Student Success Advisors & Staff

Dr. Cassandra C. Green (Cassie) is the Assistant Vice-President of the Office of Student Success at Delaware State University (DSU).  She earned a BA in psychology, and an MA in counselor education from Indiana University of PA (IUP), in 1984 and 1985 respectively; and an EdD in Educational Leadership from Wilmington University in 2010.   She has r 38 years in higher education, providing service in a variety of higher education institutions (community college, 4-year private and public institutions), in a variety of appointed positions (faculty-advisor to special talent athletes, assistant professor, adjunct faculty, educational counselor, assistant director,  director, faculty field advisor for doctoral program, Title III activity director, |and assistant vice-president), in a variety of practices and models in Higher Education administration in Student Affairs  (learning center |Act 101, developmental studies, academic advising for student athletes, pre-fall and summer bridge programs, and minority honors program) and Academic Affairs (academic enrichment, university college, academic support services, office of student success, summer bridge programs, paraprofessional peer educator training and supervision, first-year experience courses and students-in-transition services, assessment of student learning outcomes, development courses |programs, and disability support). She is a published author, with an extensive list of presentations in assessment and developing student learning outcomes for paraprofessional peer educator training programs.  

Her passion lies in teaching how to trigger innate meta-cognitive abilities and memory processes using the mind-mapping study technique to engage students in active learning. If you visit Dr. Green’s office, you will find several of her favorite study mind maps created by the students she taught during the first 20 years of her teaching and advising career.  

Hometown: Philadelphia, PA, USA
Fun Fact: At the time of accepting the position as Director of Academic Support Services at DSU years ago, I was being considered for hire at Cheyney University, where I interviewed with the Associate VP of University College, Dr. Robin Williams, (the wife of DSU’s 10th President, Dr. Harry Williams)!
Educational background:

• Ed.D. 2010 - Educational Leadership (Wilmington University, Dover, DE)
• M.A. 1985 - Counselor Education (Indiana University of PA, Indiana, PA).
• B.A. - Psychology (Indiana University of PA, Indiana, PA)

Why did you decide to work here at Delaware State? I was hired as the Director of Academic Support Programs, working in the Division of Academic Enrichment. I brought extensive knowledge and experience in higher education, tweaking and developing student success program models that yield a significant impact on student retention, persistence, and graduation rates.  And I finally got a position at DSU - my first and only HBCU ever!

Contact Info:
Email: CGreen [at] desu.edu
Phone: 302.857.6388
Location: William C. Jason Library - Room 221B

Hometown: Smyrna, Delaware
Fun Fact: I love spending time with my family
Educational background:

• B.S. - Behavioral Science (Wilmington University, Dover, DE)
• A. A. - Applied Science - Criminal Justice (Delaware Technical Community College, Dover, DE)

Why did you decide to work here at Delaware State? I wanted to better my career and I love helping people.

Contact Info:
Email: TMiner [at] desu.edu
Phone: 302.857.6175
Location: William C. Jason Library - Room 232

Hometown: Kumasi, Ghana
Fun Fact: I am a professional freelance guitarist
Educational background:

• B.A. 2020 - Africana Studies (University of Delaware, Newark, DE)

Why did you decide to work here at Delaware State? I went to and worked at the University of Delaware, a PWI and after graduating with a B.A. in African Studies, I wanted to pay some attention to HBCUs and get involved by giving back time and support. Plus, it was a great opportunity to officially begin my journey in Higher Education.

Contact Info:
Email: JAttakorah [at] desu.edu
Phone: 302.857.7201
Location: William C Jason Library - Room 223A

Hometown: Dover, Delaware
Fun Fact: I’m a grill master. I want an English Bulldog.
Educational background:

• Ph.D. 2011 - Psychology Specialization in Educational Psychology (Capella University, Minneapolis, MN) 
• M.Ed 1999 - Educational Counseling (Wilmington University, Dover, DE) 
• B.S. 1998 - Psychology (Delaware State University, Dover, DE)

Why did you decide to work here at Delaware State? To help shape the lives of students and help them achieve their goals.

Contact Info:
Email: MPoe [at] desu.edu
Phone: 302.857.7984
Location: William C. Jason Library - Room 214I

Hometown: Abidjan, Ivory Coast (Africa)
Residence: Dover, Delaware
Fun Fact: I used to sing in a choir with some nuns and they all thought that I would be a nun too someday.
Educational background:

• Ed.D. 2013 - Educational Leadership (Delaware State University, Dover, DE) 
• M.A. 2004 - English (University of Delaware, Newark, DE) 

Why did you decide to work here at Delaware State? I am a Delaware State University Alumna and I want to give back. Just like, I was helped while matriculating here at Delaware State University, I want to help Delaware State University’s students successfully achieve their academic and professional goals.

