Elevating Mississippi to a Higher Degree
Our mission is to help more Mississippians obtain postsecondary credentials, college certificates, and degrees that lead to meaningful employment.
Improving Mississippi’s Workforce by Degrees
Our goal is to strengthen the quality and quantity of Mississippi’s workforce by increasing levels of postsecondary educational attainment among working-age adults.
We think college is for everyone.
Let's be clear. All students should be prepared to go to college. By 2025, 65% of all jobs will require a post-secondary degree. It can be a four-year degree or beyond, but it can also be a two-year community college degree or a certificate in career and technical education.
Andy Flores
University of Mississippi
Brandi Lyndall
Director of GEAR UP Outreach
Education
Bachelor's and Master's degrees from Spring Hill CollegeMore about Brandi
Brandi is the G2C "Mover and Shaker.” After working for more than a decade in higher education, she knows a thing or two about college admission and financial aid. Brandi is extremely creative and is considered an innovator among staff (and others). She has two daughters, who keep her plate full. In the off chance that she finds a few moments to herself, Brandi can be found with her nose in a book or cheering on Bama (Roll Tide).Danny Thompson
Assistant Director of GEAR UP Outreach
Education
Bachelor's degree from Belhaven UniversityMore about Danny
When Danny is around, there is never a dull moment. He loves softball and his two kids and, when he is not stealing bases on the field, he is stealing the hearts of everyone he comes into contact with. Danny is happiest when he is on the road and in high schools working one-on-one with students and families.Kierstan Dufour
Director of External Training & Partnerships
Education
Bachelor's degree in Marketing from the University of Southern Mississippi, Master's degree in Higher Education Administration from Mississippi College, and Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Studies from the University of Southern MississippiMore about Kierstan
At G2C, Kierstan is the office "mastermind," who is always ready to throw a new idea (or several) into the mix. In her free time, Kierstan can be found reading (Harry Potter) or making memories traveling the world. Never one to be a home-body she has always been “a doer.” Whether she is hosting a shrimp boil, organizing tailgates, kayaking local rivers, or volunteering, Kierstan is always out and about. ‘Laissez le bon temps rouler!’Shannon Grimsley
Assistant Director of External Training & Partnerships
Education
Associate degree from Northeast Mississippi Community College, Bachelor's degree from Delta State University, and Master's degree in Counseling and College Student Personnel from the University of Southern MississippiMore about Shannon
Shannon has never met a detail she didn't like! She is highly-organized and attentive. Nothing gets past her. She joined the G2C team after spending a decade in college admissions at Millsaps College. She is our resident college admission guru. Shannon loves spending time at the beach, but instead you can find her chasing (and cleaning up) after her spouse, two teenage sons, and dogs.Stacy Sneed
Assistant Director and Data Coordinator
Education
Bachelor's degree from Millsaps College, and CPP Certification for MBTI InstrumentsMore about Stacy
At Get2College, we like to think of Stacy as "the glue." She is fun, considerate, and a fierce advocate for students facing barriers to college. She is our resident data nerd, and helps the G2C team better understand the impact of our work. She has two pups and a serious love of coffee from local coffee shops. If you see her, ask her what she's reading (because she always is).Christina Bracey
Assistant Director of GEAR UP Outreach
Education
Bachelor's of Science in Psychology and Master's of Education in Educational Leadership.More about Christina
Christina is a product of Get2College and is excited her connection with us has come back full circle! Since starting a career in Student Affairs 3 years ago, her passion for equitable college access has increased and she is ready to be back on the road getting Mississippians to college. Christina is a native of the Jackson area and enjoys dressing well (by way of Dirt Cheap), laughing with her friends and family, and coming up with creative ideas to expand on her empowerment brand."Chelsea Williams
Coordinator of External Training and Partnerships
Education
Associate Degree in Pre-Physical Therapy from Holmes Community College (Dean's Scholar; Member of Phi Theta Kappa), and Bachelor's Degree in Kinesiology from Mississippi State University (Presidential Scholar).More about Chelsea
While she may be new to the Training team, she is not new to Get2College. In 2015, Chelsea used Get2College services to help guide her postsecondary education options. In 2018, she joined as a Get2College corps member and began to help other students complete the FAFSA, attending FAFSA days with Get2College staff. When Chelsea is not in the office, she enjoys spending time with her family or watching her favorite sports like football and soccer.Daniela Griffin
North MS Director
Education
Bachelor's degree in Sociology from the University of Florida, and Master's degree in Sociology from the University of MississippiMore about Daniela
