Newman University’s Student Success Center is filled with resources to help students succeed — most importantly, a strong team of leaders.
Located in Dugan, the center held its grand opening ceremony in January. It houses academic, mental health and career services along with study spaces, a testing center, conference rooms and the Sacred Grounds Coffee & Café.
With a vibrant team behind it, the Student Success Center staff is ready to serve students in every chapter of their college journeys.
Jump to:
- Lawna Kurtyka, academic intervention specialist
- Ivy Annen, mental health project coordinator
- Maggie Slack, director of career services
- Madeline Vardell, student support specialist
Meet the team
Jeannie Ross, director of student success
Where are you from?
- I was born and raised in Hugoton, Kansas, however, I have lived in Haviland, Kansas, for the last 24 years. I was the academic librarian and director of student success at Barclay College. After raising our three children, my husband and I decided we were ready to move to Wichita. We had attended college in Wichita and loved our time here. I have always admired Newman’s faith base and when I saw the opening I was hopeful of joining the Newman family.
How do you plan to support Newman students in your role?
- Students are our top priority in the Student Success Center. We have several services available to students to assist them in becoming successful. We are implementing support systems that address the academic, personal and emotional needs of the student. This includes counseling services, mentorships and advising to help students develop their educational goals as well as international student support.
- We want to ensure that all students have access to the services they need, including those with disabilities or underrepresented. Students can receive regular check-ins, help with study skills, time management and critical thinking, as well as guidance with career planning. We want the Student Success Center to be a community that supports the students as well as faculty and staff to create a comprehensive support network.
What are some fun facts about you?
- I love to hike and have hiked Pikes Peak five times. I love to travel and do mission work. I love to go to concerts and musicals. In my free time, I crochet.
What advice do you have for students to get the most out of their new semester at Newman?
- I would tell students to set clear goals, manage their time wisely, take responsibility for their learning, build relationships, get involved, seek out needed resources, explore new interests, stay healthy, challenge themselves, set goals, enjoy the journey and find time for fun.
Lawna Kurtyka, academic intervention specialist
Where are you from, and what brought you to Newman?
- I am from Wichita, born and raised. I came to Newman after retiring as a public school teacher after 34 years. In my roles as a public school teacher, I found my passion for assisting students in their paths to student success. I worked many years in the AVID program, an international college/career preparation program. My work with AVID and being a first-generation college student myself drives my work in this role.
What are some fun facts about you?
- I love to travel and take photographs. I enjoy art and architecture of all kinds. I have a wonderful husband who indulges my love of boutique shopping, and we have three dogs: two boxers named Gronk and Brady (we are Patriot fans) and a pug named Ru.
How do you plan to support Newman students in your role?
- It is my firm belief that all students can succeed with the right support and assistance. I want to be a part of that support and assistance. I believe that part of my job and mission is to meet students where they are and learn about their goals and desires. I want to provide not only academic support but also be a trusted person who can guide and walk beside students.
What advice do you have for students to get the most out of this semester?
- Be active in your learning and be involved on campus, and come to the Student Success Center! We are so excited to share our resources with everyone and to help build the community and culture of family here at Newman.
Ivy Annen, mental health project coordinator
Where are you from, and what brought you to Newman?
- I have lived in Kansas my whole life. I grew up in Hesston, went to college in Haviland, and have been living in Wichita for the last three years.
What are some fun facts about you?
- I spend most of my free time crocheting. I did many types of dance for 16 years. My favorite animal is an otter, and I am a big fan of “Star Wars,” Marvel and “Avatar: The Last Airbender.”
How do you plan to support Newman students in your role?
- I plan to support Newman students by being a listening ear and a safe space. I will support students by providing resources or counseling referrals when necessary, as well as planning some events to break up the stresses of college.
What advice do you have for students to get the most out of their year at Newman?
- My advice is to be involved, but also know your limits. Don’t do so much that you burn out.
Maggie Slack, director of career services
Where are you from and what led you to Newman?
- I am from Mulvane, Kansas, and live there now. My boyfriend and I bought my family home five years ago and live there with my 10-year-old stepson. My education is an associate’s degree from Butler Community College, a bachelor’s in family and consumer sciences from Pittsburg State University and a master’s in education counseling with a higher education emphasis from Wichita State University.
- I came to Newman because I was looking for something on a smaller scale but with a deeper impact on students. It would take my skills in higher education, career development, and others to build a great program into something greater that students could use to be more prepared for their future.
What are some of your hobbies?
- In my free time when I am not being a sports mom, I like to listen to music, spend time with family and friends, and watch football. I enjoy cooking, singing and painting as well.
What is your personal “why” and how do you believe it coincides with your role?
- When I graduated from college, I was one of the luckier ones that as part of my curriculum I was required to build a resume, cover letter, etc. I had those things, but I still had no idea what I was doing or how I was going to be successful. Now my goal is to always make sure students are that much more prepared than I was when I graduated.
- Acquiring and utilizing professional development is essential for creating strong leaders. Leaders become lifelong learners who make an impact on the people and communities they serve. The impact then is a positive transformation for society as a whole. It’s really one big circle.
Madeline Vardell, student support specialist
Where are you from, and how long have you worked at Newman?
- I am originally from Cleveland and I’ve worked at Newman since January 2023.
What are some fun facts about you?
- I’ve lived in four states and two countries in the past 11 years. My free time is spent on home restoration projects. This sounds like a chore, but I swear I enjoy it.
- Favorite things: The Libby app, brewing coffee, staycations, clean laundry, dinner with friends, my cats and my partner, Nic.
How do you plan to continue supporting Newman students in your role?
- I’ll pay attention to the needs and wants of current students and do what’s in my power to meet those needs. I’ll continue expanding academic support through peer tutors, learning assistants and virtual tutoring options. I’ll continue to collaborate with Student Life and various student clubs to ensure engagement exists for international and domestic students. My door and inbox will remain open to students who’d like to meet for any reason.
What advice do you have for students to get the most out of their next semester/ year at Newman?
- Familiarize yourself right away with the resources available to you as a Newman student. It’s smart to try out a service when the stakes are low to familiarize yourself with it. All students should log into the Student Success Center scheduler, Accudemia, at https://newmanu.accudemia.net/login and browse the services we offer. Students can also check out laptops with us now.
Explore the Student Success Center’s resources
The mission of the Student Success Center is to support all Newman University students on their academic journey.
