, food, childcare, medical, or other issues
• Collaborating with other students, faculty, staff, and other community members for course study, along with changing what serves as a barrier in your life within the institution and the local community
• Enhancing your experiences with student organization leadership and involvement with both TCC and community networking and skill building

Benefits for Academic Success Coaching

Students are acclimated into the college environment so they may successfully navigate through their academic career. Specifics benefits include student empowerment, independence, self-accountability, networking, and a strong sense of confidence.

Watch: What to Expect During Your First Coaching Session

Contact Academic Success Coaches by emailing tccsuccesscoaching@tulsacc.edu.

Programs and Services

Programs and services offered are accessible to all TCC students and aimed at providing reasonable and appropriate accommodations to meet all their learning and evaluation needs.

Academic Coaching

Work with an Academic Success Coach for research-based approaches to balancing school, work, and life. Academic Success Coaches will help you take assessment surveys to measure your strengths and challenges, focusing on how your strengths can be leveraged to help you deal with life encounters. Coaches will also help you set up SMART Goals, manage your time, and create a success plan.

Workshops

Tips and tools for student success are brought to classrooms, student organizations, and other arranged forums.

Study Groups

Student peers provide the best student-to-student support, and the research supports that having peers as mentors creates stronger support for success in college. Join a study group session.

Common Services

• Student Advocacy
• Communicating with Faculty
• Cultural Enrichment Activities
• Individual Coaching
• SMART Goal Setting (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Timely goals)
• Holistic Resource Referrals
• Academic Skills Assessment
• Forums and Workshops
• Leadership Training
• Mentorship Opportunities
• College Transfer Networking

Resources

For resources, visit our Blackboard Academic Success Coaching Resources course.

Academic Success Coaches

Joy Betz, M.Ed.

Schedule with Joy

If you are in the following programs, Joy Betz is your Academic Success Coach:

• Accounting & Economics
• Business Administration
• Information Technology
• Chemistry
• Life Sciences
• Physical Sciences
• Mathematics
• Art
• Digital Media
• Interior Design
• Journalism
• Music
• Theater
• Community Programs
• Intensive English Program
• English as a Second Language

Prior to my role as an Academic Success Coach, I accumulated over 30 years of teaching experience in higher education, both in the U.S. and overseas. I have served as the president of the Oklahoma Chinese Teachers’ Association and on the Board of Directors for Tulsa Global Alliance. At Tulsa Community College, where I've worked for over 20 years, I understand that students often need extra help outside the classroom. As an Academic Success Coach, I assist students with goal setting, student involvement, and academic engagement, helping them clarify academic, professional, and personal goals. I use strategies that support degree completion and build leadership skills. It is very fulfilling to help students transition to responsible adults who are motivated and accountable for their academic and personal success.

The best advice I received as a college student was from my advisor, who encouraged me to join a campus organization to gain leadership skills. Serving as a student officer during my undergraduate years proved to be the most valuable learning experience of my life.

Michael Singleton, M.Th.

Schedule with Michael

If you are in the following programs, Michael Singleton is your Academic Success Coach:

• Aviation
• Child Development
• Criminal Justice
• Electronics
• Engineering
• Engineering Technology
• Fire and Emergency Medical Services
• Human Services
• First Year Experience (or Academic Success)
• Honors designated
• Liberal Arts
• Humanities
• History & Political Science
• Social Science
• ASLE & World Languages (like Spanish, French, and Mandarin)

Born and raised in Tulsa and a graduate of Central High School, I began my college studies at Northeastern State University and graduated from Southwestern Oklahoma State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry and a minor in Biology. I started working for TCC in 2006, and in 2007, I began coordinating TCC’s mentoring initiative, where I discovered my passion for student academic success. I completed my master’s degree in theology with an emphasis on ministry and culture in 2015.

I taught 6th-grade Math and Science at Walt Whitman Elementary for two years, which deepened my commitment to helping students succeed. My research focuses on educational narratives, urban education, and social foundations. I use this knowledge to improve student retention and performance in the classroom and career fields. I look forward to contributing to the work at the Center for Community & Learning at Tulsa Community College.

The best advice I received as a college student was to stay persistent in pursuing goals. There will be tough times, but focusing on the opportunities that come with achieving goals, rather than the challenges, is crucial. As I always say, "It is good to start, but better to finish."

Thesha Zeigler, M.Ed.

Schedule with Thesha

If you are in the following programs, Thesha Zeigler is your Academic Success Coach:

• Cardiovascular Technology
• Dental Hygiene
• Diagnostic Medical Sonography
• Health Information Technology
• Medical Laboratory Technology & Phlebotomy
• Occupational Therapy Assistant
• Pharmacy Technology
• Physical Therapist Assistant
• Radiography
• Respiratory Care
• Veterinary Technology
• English
• Nursing

I have a master’s degree in urban education, focusing on educational improvements for students from diverse backgrounds, and a bachelor’s degree in business management from Langston University.

I've worked at Tulsa Community College for 15 years in various departments. As an Academic Success Coach, I advocate for students, develop success strategies, collaborate with staff and faculty, and address areas such as life strategies, personal wellness, food insecurities, and communication skills. My expertise includes academic advisement, career services, and TRiO Student Support Services. Additionally, I have over 20 years of experience in private business, including customer service, money management, and team training.

The best advice I received as a college student was to build strong relationships with frontline staff such as Financial Aid, Advisement, Bursar, and Enrollment Services. By knowing their names and greeting them kindly, they are more likely to help you when needed.