Daniela is fast to rejoice in the success of the students she counsels (almost as fast as she ran the 200 meter dash in college!). Her 18-year track and field career has transitioned into coaching and cheering on her students and mentees from the sidelines. Daniela is also the brains and creative genius behind the G2C Camp College program. In Daniela's free time she can be found watching 90s sitcoms including The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Living Single, and A Different World. She enjoys thrifting, decorating, and the arts. While she has a pescatarian, vegan-ish lifestyle, she loves Cajun and Caribbean food.Charlie Herrington
Assistant Director of Outreach
Education
Bachelor's degree in Mass Communications and Journalism, and Master's degree in Student Affairs Administration from the University of Southern MississippiMore about Charlie
Charlie is the “Big Timer” of the North Mississippi G2C office. Not only is he 6’4, he also has a big time sense of humor. He always has a witty comment or practical joke (or two) in his back pocket. At home, Charlie enjoys playing video games, watching Netflix, and watching college football. He considers himself a "foodie," with a strong preference for Chinese food and chicken wings.Jailand Williams
Assistant Director and College Counselor
Education
Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration - Marketing from Mississippi State University, and Master’s degree in Administration of Higher Education from Auburn UniversityMore about Jailand
Jailand brings a classic charisma and style to G2C staff that brightens the faces of those he interacts with. Before joining G2C, Jailand worked as a Fraternity & Sorority Life Advisor and a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Coordinator. Each of these experiences taught him the value of student culture as well as the importance of providing resources for those thinking about life after high school. When he's not working, you can find Jailand with his camera out and about in the city, whether for a photoshoot or a weekend getaway. He enjoys making music playlists, traveling, competitive exercise, and playing the saxophone.Latanya O’Bryant
Administrative Assistant
Education
Associate degree in business administration from the University of PhoenixMore about Latanya
Latanya brings order to the North Mississippi Get2College Center. Her hardworking, can-do attitude and strong organizational skills keep everything running smoothly and on track. Latanya is a natural explorer with a keen sense of adventure. When she is not at the office, she enjoys travel and spending time with her husband.Josephine Dunigan
Coordinator of GEAR UP Outreach
Education
Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology from Mississippi Valley State University and Master's degree in Management Leadership.More about Josephine
Josephine has an extensive background in the world of education. With her years of experience, she aims to make the students, schools, and families she supports as a coordinator feel valued and have the best access to postsecondary resources. Josephine is based in Indianola, MS, and has two sons. When she is not traveling around the Delta supporting schools, she loves reading and traveling.Kentaro Johnson
Coordinator of GEAR UP Outreach
Education
Bachelor of Science in interdisciplinary studies from Delta State University, with concentrations in social studies, education, and business. Master's in teaching from Delta State University. Currently pursuing a Master's in social justice and criminology at Delta State alongside a Doctorate in higher education at University of Louisiana at Monroe.More about Kentaro
Kentaro served as an AmeriCorps FoodCorps Service Member in Hollandale and Leland Mississippi. He also served as the Coordinator of the Delta Proud Youth Initiative and Director of the Delta Proud Fellows at Delta State University, his Alma Mater. Kentaro is a native of Jackson, Mississippi and is the youngest of five children. When not creating a positive impact on people of the Mississippi Delta, Kentaro can be found taking care of his Tortoise, Franklin.Brian Thomas
Jackson Director
Education
Bachelor's degree from Belhaven University and MBTI Certified InstructorMore about Brian
Brian brings much-needed balance to the G2C team. Surrounded by creative, free-spirited coworkers, Brian adds the necessary amount of attention to detail to the mix. If you are looking for something on his desk, you will always find it, because his desk is always (unnervingly) clean and organized. When he is not working, Brian can be found outside kayaking, working in the yard, and hiking.Angela Wade
Administrative Assistant
Education
Associate degree from Copiah-Lincoln Community CollegeMore about Angela
“The Organizer” Angela serves as the air traffic controller for the Jackson Office. She greets everyone with a smile and is an undercover FAFSA Ninja! She loves weekend trips to Memphis, her two pups, and spending time watching her two teenage sons playing ball.Ashley Bryant
Assistant Director and Outreach
Education
Bachelor's degree in Business Administration and a minor concentration in Costume Design from Belhaven University.More about Ashley
