Making the decision to pursue a bachelor’s degree is a major decision. As a working professional, you’re already balancing a full-time job, a family, and other adult responsibilities.
It can be overwhelming – and we want to help prevent that.
Lynn University believes in setting students up for success from the beginning. Through our partnership with Kaplan, an educational support company who works with universities across the globe, we offer all prospective and current Lynn University online students the opportunity to work with one of our Student Success Managers (SSM).
This highly experienced, stellar team will:
- Advise and guide prospective students through program exploration, the application process and document collection
- Assist throughout the enrollment process
- Onboard enrolled students, including recommending courses and registration assistance
- Provide continued academic counseling and support through entire academic journey
Meet the Lynn University Student Success Managers
At Lynn University, student support begins well before your first class. Through our partnership with Kaplan, a leading educational services provider, we match every online student with a dedicated student success manager (SSM).
Your student success manager will guide you throughout your academic journey—from admission to graduation and every step in between. They’ll serve as your primary point of contact for all things Lynn, helping you stay informed, on track, and connected to the right resources. With their support, you can focus on what matters most: achieving your goals.
Get to know our team and discover what each student success manager brings to the Lynn University experience.
Emily Rich
Meet Emily Rich
Background:
Bachelor’s in communication, Arizona State University, 2016; experience in international MBA program admissions
What do you love about your job?
I truly believe that this is the industry of making dreams come true, and that's why I love it. I'm passionate about helping students get the education they need to land a job they'll love. I've seen firsthand that with a little hard work and the right support, anything is possible, and I want to be that catalyst for students.
What’s your favorite piece of advice to give?
My philosophy is to just try. It's so easy to let excuses get in the way, but I've found that you'll be amazed by what you can accomplish once you take that first step.
You can connect with Emily at ERich@lynn.edu
Jackie Mack-Campbell
Meet Jackie Mack-Campbell
Background:
Master’s in human and social services; bachelor’s in sociology; 12 years of experience in higher education in roles including assistant director of admissions, academic and career coach, and admissions advisor
What do you love about your job?
What I love most is being a part of a student's journey toward their goals. A degree is so much more than a piece of paper—it's a life-changing event for a student, their family, and their community. Nothing beats watching them cross that stage in their cap and gown with family and friends cheering them on.
What’s your favorite piece of advice to give?
My absolute favorite advice is short and simple: Yes, you can.
You can connect with Jackie at JaMackCampbell@lynn.edu.
Tasha Parker
Meet Tasha Parker
Background:
Master’s in public relations with a focus on nonprofit organizations; bachelor’s in business entrepreneurship; 13 years of experience in higher education, supporting working professionals as they pursue their educational and career aspirations
What do you love about your job?
I am deeply passionate about guiding students through their academic journey. I believe in the power of education to transform lives, and I find great fulfillment in empowering students to overcome challenges, build confidence, and achieve goals they once thought were out of reach. Every success story reminds me why I chose this path and why I continue to love what I do.
What tips, tricks, or resources consistently work for adult learners balancing life, work, family, and school?
One of the most important things I always share with adult learners is this: what works for you today may not work next month—and that’s okay. Life is constantly changing, and your strategies should adapt along with it. Give yourself grace and flexibility. Above all, remember that progress is progress, no matter how small. Life may shift, but your goals are still within reach when you stay committed and adjust as needed.
You can connect with Tasha at TaParker@lynn.edu.
Mallory Carpenter
Meet Mallory Carpenter
Background:
Bachelor’s in psychology, SUNY Plattsburgh; experience as an admissions advisor at the university level and a college and career advisor in the K-12 setting.
How did you get into this work?
I have always loved school, and education has always been something I have highly valued. Helping students on their own paths to success brings me so much joy!
What tips, tricks, or resources consistently work for adult learners balancing life, work, family, and school?
USE YOUR NETWORK!! Your support system is here to help you! Delegate tasks, ask for help! You do not have to do it all alone! Reach out to your Student Success Manager—we have all sorts of tips and tricks to help you stay on track, and can help take some of the stress off your plate!
You can connect with Mallory at MCarpenter@lynn.edu.
Catherine Ritter
Meet Catherine Ritter
Background:
M.Ed. in higher education, DeSales University; experience as an admissions counselor and an assistant director of career coaching and education at the university level
What is your favorite piece of advice?
Take everything one step at a time!
What are a few things you'd want a potential student to know before starting their academic journey?
This is a marathon, not a sprint. Don't cram and do take care of yourself so you can succeed every single semester until the finish line!
