Academic Advisors
College of Arts and Sciences
Tori Steber, M.S. (Team Lead)
E-mail: victoria.steber@columbiasouthern.edu
Phone: 1-800-977-8449 ext. 1159
Victoria Steber obtained a Master’s degree in Psychology from the University of South Alabama in 2009. Her previous work experience in human services includes positions as counselor and research assistant for the University of South Alabama - Psychology Clinic. Victoria's volunteer experience includes working as a behavioral analyst at the Exchange Club Family Center.
Akilah Warren, M.S.
Email:akilah.warren@columbiasouthern.edu
Phone: 1-800-977-8449 ext.1463
Akilah Warren holds a Master of Science in Counseling and Psychology from Troy University and a Bachelor of Science in Family, Youth, and Community Sciences with a minor in Leadership from the University of Florida. Akilah is also a Certified Guidance Counselor K-12 for the State of Florida. Akilah is currently pursuing a second Master of Business Administration in Human Resource Management. Additional work experiences include human resources, owning a business, career advising, and working with under privileged youth.
College of Business
Sonya Kopp, M.Ed. (Team Lead)
E-mail: sonya.kopp@columbiasouthern.edu
Phone: 1-800-977-8449 ext. 1221
Sonya Kopp holds a Master’s degree in Education from the University of South Alabama and a Bachelor’s degree in Spanish/International Trade from Auburn University. She is currently pursuing a Doctorate degree in Social Foundations of Education with the University of Maryland. Sonya has more than 10 years of teaching experience teaching high school Spanish, undergraduate education courses, and English-as-a-Second-Language to students of all ages and cultures.
Ashley Cancienne, M.B.A.
E-mail: ashley.cancienne@columbiasouthern.edu
Phone:1-800-977-8449 ext. 1513
Ashley Cancienne holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from McNeese State University and a Bachelor’s degree in Organizational Communication. She is an active member of the National Academic Advising Association. Ashley worked as an energy search consultant in her previous job and was actively involved in the Young Professionals in Energy and the National Energy Services Association before coming to Columbia Southern University.
Donna Stacey, M.Ed.
E-mail: donna.stacey@columbiasouthern.edu
Phone: 1-800-977-8449 ext. 1462
Donna holds a Master’s degree in Education from the University of Southern California (overseas program) and a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from the Western Kentucky University. She is retired from the U.S. Army and owned a small business for several years.
Jason Williams, M.B.A., M.S.B.M.
E-mail: jason.williams@columbiasouthern.edu
Phone: 1-800-977-8449 ext. 1481
Jason earned a Master of Business Administration and a Master of Sport Business Management from the University of Central Florida. He has a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing from the University of Idaho. Jason has been with CSU since March 2011 as an academic advisor. He finds fulfillment in guiding students to their field of study and purpose.
Michelle Conway, M.A.
E-mail: michelle.conway@columbiasouthern.edu
Phone: 1-800-977-8449 ext. 1426
Michelle Conway holds a Master’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of Mobile and a Bachelor’s degree in Family and Child Development from Auburn University. She is a certified teacher in the state of Alabama. Prior to academic advising, Michelle worked in the Success Center at CSU.
Twyanna Powell, M.B.A.
E-mail: twyanna.powell@columbiasouthern.edu
Phone: 1-800-977-8449 ext. 1306
Twyanna Powell holds a MBA from Saint Leo University, as well as, a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business Administration/specialization in International Business. Additionally, Twyanna studied at Suffolk University in Madrid, Spain. Prior to joining CSU, Twyanna worked as a Senior Commission Specialist at an insurance company.
Julianne Klein, M.B.A.
E-mail: julianne.klein@columbiasouthern.edu
Phone: 1-800-977-8449 ext. 1464
Julianne Klein earned her bachelor’s degree in history from University of Alabama at Birmingham and her masters of business administration from University of West Florida. Her previous work experience includes market research, economic research and analysis, public health and public information. She has also volunteered with the IRS’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program.
Janae' Daniels, M.B.A.
E-mail: janae.daniels@columbiasouthern.edu
Phone: 1-800-977-8449 ext. 1634
Janae’ Daniels earned her bachelor’s degree in journalism from Union University in Jackson, Tenn., and her masters of business administration with an emphasis in marketing from Columbia Southern University. Her previous work experience includes public affairs work for the Air Force, editing and writing newspaper articles, and serving as an assistant manager for a retail store.
Judy Newbill, M.B.A.
E-mail: judy.newbill@columbiasouthern.edu
Phone: 1-800-977-8449 ext. 1711
Judy Newbill holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Human Resources Management from Strayer University in Nashville, TN, and a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Aquinas College, also in Nashville, TN. She has completed Lean Six Sigma White Belt certification, along with placing second in the 2011 Kaizen Olympics competition at Graftech International Holdings. Her previous work experiences include Project Management and Customer Service Management in the steel and pet food industries. She has also served as a student program advisor for the licensed veterinary medical technician program at CoSCC, along with mentoring student clinical training in this field.
Josie Schneider, M.Ed.