Ashley understands from personal experience the emotions, concerns, and life factors that impact a student’s ability and decision to pursue college. She is excited to join the WHEF team to continue using her postgraduate experience and growing knowledge of the education system to counsel, encourage, and assist families on their journey to higher education. When not in the WHEF office, Ashley enjoys singing, creating deliciousness in the kitchen, working on creative projects, serving with her local Church, and spending quality time with her family and friends.Lee Scott
Assistant Director and Counselor
Education
Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in leadership & public policy from Oral Roberts University.More about Lee
Lee is a Jackson native who is passionate about inspiring, equipping & empowering individuals to live up to their fullest potential. As a proud product of Jackson Public Schools, Lee went on to attend Hinds Community College in Raymond and graduated from Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, OK. Prior to joining the team, Lee worked in retail, the financial sector, and for a Jackson-based nonprofit, Jackson Leadership Foundation. He also has done some work through his own small business, where he offers leadership coaching, staff and team development, interviewing and media content creation. He is also the host of a bi-weekly podcast and vlog called Leading with Lee where he shares about leadership, life, and legacy. When not in the office, Lee is spending time watching his favorite shows, enjoying time with friends and family, and looking after his black Labrador and Scottish terrier, Luna.Kimberly Trosclair
Gulf Coast Director
Education
Bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Southern Mississippi, Master’s degree in School Counseling from the University of Southern Mississippi, and Specialist’s degree in Psychometry from Jackson State UniversityMore about Kimberly
As a lifelong resident of the Mississippi Gulf Coast, Kimberly brings hospitality and a genuine sense of welcoming to the G2C staff. Kimberly enjoys traveling, spending time with her family, and being on the water.Raven Alexander
Administrative Assistant
Education
Associate degree from Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, and Bachelor's degree from the University of South AlabamaMore about Raven
If you want to know if the Get2College program helps Mississippi students, just ask Raven. As a student at Biloxi High School, Raven visited the Gulf Coast Get2College Center for college planning help and look at her now! When she is not working, Raven enjoys going to movies, trying out new restaurants, and spending time with her three adorable nephews.Ana Ochoa
Assistant Director of Outreach
Education
Associate of Arts degree and Associate of Science degree from Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, and Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Southern Mississippi.More about Ana
Before Get2College, she was a college representative and enrollment specialist at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College and served as a resource for prospective students on various student support services, actively recruited and built relationships within her assigned high schools, and traveled to schools and businesses to represent the institution. When she is not in the office, Ana enjoys cooking with her mom, taking walks with her dog, and spending time with her family.Brittany Willard
Graphic Designer and Multimedia Specialist
Education
Bachelor's degree with an emphasis in Graphic Design from the University of Southern MississippiMore about Brittany
Brittany brings the fun, creativity, and graphics! When she isn't designing, you will likely find her driving around town, binge-watching Netflix, or exploring Pinterest. Some of Brittany's other hobbies include reading, playing video games, and creating digital art!Morgan Miller
Director of Communications, Policy, and Advocacy
Education
Bachelor’s degree in Atmospheric Science from Cornell University with minors in Communications and Dance.More about Morgan
A former broadcast meteorologist, Morgan is passionate about communications strategy as a public service and has woven that into her various roles in higher education, transportation, and non-profit organizations. When she is not at WHEF, she can be found listening to podcasts, reading YA, baking, or teaching yoga.Jackie Rogers
Project Manager of Communications, Policy, and Advocacy
Education
Bachelor’s degrees in Communications and Studio Arts from Central Michigan University. Master of Education degree in Higher and Postsecondary Education from Arizona State University.More about Jackie
After working for nearly a decade at the University of Colorado Boulder, she loves being a transplant to Mississippi, working in the big city, and living in the rural country. Whether it is planning work events, hosting barbecues, or playing sports, Jackie has always been a “team player,” probably the one always initiating a group hug! When not in the office, she can be found on her farm playing with her dogs or among the cows and bees.Get to know the team.
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Gulf Coast Get2College Center
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Gulf Coast Get2College Center
Jackson Get2College Center
North MS Get2College Center
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