You can connect with Cathy at CRitter@lynn.edu.
Kyle Ellis
Meet Kyle Ellis
Background:
Master of Education in educational policy, organization and leadership, University of Illinois; Bachelor of Science in biomedical science with an emphasis in nutrition, National University
What tips, tricks, or resources consistently work for adult learners balancing life, work, family, and school?
Time management is key. Incorporate time into each part of your day to ensure that you are able to complete assignments and other assigned tasks. Also, utilize the resources available to you such as virtual office hours, chat spaces with classmates, tutoring, library services and more.
What are a few things you'd want a potential student to know before starting their academic journey?
There is an army of people ready to welcome you with open arms and support you along your journey. If you don't start now, the time is going to pass anyway. So why not now?
You can connect with Kyle at KEllis@lynn.edu.
Sartaj Singh
Meet Sartaj Singh
Background:
More than 13 years of experience in admissions
What do you love about your job?
Helping students achieve their goals.
What’s your favorite piece of advice to give?
Speak it into existence; manifestation is real!
You can connect with Sartaj at SaSingh@lynn.edu.
Dr. Aroos Naeem
Meet Dr. Aroos Naeem
Background:
Doctor of Education in leadership and innovation, Purdue University Global, 2025; postgraduate certificate in industrial/organizational psychology, Purdue University Global, 2020; Master of Education in instructional design, Western Governors University, 2017; Bachelor of Arts in psychology, Purdue University, 2009
What tips, tricks, or resources consistently work for adult learners balancing life, work, family, and school?
For adult learners balancing life, work, family and school, a combination of intentional planning, resource utilization and self-care is essential.
What are a few things you'd want a potential student to know before starting their academic journey?
First, education is a commitment of time, energy and focus; approaching coursework with curiosity and dedication will maximize learning and personal growth. Second, students should embrace the mindset that challenges are opportunities for development rather than obstacles, and seeking support from faculty, advisors and peers is both encouraged and essential. Third, balancing life, work and academic responsibilities is possible with strong organization, clear priorities and effective use of available resources.
You can connect with Aroos at anaeem@lynn.edu.
Lou Francois
Meet Lou Francois
Background:
Bachelor’s in finance, University of South Florida; Doctorate of Jurisprudence, University of Miami; 14 years of experience in higher education
What do you love about your job?
I like using my knowledge of various college courses and subjects as well as my work experience to advise students who have a desire to complete an undergraduate or graduate degree.
What are a few things you'd want a potential student to know before starting their academic journey?
There will be moments of euphoria and there may be times of uncertainty and possible failures. The grades received from weekly assignments are the building blocks to successfully complete the courses that are required for graduation.
You can connect with Lou at LFrancois@lynn.edu.
Jeanie Ruppert-Boling
Meet Jeanie Ruppert-Boling
Background:
More than 15 years of experience in enrollment management, student success and academic leadership
How did you get into this work?
Education has always been my passion. I spent a little over a decade teaching at the elementary level before taking a brief detour into the business world to own my own business. Ultimately, I felt called back to education, but this time in higher education.
What does a typical day look like for you?
A typical day involves working with students, from those just beginning their journey and learning what it means to become a Fighting Knight, to advising students on their academic progress and degree progression.
You can connect with Jeannie at JRuppertBoling@lynn.edu.
Brittany Coleman
Meet Brittany Coleman
Background:
More than 10 years of experience in higher education
What’s your favorite piece of advice to give?
My advice is always to invest in your education for yourself. While it's great to have loved ones who support your academic journey, the student must be their own biggest cheerleader. As a Student Success Manager, I am their biggest advocate.
What are a few things you'd want a potential student to know before starting their academic journey?
What financial aid is and how that process works. And/or just how they want to fund their degree. I initially always ask and want to know the WHY behind looking for online schooling.
You can connect with Brittany at BrColeman@lynn.edu.
Carly Ravnikar
Meet Carly Ravnikar, Associate Director, Student Success
Background:
More than 10 years of experience in higher education
What do you love about your job?
I love my job because I believe in the profound power of higher education to transform and empower, and I remain steadfast in my commitment to opening the doors of opportunity to others.
What are a few things you'd want a potential student to know before starting their academic journey?
It's going to be challenging. It's going to be uncomfortable. That is what you sign up for—that's the necessary friction that propels your growth as a student. But rest assured, you are never alone. We are here every step of the way to help you overcome and rise to every challenge.
You can connect with Carly at CRavnikar@lynn.edu.