Contact Info:
E-mail: CKpota [at] desu.edu
Phone: 302.857.6837
Location: William C Jason Library - Room 214G

Hometown: Bronx, NY
Fun Fact: I played softball for 8 years in high school and college
Educational background:

• M.A. - Educational Leadership (New York University, New York City, NY)
• B.A. - African American Studies; American Studies - Double Major (Wesleyan University, Middletown, CT )

Why did you decide to work here at Delaware State? Education and encouraging students are very important to me. I used to be a middle school teacher. I decided to become an academic advisor because I prefer 1-on-1 interaction to 1-on-30 interaction.

Contact Info:
Email: TFaria [at] desu.edu
Phone:  302.857.6907
Location: Bank Of America Building - Suite 108

Hometown: Nashville, Tennessee
Fun Fact: I swam with a shark
Educational background:

• M.B.A. - Business (Delaware State University, Dover, DE)
• B.S. - Marketing (Delaware State University, Dover, DE)

Why did you decide to work here at Delaware State? To help students throughout their matriculation at DSU. I worked in Admissions for years but only spent months with the students. It was a great chance to be able to assist them until graduation.

Contact Info:
Email:  MRush [at] desu.edu
Phone: 302.736.2302
Location: Downtown Campus - Budd Hall Rm 16

Hometown: Brooklyn, New York
Fun Fact: Love dancing
Educational background:

• Ed.D. - Educational Leadership (Delaware State University, Dover, DE) 
• M.B.A. - Marketing (The Atlanta University, Atlanta, GA.) 
• B.A. - Accounting (St. Augustine’s University, Raleigh, NC.)

Why did you decide to work here at Delaware State? This is my way of giving back to help the students at this HBCU.

Contact Info:
Email: LHawkins [at] desu.edu
Phone: 302.857.7726
Location: William C. Jason Library - Room 214B

Hometown: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Fun Fact: I love to dance     
Educational background:

• Ph.D. Candidate 2022 - Educational Leadership (Delaware State University, Dover, DE)
• M.Ed. - 2001 - Educational Counseling (Wilmington University, New Castle, DE)
• B.A. - 1997 - Psychology (Eastern University, St. Davids, PA)

Why did you decide to work here at Delaware State? For most of my adult life, I have worked with youth and young adults.  I worked as a youth leader, high, school counselor, and now as a college academic advisor.  It has always been my dream and desire to help students to strive for academic success and reach their goals. Also, I have a passion for young adults and care very much about the path they take and what they are able to contribute to society, once they graduate from DSU.  I love it at DSU! This is the place God has placed me to use my gifts and talents for His students!

Contact Info:
Email: LWalker [at] desu.edu
Phone:  302.857.7349
Location: William C. Jason Library - Room 214J

Hometown: Abidjan/Cote D’Ivoire
Fun Fact: Play and love soccer
Educational background:

• M.S. 2011 - Molecular Genetics & Microbiology (Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ)
• B.S. 2007 - Chemistry (Health Professions) - (Delaware State University, Dover, DE)

Why did you decide to work here at Delaware State? I decided to become an Academic Advisor at Delaware State University, because I wanted to continue my life’s mission, of serving others, especially the next generation of community and world leaders

Contact Info: 
E-mail: FYehiri [at] desu.edu 
Phone: 302.857.6643
Location: William C Jason Library - Room 214H

 
Hometown: Yeadon, Pennsylvania, USA
Fun Fact: Halloween is my favorite ‘holiday’ and I love horror movies
Educational background:

• M.S. 2019 - Higher Education Policy and Student Affairs (West Chester University, West Chester, PA)

Why did you decide to work here at Delaware State? My own not-so-pleasant undergraduate experience inspired me to become the kind of authentic and caring academic advisor I needed when I was completing my degree. Delaware State University is close to home, and I could tell from the outside looking in it houses a family-oriented work environment I have longed for. 

Contact Info:
Email:  AHarper [at] desu.edu
Phone:  302.857.6183
Location: William C. Jason Library - Room 214F

Hometown:  New Castle, Delaware, USA
Fun Fact: I used to be a plus-size model
Educational background:

• M.S.  - 2004 Science and Administration of Justice (Wilmington University, DE) 

Why did you decide to work here at Delaware State? Because I believe in ‘Paying it Forward’ as I understand there were many that assisted in my educational success, and I am grateful for their impact on my life.

