Meet Our Advising and Student Success Team


The Advising and Student Success Center is dedicated to supporting students throughout their academic journey. Our team of experienced advisors, faculty, and staff are here to provide guidance, resources, and encouragement to help students achieve their educational and career goals.

Whether you need academic advising, professional development support, or mentorship, we are committed to your success.

Get to know our dedicated team and find the right advisor to assist you on your path to becoming an educator!

Advising Contacts

Students interested in the following teacher preparation programs should schedule an appointment with an advisor in Education Student Services at least once a semester:

  • Elementary Education (P-5)
  • Early Childhood Education, Birth through Kindergarten (B-K)
  • Health & Physical Education (P-12)
  • Middle Grades Education (4-8)
  • Secondary Education (6-12): Mathematics or Biology, Chemistry & Physics
  • History Education (6-12) prior to teacher preparation program admission
Undergraduate Contacts

 

Our Dedicated Team

 

Amanda McBride

Office Manager

amcbri38@kennesaw.edu
470-578-6105
BEB 232

Amanda is excited to work within the Bagwell College of Education and help students navigate the many transitions throughout their time at KSU. She may have relocated from New Orleans, but she still carries the Laissez les bon temps rouler mentality with her. When Amanda is out of the office, you can find her outside exploring the Georgia hiking trails, creating various art projects, or tending to the garden. 

Amanda Frank

Amanda Frank

Director, Academic Advising

awilkin9@kennesaw.edu 
(470) 531-2057
BEB 225A

Amanda Frank serves as the Director of Academic Advising in Bagwell College of Education. Originally from Marietta, Georgia, she earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Auburn University and her Master of Education in Professional Counseling, with a concentration in College Student Affairs, from the University of West Georgia.

Amanda is passionate about higher education and enjoys encouraging students to recognize their potential and achieve their goals. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling and has a passion for sports.

Amanda serves as the Director of Academic Advising in Bagwell. 

 

Kyla Bruce

Academic Advisor

kbruce19@kennesaw.edu
BEB 225

Kyla is from Canton, Georgia, and is a proud Kennesaw State University alumna. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from KSU and is currently pursuing her Master of Education in Higher Education Administration at Georgia Southern University. Kyla is excited to return to KSU and serve students at her alma mater, where she is passionate about helping students navigate their academic journey and reach their educational goals. She prides herself on being an approachable, supportive, and dedicated advisor who is always willing to help students feel confident in their academic decisions. Outside of work, Kyla enjoys cheering on the Georgia Bulldogs, baking, crafting, attending concerts, and spending time with her friends, family, and cat.

Kyla advises Elementary Education majors with last names A-J, Birth-Kindergarten majors, and Middle Grades Education majors.

Jamal Murray

Jamal Murray

Academic Advisor

jmurra68@kennesaw.edu 
(470) 578-6105
BEB 225

Jamal Murray enjoys working in higher education and loves helping students reach their goals and stay on track to graduate. He loves to exercise and loves to travel. Jamal advises Elementary Education (last names Mc-Z), Learning, Design & Technology majors and Health & Physical Activity Leadership (HPAL) Teacher Education track majors.

Jessica Stephenson Reaves

Jessica Stephenson Reaves

Interim Director of Student Success, Wellness and Engagement and Associate Professor of Science Education

jstep198@kennesaw.edu 
(470) 578-7699
KH 3113

 

Dr. Jessica Stephenson Reaves is an Associate Professor of Science Education in the Department of Elementary and Early Childhood Education.  She completed her BS in Environmental Science from Virginia Tech, her Master’s of Science Education from the University of Virginia, and her PhD in Curriculum and Instruction, Science Education from Virginia Tech.  Dr. Stephenson Reaves has taught Environmental Education and Math in both public and private schools, in both rural and urban areas, and has over 20 years of experience in K-16 classrooms, education programming, curriculum development, and project management.

Dr. Stephenson Reaves loves working with pre-service teachers in classrooms and field experiences and supporting their professional and personal growth in the process. Developing the next generation of passionate, empathetic, and highly qualified classroom educators is her ultimate goal.  In her free time, she enjoys traveling, knitting, skiing, and finding every-day adventures outside. 

Dr. Stephenson Reaves serves as the Interim Director of Student Success, Wellness and Engagement for the Bagwell College of Education.

Undergraduate Advising Contacts

For advising in the following undergraduate programs, please contact: