Meet Your Advisors & Staff

Candace McLaughlin, DirectorCandace McLaughlin

Responsibilities – In addition to directing the University Advising and Academic Support Center (UAASC), Candace serves as the Chair of the University-wide Council of Academic Advisors.

Biography – Candace received her B.A. degree in Sociology/Anthropology and her M.S. in College Student Personnel.

University Advising and Academic Support Center

University Advising Division

Bryan Barker, AdvisorBryan Barker

Responsibilities – In addition to advising GO and TAP students, Bryan serves as the General Orientation Coordinator.

Biography – Bryan received his B.A. and M.A. in Cinema Studies and has taught frequently within the discipline.

 

Jane Coplan, AdvisorJane Coplan

Responsibilities – In addition to advising GO and TAP students, Jane coordinates the Early College Credit Program, supervises the graduate students, and organizes advisor training events.

Biography – Jane graduated from Western Illinois University with a B.A. from the Board of Trustees program and a M.S. in College Student Personnel.

 

Niall Hartnett, Advisor Niall Hartnett

Responsibilities – In addition to his work with GO students, Niall coordinates the Transitional Advising Program.

Biography – Niall was born in Ireland. He came to the USA in 1995 after receiving a B.A. in Psychology at Trinity College Dublin. He earned a M.S. in Educational Psychology from Indiana University in 2001

 

Julie O’Brien, AdvisorJulie O'Brien

Responsibilities – In addition to her work with GO and TAP students, Julie produces UAC publications, such as the GO Newsletter, General Orientation Handbook and the General Education Handbook. Julie also maintains the UAASC website.

Biography – Julie received a B.A. in Communications, a M.S. in Recreation, Parks & Tourism Administration and a M.S. in College Student Personnel from Western Illinois University.

 

Linda Thomas, AdvisorLinda Thomas

Responsibilities – In addition to advising General Orientation and TAP students, Linda coordinates the Transitional Advising Program for Business.

Biography – Linda holds a B.S. in Business Education, a Masters Degree in Guidance and Counseling, and a Ph.D in Health Administration.

 

Office of Academic Services

Dianne Fullenwilder-Bracey, Advisor Dianne Bracey

Responsibilities – In addition to advising students in the Academic Services Program, Diane coordinates New Student Registration for students in the OAS Program. She also teaches a freshmen success seminar course.

Biography – Dianne is a WIU alumna with a B.S. in Law Enforcement and Justice Administration and a M.S. in Counseling.

 

Timothy Johnson, Advisor Tim Johnson

Responsibilities – In addition to advising students in the Academic Services Program, Tim coordinates the Outreach program for OAS.

Biography – Tim received a B.A. in Social Work from Augustana College, South Dakota and a M.S. in College Student Personnel from Western Illinois University.

 

Kelly Morris, Advisor

Responsibilities – In addition to advising students in the Academic Services Program, Kelly coordinates admission for the OAS Program. She also serves on CAGAS and CAGAS subcommittees.

Biography – Kelly earned her B.A. in Elementary Education and her M.A. in Math Education from the University of Northern Iowa.

 

Estelle Plewa, Advisor

Responsibilities – Besides advising students in the Academic Services Program, Estelle coordinates the Educational Assistance Program that provides extensive tutoring in lower division courses for all University students.

Biography – Estelle has a B.A. in History and a M.S. in Higher Education Administration.

 

Teresa Stockler, AdvisorTeresa Stockler

Responsibilities – In addition to advising students in the Academic Services Program, Teresa serves as Assistant Coordinator of Admissions for OAS. She also teaches a freshmen success seminar course.

Biography – Teresa earned her B.A. in English and her M.S. in College Student Personnel.

 

Support Staff

Debbie Carithers, Office Manager

Responsibilities – Debbie serves as an assistant to the UAASC Director by providing clerical assistance for the activities that support the Center and the academic advising community.
Biography – Debbie has a B.S. in Photography/Media and a M.S. in IDT from Western Illinois University.

 

Eva Fisher, Chief Clerk Eva Fisher

Responsibilities – Eva manages the reception area and coordinates the UAASC front line response. She also supervises the student assistants and provides clerical support for many advisor projects.

Biography – Eva is from Macomb and she is currently working on her BOT degree at Western Illinois University.

 

Cheryl Rossio, Staff Clerk

Responsibilities – Cheryl is responsible for creating and maintaining all admission records for the Academic Services Program as well as responding to inquiries from students, parents and high school personnel.

Biography – Cheryl is working on her Board of Trustees degree.

 

Graduate Students

Amanda HalfacreTara Hardison

Responsibilities – Advising General Orientation students.

Biography – Amanda received a B.A. in Women's Studies with a Minor in Sociology from Iowa State University, and is currently a first year graduate student in the M.S. College Student Personnel program.

 

Tara Hardison Tara Hardison

Responsibilites – Advising General Orientation students.

Biography – Tara received a B.A. in Political Science with a Minor in Spanish from Western Illinois University, and, is currently a first year graduate student in the M.S. College Student Personnel program.

 

Magdalene SpanuelloMaggie Spanuello

Responsibilites – TA for UNIV 100; Gen Ed Consultant for Undergrad Theatre Majors; Tutor for THEA 100 & 110

Biography – Maggie graduated from Carthage College with a B.A. in Music Theatre and Political Science. She is currently pursuing her M.F.A. in Directing at Western Illinois University.