Contact Info:
Email: FFennell [at] desu.edu
Phone: 302.857.7909
Location: William C Jason Library - Room 214E

Hometown: Bridgeton, New Jersey
Fun Fact: I love to sing in my spare time.
Educational background:

• M. Ed. 2017- Education (Wesley College, Dover, DE)
• B.A. 2008 - Liberal Studies (Wesley College, Dover, DE)

Why did you decide to work here at Delaware State? I want to make a difference every day in the lives of my advisees. They are my ‘why’ and the reason I do what I do.

Contact Info:
Email:  AKellen [at] desu.edu
Phone: 302.857.6181
Location: William C Jason Library - Room 214C

Hometown: Chester, Pennsylvania, USA
Fun Fact: I received my master’s degree for free while coaching the sport I Love! and I can juggle.
Educational background:

• M.A. 2020 - Sport Leadership and Management (Wesley College, Dover, DE)
• B.S. 2018 - Kinesiology (Wesley College, Dover, DE)  

Why did you decide to work here at Delaware State? I decided to become an Academic Advisor at Delaware State because one, it is close to home as a Welsey Alumna, and two and most importantly I appreciate, and would never take lightly, the opportunity and responsibility to assist in the development of the world’s next leaders! 

Contact Info:
Email: TSGibbs [at] desu.edu
Phone: 302.736.2349
Location: Downtown Campus - Budd Hall Rm 18

Hometown: Nairobi, Kenya
Fun Fact: I enjoy athletics. Especially track & field events.
Educational background:

• Ed.D. 2013 - Curriculum & Instruction M.Sc. 2019 – Statistics
• M.Ed. 2003 – Educational Research & Evaluation B.Ed.
• 1995 – Secondary Education (Mathematics & Geography)

Why did you decide to work here at Delaware State? As a doctoral student, I worked as an undergraduate students’ Academic Advisor. I enjoyed assisting students transition from high school to college, then guiding them through their course requirements and educational goals. It was rewarding to see students perform well in their coursework and qualify to join the academic major of their choice. After witnessing some of the challenges underrepresented students face on campus, I wanted to work at an HBCU to help students overcome these challenges. I decided to work as an academic advisor here at Delaware State University because I want to use my experience and skills to contribute towards our students’ academic success.

Contact Info:
Email: VMokaya [at] desu.edu
Phone: 302.736.2304
Location: Downtown Campus - Budd Hall Rm 14

Hometown: Chesapeake, VA, USA
Fun Fact: I’m a Proud HBCU two-time alum (VSU & DSU) & I have a book on Amazon: Dear Heart, Breathe Again
Educational background:

• M.S.- 2020-Sport Administration (Delaware State University, Dover, DE)  
• B.S.- 2005-Sport Management (Virginia State University, Petersburg, VA)

Why did you decide to work here at Delaware State? I saw this as a perfect opportunity to further enhance, enrich, and impact the students on the academic level.

Contact Info:
Email: LNPerkins [at] desu.edu
Phone: 302.736.2477
Location: Downtown Campus - Budd Hall Rm 02

Hometown: Jamaica
Fun Fact: I bench-pressed 415 pounds.
Educational background:

• M.Ed 2009, Northeastern University (Boston, MA)

Why did you decide to work here at Delaware State? As an educator, I enjoy helping students accomplish their academic goals. Being an advisor allows me to help students graduate from college and go on to accomplish their dreams

Contact Info:
Email: CFowler [at] desu.edu
Phone:  302.857. 6958
Location: Bank of America - Suite 108 - Room 108C

Hometown: Florida & Pennsylvania, USA
Fun Fact: I love to 3D print in my spare time.
Educational background:

• B.S. 2012 - Communications with a focus in Advertising (University of North Florida, Jacksonville, FL)

Why did you decide to work here at Delaware State? I decided to become an academic advisor for DSU because I believe in the 360 degree approach and DSU also believes in that approach to advising. I want to help students be the best version of themselves and help them achieve their goals.

Contact Info:
Email: MHutzler [at] desu.edu
Phone: 302.857.6943
Location: Bank of America - Suite 108 - Room 108B

Contact Info:
Email: CFriel [at] desu.edu
Phone:  302.857.6904 | Google Voice: 302-899-8544 (Monday-Friday, 9:30 am-1:30 pm)
Location: Virtual | Bank of America - Suite 108 - Room 108F

Hometown: Munnsville, New York, USA
Fun Fact: I spent part of my childhood living in Guam
Educational background:

• B.S. 2004 - Unified Elementary/Special Education (Keuka College, Keuka Park, NY)

Why did you decide to work here at Delaware State? As a former student-athlete, I recall fondly the guidance and support I received from both my coaches and college advisors who assisted me throughout my journey. College athletics and higher education have always been my passion and working with the Office of Student Success my goal is to give back and be a resource to students during these transformational years.

