Meet the team behind Student Success and Retention!
We are here to help students get the most from their UNCW academic experience.
DiAnna Washington, Ph.D.
Director, Student Success & Retention
Washingtond@uncw.edu
I joined the UNCW Seahawk community in 2020. It is a joy to assist students with exploring who they are, where they are going, and how they plan to achieve their goals. I am a student-focused education administrator with over 25 years of progressive experience designing, implementing, and assessing comprehensive programs and services that support students’ development and academic progression. Additionally, I am committed to advocating for equitable educational opportunities. My educational accomplishments include a BA in Psychology, MBA, MA in Community Counseling, M.S.Ed. in Learning Sciences Educational Psychology, and a Ph.D. in Urban Education Studies.
Hannah Reed, M.Ed.
E-mail: reedh@uncw.edu
Phone: 910.962.4136
I came on board at UNCW in November of 2021. As an academic coach, I work alongside students to assist them with developing pathways to meet their academic goals. My holistic approach to student success and academic coaching is rooted in a desire to be a part of every student’s success network so that they persist to degree completion. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Parks and Recreation and Event Management with a minor in Communication Studies from UNC Greensboro and a Master of Education in Higher Education from UNC Wilmington.
Karen Cassidy, M.Ed.
E-mail: cassidy@uncw.edu
Phone: 910.960.3005
A key component of student success is reaching students early and often to ensure their academic success, and that’s what I aim to do by assisting students in addressing persistence barriers that are preventing them from degree completion.
I hold a Bachelor of Science degree in Hospitality Management from the University of Central Florida and a Master’s in Educational Leadership from the University of North Florida.
I was driven to pursue higher education and intervention from my passion for helping people, specifically supporting students as they move from K-12 education to higher education. For me, it is just logical that students have a built-in support system at the university ready to step in and say, "hey we care about you, what's going on, how can we help and get you on your path again?".
If you’re interested in learning more about how academic intervention can assist you in your academic journey, or just want to discuss more, feel free to contact me by email at cassidyk@uncw.edu.
Darron A. Jenkins, M.A.
Program Manager
Email: jenkinsd@uncw.edu
Phone: 910.962.2504
As an educator, I am a collaborator in our students’ academic journey, seeking to effectively empower students to take control of their educational experiences holistically. I received my undergraduate degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Human Resource Management from The University of Southern Mississippi. I continued my graduate studies in Higher Education Administration at Louisiana State University. My previous higher education professional experiences include housing and residence life, academic advising, student activities, co-curricular programming, and course instruction and design. I started at UNCW in 2021 as an Assistant Director in Campus Life. I transitioned to Student Success and Retention in 2022. I am excited to provide leadership in re-imaging the LLC experience and to continue to provide students the opportunity to engage inside and outside of the classroom.
Donesha Carlton, M.A.
Program Coordinator
Email: carltondd@uncw.edu
Donesha joined UNCW in November 2018. Engaging students during their pursuit of degree completion is a one of the key components in their higher education experience. Engagement, community, and a sense of belonging retains students to our university. Living learning communities are one pathway for students to start engaging in their university and local community. I am excited to begin to reimagine what LLCs can bring to UNCW. I believe in utilizing a comprehensive approach to student engagement and alleviating barriers to student’s success.
Mark Forbes, M.S.
Email: forbesm@uncw.edu
Phone: 910.962.4006
I arrived at UNCW in 2016 and have loved being a Seahawk ever since!!! I enjoy working with students in every aspect of their college academic experience. I have worked as a student-centered educator for 25 years and have served in many roles which include instructor, advisor, and coach. I hold a Bachelor of Arts degree in History and a Master of Science degree in Education. I strive to inspire people to become the best version of themselves and am excited to work with the Student Success and Retention Team to support my fellow Seahawks.