E-mail: josie.schneider@columbiasouthern.edu
Phone: 1-800-977-8449
Josie Schneider obtained her Master’s Degree in Education with an emphasis on Curriculum and Instruction at Azusa Pacific University in California and her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Liberal Arts from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. She has over 10 years of teaching experience at both secondary and post-secondary levels. Josie is a member of the National Academic Advising Association and is currently working on her Doctorate of Business Administration here at Columbia Southern University.
Christina Polston, M.Ed.
E-mail: christina.polston@columbiasouthern.edu
Phone: 1-800-977-8449 ext. 1579
Cristina Polston began her career with CSU in 2010 and prior to joining the academic advising team she served as a student services representative. She earned her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice with a minor in leadership from Saint Leo University. Cristina is currently pursuing her Master of Science in Critical Incident Management from Saint Leo University.
College of Safety and Emergency Services
Bethany Marshall, B.A. (Team Lead)
E-mail: bethany.marshall@columbiasouthern.edu
Phone: 1-800-977-8449 ext. 1146
Bethany Marshall began her career with CSU in 2005 and has served in the Admissions Department, and as an evaluator. A graduate of Louisiana State University, Marshall holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science. She is also an active member of the National Academic Advising Association and has served in her role as an academic advisor with CSU since 2007. Bethany is currently pursuing her Master of Business Administration from CSU.
Amy Goodrich, M.A., M.Ed.
E-mail: amy.goodrich@columbiasouthern.edu
Phone: 1-800-977-8449 ext. 1410
Amy Goodrich obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the University of South Alabama in, a Master of Arts degree in English from Ball State University, and a Master of Education degree in Collaborative Teaching from the University of South Alabama.
David Emond, M.A.
Email: david.emond@columbiasouthern.edu
Phone: 1-800-977-8449 ext. 1140
David Emond attended the University of Florida where he earned a Master’s degree in International Business with a concentration in Hospitality Management in 2008. He also earned a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of Florida. Before joining CSU, he was employed by SeaWorld Orlando in operations.
Jenna Artz, M.Ed.
E-mail: jenna.artz@columbiasouthern.edu
Phone: 1-800-977-8449 ext. 1483
Jenna Artz earned a Master’s degree in Education with an emphasis in College Student Personnel and a Bachelor’s degree in Speech Communications from the University of Southern Mississippi. She interned at Southern Mississippi in the Office of Admissions, the Athletic Department, and the Office of Minority Affairs.
Kate DeMellier, M.Sc.
E-mail: kate.demellier@columbiasouthern.edu
Phone: 1-800-977-8449 ext. 1568
Kate DeMellier holds a Master’s degree in Political Theory from the London School of Economics and a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Bates College. She is also an EMT-B and an active member of the Fort Morgan Volunteer Fire Department in Fort Morgan, Ala.
Lindsey Byrd, M.S.
E-mail: lindsey.byrd@columbiasouthern.edu
Phone: 1-800-977-8449 ext. 1448
Lindsey Byrd holds a Master’s degree in Human Environmental Sciences with an emphasis in Restaurant, Hotel, and Meetings Management from the University of Alabama as well as a Bachelor’s degree in English. While at the university, Lindsey worked in Housing and Residential Communities and served as a Student Services aide in the Office of Disability Services.
Cindy McNeely, M.S.
E-mail: cindy.mcneely@columbiasouthern.edu
Phone: 1-800-977-8449 ext. 1441
Cindy McNeely holds a Master’s degree in Criminal Justice Administration from CSU and a Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education from Jacksonville State University. She is currently working on a second Master’s degree in Emergency Services Management. Her previous work experience includes teaching seventh and eighth grade science, working in the computer software industry and as a network administrator. Prior to becoming an Academic Advisor, Cindy worked in Quality Assurance and Student Services at CSU.
Chandra Jones, M.Ed.
E-mail: chandra.jones@columbiasouthern.edu
Phone: 1-800-977-8449 ext. 1697
Chandra Jones holds a Master of Education with an emphasis in Student Affairs Administration along with and a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications with a minor in English from The University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, MS. Chandra is currently pursuing a Specialists degree in Higher Education Administration at William Carey University. While attending USM, she gained experience in advising students in student activities, athletics, held an graduate assistantship for the educational studies and research department, and interned in admissions at a local community college.
La’Quardra Thomas-Davis, M.P.A.
E-mail: laquardra.davis@columbiasouthern.edu
Phone: 1-800-977-8449 ext. 1713
La’Quardra Thomas-Davis holds a Master of Public Administration with a concentration in Juvenile Justice from Troy University as well as a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology with a minor in Criminal Justice from Alabama A&M University. Previous work experience includes employment with the State of Alabama for The Department of Human Resources. Davis also mentors a teen girls group with emphasis on education and also is the owner of a local small business.
Lisa Nix, M.S.
E-mail: lisa.nix@columbiasouthern.edu
Phone: 1-800-977-8449 ext. 1487
Lisa earned her Bachelor’s in Business Administration and Master’s in Business Management from Faulkner University in Montgomery, Alabama. Her previous experience is in human resource management, marketing, finance and project management as a manager for retail operations. She is also a business owner of 20 years. Lisa is currently pursuing a second master’s in Human Resource Management at Columbia Southern University.