Contact Info:
Email: KGraves [at] desu.edu
Phone:  302.857.7079
Location: William C Jason Library - Room 221

Hometown: Laurel, MD
Fun Fact: I am a Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc. member and love competing in recreational sports.
Educational background: 

• Currently working on my Ed.D in Sport Management from the United States Sports Academy. 
• M.S 2018 - Sports Administration (Delaware State University, Dover, DE)
• B.S 2016 - Business Management with a minor in Finance (Delaware State University, Dover, DE)

Why did you decide to work here at Delaware State? Professionally, to continue my career in Higher Education while pursuing teaching classes as an adjunct professor. My long-term career goal is to become an Associate Professor once I am done with my Ed.D. Personally, to be closer to my loved ones and family

Contact Info:
Email: KAHarris [at] desu.edu
Phone: .302.857.6178
Location: William C. Jason - Room 227B

Hometown: West Grove, PA
Fun Fact: I bought my first house in 2021 (tips on updating are appreciated)
Educational background:

• MS - Sport Administration (University of Louisville, Louisville, KY)
• BS - Sports Management (Neumann University, Aston, PA)

Why did you decide to work here at Delaware State? To embrace a new role where I could grow and develop and to be closer to family and friends.

Advisement Areas: (All) Baseball, Cross Country (Men/Women), Track-N-Field (Men/Women), Women’s Golf, Women’s Soccer, and Women’s Tennis 

Contact Info:
Email:  TZinzel [at] desu.edu
Phone:  302.857.7415
Location: William C. Jason Library - Room 227A

Hometown: Wilmington, Delaware
Fun Fact: I am a former collegiate Field Hockey player. I also just got my first dog ever and his name is Tyce!
Educational background:

• M.B.A. 2023 - Marketing (Wagner College, Staten Island, NY)  
• B.A. 2021 - Double Major in Sports Studies and Business Management (Manhattanville College, Purchase, NY)

Why did you decide to work here at Delaware State? As a former college athlete, it has been my passion to work with student-athletes to be a guide and support them throughout their collegiate experience. This is important to me because I can help prepare them for the most important lineup they will ever stand for…their graduation! 

Contact Info:
Email: AKing [at] desu.edu
Phone: 302.857.6198
Location: William C. Jason Library - RM 221A

Hometown: (North) Philadelphia, PA, USA
Fun Fact: I wholeheartedly believe that Jay-Z is the best hip-hop artist to ever live.
Educational background:

• Ed.D May 2023 - Educational Leadership and Higher Education (Delaware State University; Dover, DE) 
• M.S. 2010 - Counseling Higher Education and Student Affairs (West Chester University; West Chester, PA) 
• B.A. 2006 - Communication Studies (West Chester University; West Chester, PA)

Why did you decide to work here at Delaware State? I decided to work at Delaware State University to pursue my passion for assisting underrepresented students with navigating university systems, thriving academically, and graduating college in four years or less. 

Contact Info:
Email: TAlexander [at] desu.edu
Phone:  302.857.7646
Location: William C Jason Library - Room 214A

Hometown:  South New Jersey, USA
Fun Fact: I love karaoke
Educational background:

• M.S.W. 2020 - Social Work (Delaware State University; Dover, DE)
• B.S.W. 2019 - Social Work (Delaware State University; Dover, DE)

Why did you decide to work here at Delaware State? Delaware State has always been home to me and coming back to lead the Sophomore Year Experience Program has been a dream come true. I love helping individuals reach their goals and become better versions of themselves. I genuinely believe that positively impacting one person causes a butterfly effect that will eventually change the world, making it a better place for all. With that being my mission, there’s nowhere better to impact young lives than The Illustrious Delaware State University positively.

Contact Info:
Email: ASHolmes [at] desu.edu
Phone:  302.857.6178
Location: William C Jason Library - Room 214E

Hometown: Delaware, USA
Fun Fact: Astute in synergism that builds thought partnerships in a welcoming and authentically diverse environment.
Educational background:

• MBA - Master of Business Administration (Wilmington University; New Castle, DE)

Why did you decide to work here at Delaware State? To empower the next generation of leaders.