Strengthening Institutions, Title 3, Academic Coaches

In October of 2021, TCC was awarded the distinguished $2.25M Title III Strengthening Institutions Program (SIP) Grant to target at-risk students and provide a comprehensive foundation of support.

Doug Allen, M. HR.

Monday – Thursday: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. 
Friday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Schedule with Doug

I am a dedicated professional with a passion for helping students. A Tulsa native and proud graduate of Booker T. Washington High School, I earned my bachelor’s degree in public administration with a minor in economics and a master’s degree in human relations from the University of Oklahoma. I am currently pursuing an MBA with an emphasis in project management from Northeastern State University.

With 17 years of experience in higher education, I have served in roles such as recruiter, financial aid coordinator, assistant director of new student support, and financial aid assistant director. I currently work as an academic success coach at Tulsa Community College, where I am grateful for the opportunity to support students. Seeing students excel and achieve their goals is incredibly rewarding. My commitment to their success, combined with problem-solving skills and adaptability, allows me to deliver impactful results for both the college and the students.

In my free time, I enjoy traveling with my wife, watching sports, walking my dog, and studying the Bible.

The best advice I received as a college student was to trust God and never give up. Perseverance is key; taking a step forward every day will eventually lead you to the finish line.

Andrea Clark Chambers, D. Min.

Monday – Wednesday: 12:30 – 4 p.m.
Thursday: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Schedule with Dr. Chambers

As a Tulsa native and Booker T. Washington High School graduate, I am thrilled to work with students to help them achieve their educational and career goals. Education has always been important in my family, and my brother and I have worked hard to pursue our academic goals. I have always wanted to help people in our community overcome barriers and challenges. After high school, I earned a Bachelor of Arts in speech communication from Northeastern State University and a master of divinity from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, TX. My experiences as a research assistant, work-study participant, and student government member instilled a love for lifelong learning and advocacy.

For over 20 years, I have served the Tulsa community through church and nonprofit work, and as an adjunct professor teaching religious courses. After completing a doctor of ministry in transformational leadership at Phillips Theological Seminary, I began teaching TCC College Success courses in 2021.

I look forward to supporting all students at TCC through the Center for Community & Learning, helping them realize their potential and achieve their goals. My diverse experiences have equipped me to encourage and support students in their educational, career, and life pursuits.

Sandy Samuel, DHA

Tuesday: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Wednesday: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Thursday: 1 – 5 p.m.
Friday: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Schedule with Sandy

I grew up in California and moved to Oklahoma for school. I recently completed my doctorate in health and am adding additional certifications in my field. I am relatively new to TCC and love working with this team, which is an invaluable resource for students. I feel like we are truly making a difference in people’s lives, and that’s awesome! I worked as a mentor and peer leader during my undergraduate years, so helping fellow students is right up my alley, and I enjoy it! I have a strong, yet developing, background in leadership and advocacy for underrepresented students, having participated in multiple such programs during undergrad, including serving as the student director for Project SPEAK—a group focused on preventing domestic violence—and as president of the only multicultural honors society on the UCO campus. These experiences include involvement in diversity and inclusion organizations and community engagement.

I sincerely hope I can make a difference in many students’ lives, whether that be by maximizing their performance in classes, helping them gain access to available resources, assisting them in getting more involved on campus and in leadership roles, tutoring them, mentoring them, or simply helping them navigate life. Please feel free to reach out if you need help; you are not alone! I look forward to contributing to the life-changing work being done by the Center for Community Learning at Tulsa Community College.

In my spare time, I enjoy dancing, singing karaoke, camping and hiking, traveling, biking, skydiving, and spending time with friends and family, among other things.

The best piece of advice given to me as a college student is to keep persisting and occasionally step out of my comfort zone, as doing so will inevitably lead to the accomplishment of goals and the pursuit of new learning opportunities! I call it, “Persist in the no-fly zone!”

One important lesson about education: "You are not what you learn; rather, you learn who you are and use that knowledge to do."

Senior Director of Center for Community & Learning

Dr. Dewayne Dickens, Ph.D.

I lead the Academic Success Coaching Office and support college-wide initiatives as the senior director of the Center for Community & Learning at TCC. This role also includes oversight of the Education Outreach Center and the Student Resource Navigator within the Student Help Hub. My work focuses on helping students persist semester by semester toward attaining a degree or certificate. The center provides research-based guidance to enhance leadership, self-assessment, and goal-setting skills, especially for first-generation, low-income, and underserved students.

For more than 17 years, I served as a developmental English associate professor at TCC. I hold a doctorate in curriculum and social foundations with a focus on college persistence for African American males. I have extensive experience in faculty professional development, having coordinated TCC’s Academy for Teaching Excellence. My background includes leadership, diversity, multicultural learning, and implicit bias discussions, with national presentations on creative teaching strategies, race in education, technology in instruction, and community involvement.

I am a board member of several organizations, serving as chair or providing educational support. In my free time, I enjoy playing the piano, singing, bicycling, cooking, and spending time with family and friends.

Most important lesson learned about education: Good writing, like any expert skill, comes from practice and revision.

2020 Impact Report for Academic Success Coaching

Student Testimonies

"My Academic Success Coach has gone above and beyond. She has inspired me to keep pushing forward and never giving up on my dreams." — Gage

"My coach helped me identify specific academic strategies, time management, confidence, budgeting my time, and working through testing preparation." — Rebecca