Contact Info:
Email: GKnowles [at] desu.edu
Phone: 302.857.6334
Location: William C Jason Library - Room 213

Hometown: Milford, Delaware
Fun Fact: I love organizing and coordinating events
Educational background:

• DSoSci.2023 - (Wilmington University, Dover, DE) 
• MPA 2019 - (Delaware State University, Dover, DE) 
• BS 2017 - (Delaware State University, Dover, DE) 
• LPN 2013- (Delaware Technical Community College, Georgetown, DE)  

Why did you decide to work here at Delaware State? Always wanted to teach higher education

Contact Info:
Email: LCBrown [at] desu.edu
Phone: 302.857.7012
Location: William C. Jason Library - Room 209

Hometown: Dover, Delaware
Fun Fact: I am known as Madam Money (Google me)
Educational background:

• BS 2022 - Business (Strayer University, Washington, DC)

Why did you decide to work here at Delaware State? I am a legacy at DSU and I wanted to give back to the students and university.

Contact Info:
Email: TJackson [at] desu.edu
Phone: 302.857.6188
Location: William C. Jason Library - Room 226

Hometown: North Bergen, NJ
Fun Fact: I usually have hermit crabs as a pet.
Educational background:

• M.S. 2003 - Mathematics Education (Montclair State University, Montclair, NJ)
• B.S. 1993 - Mathematics & Secondary Education (Seton Hall University, South Orange, NJ)

Why did you decide to work here at Delaware State? The position for which I applied, SI Coordinator, was the role in which I wanted to continue for my career - the role to provide academic support to students while also providing professional development for SI leaders and tutors.  Also, I feel that I ‘clicked’ with the people (students, staff, faculty) at DSU.

Contact Info:
Email: ACortese [at] desu.edu
Phone: 302.857.6387
Location: William C. Jason Library - RM 206

Hometown: Thorold, ON, Canada
Fun Fact: Traveling new places, meeting and interacting with like-minded people, and making friends
Educational background:

• Ph.D. 2018 - Education (Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, Ontario) 
• M.Ed. 2013 - Education (Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, Ontario) 
• M.Phil. 2005 - English Studies (Pokhara University, Kathmandu) 
• M.A. 1993 - Language and Linguistics (Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu)

Why did you decide to work here at Delaware State? Contribute, learn and grow. 

Contact Info:
Email: LPathak [at] desu.edu
Phone: 302.857.7539
Location: William C. Jason Library - RM 207

 
Hometown: Boyertown, Pennsylvania
Educational background:

• M.A 2021 - Higher Education with a focus on Student affairs (Wilmington University; New Castle, DE)
• B.A. 2019 - Educational Studies (Wesley College; Dover DE)

Why did you decide to work here at Delaware State? I decided to work at Delaware State University because of the history that it holds and the support that it shares with the surrounding community. The impact the university creates stretches the entire state of Delaware. I am happy to be a part of, and to build on that history.

Contact Info:
Email: JBlank [at] desu.edu
Phone: 302.736.2571
Location: Downtown Campus - Budd Hall - Lower Level Floor - Rm 03 

Hometown: Orange, New Jersey
Fun Fact: I enjoy kickboxing workouts in my spare time.
Educational background:

• Ed.D. (2024) - Leadership in Higher Education (Delaware State University, DE)
• MPA (2002) - Masters in Public Administration (Wilmington University, DE)
• B.S (1993) - Bachelor of Science Business Administration (Delaware State University, DE)
• A.S. (1989) - Associate of Science Business Administration (Essex County College, NJ)

Why did you decide to work here at Delaware State? My decision to work at DSU is based on providing future generations of students with the valuable knowledge and tools of success that were instilled in me as a DSU alumni. The aim is to mentor and support our scholars as they navigate through an academic journey in pursuit of post-graduation goals.

Contact Info:
Email: SPoe [at] desu.edu
Phone: 302.857.6715
Location: William C Jason Library - Room 223B

Hometown: Kingston, Jamaica
Fun Fact: I enjoy kickboxing workouts in my spare time.
Educational background:

• MSOL 2002 - Organizational Leadership (Wilmington University; New Castle, DE)
• BSW 1997 - Social Work (Delaware State University; Dover, DE)

Why did you decide to work here at Delaware State? I decided to work at DSU to give back to the institution that poured into me.

Contact Info:
Email: DBogle [at] desu.edu
Phone: 302.857.6204
Location: William C Jason Library - Room 200

Hometown: Queenstown, Maryland
Fun Fact: I have a sweet tooth to match my sweet personality
Educational background:

• A.A. - Brandywine College

Why did you decide to work here at Delaware State? God lead me here to learn as well as to lead!

Contact Info:
Email: TPSmith [at] desu.edu
Phone: 302.857.7514
Location: William C Jason Library - Room 223