Phone Number: 254-299-8524
E-mail Address: njames@mclennan.edu
Office Location: Student Services, Success Coaching Services, 249C
Hometown: Waco, Texas
Education: Associate of Arts, McLennan Community College
Bachelor of Science, Business Administration, Tarleton State University (through MCC's University Center)
Master of Education, Student Development and Leadership in Higher Education, Angelo State University
Meet the Team
Associate Director
- Natalie James
Associate Director, Success Coaching Services
Administrative Staff
- Success Technician
Success Technician (front desk)
Phone Number: 254-299-8226
E-mail Address:
Office Location: Student Services, Success Coaching Services, Front Desk
Hometown:What do you enjoy most about working at McLennan?
What excites you most about working in the Success Coaching Services?
What is an inspirational quote you like?
What is your favorite thing to do in Waco?
Success Coaches
- Allison Boyle
Success Coach (General)
Phone Number: 254-299-8291
E-mail Address: aboyle@mclennan.edu
Office Location: Student Services, Success Coaching Services, 249I
Hometown: Decatur, Texas
Education: Bachelors of Science from Stephen F Austin State University and Masters of Arts also from Stephen F Austin State UniversityWhat do you enjoy most about working at McLennan?
The campus and everyone here are very welcoming to everyone.What excites you most about being a Success Coach?
Being able to work with students and help them with their college experience and to reach their goals is what I look forward to the most.What is an inspirational quote you like?
"Have courage and be kind"- It is from the live-action Cinderella movieWhat is your favorite thing to do in Waco?
Paddleboarding
- Shannon Harmsen
Success Coach (General)
Phone Number: 254-299-8380
E-mail Address: sharmsen@mclennan.edu
Office Location: Student Services, Success Coaching Services, 249G
Hometown: Uvalde, Texas
Education: Bachelor of Science in Education and Master of Science in Educational Psychology from Baylor UniversityWhat do you enjoy most about working at McLennan?
I enjoy the community and the culture that focuses on success for all --- students, faculty, staff, leadership, community members. It has been great to be a part of a team that works for the common good for its community. I also really like the beauty of the campus. The trees and great landscaping is so relaxing and beautiful. Connection and interaction is important on this campus and I love to watch people make those connections and have meaningful interactions across the college. There is a feeling of joy and acceptance all around this institution, and I really love watching and feeling it!What excites you most about being a Success Coach?
I think it is so awesome to be able to partner with someone as they build skill and confidence. Knowing that the knowledge and skills acquired will be used all along a student’s life path is such a sacred honor to be a part of. I am humbled to walk alongside someone, if only for a short time, encouraging and refining the person they are becoming. It is the greatest honor.
What is an inspirational quote you like?
There are so many wonderful and inspirational quotes available for motivation and encouragement. One of my favorites is attributed to Maya Angelou, “Do the best you can until you know better. When you know better, do better.” I think this is a great reminder that we all are trying our best and sometimes our best is not at full strength ---YET. There is always room for improvement, strengthening, and grace for self and others.As a companion quote, “If you don’t have anything nice to say, you aren’t thinking hard enough.” ---Kid President Be challenged to be the person who is the encourager, not the critic. Even in the hardest circumstances, there is a positive if we are willing to look for it and accept that it can exist even in a hard time.
What is your favorite thing to do in Waco?
I am a Baylor grad, so many of my favorite things are tied with traditions and activities attached to Baylor. My list includes: gut pack at Viteks, football games at Mclane Stadium, Dr. Pepper Museum, Katie’s Frozen custard, Doris Miller memorial, Cameron Park Zoo, and the suspension bridge.
- Y'Kenya Robertson
Success Coach (General)
Phone Number: 254-299-8597
E-mail Address: yrobertson@mclennan.edu
Office Location: Student Services, Success Coaching Services, 249H
Hometown: Waco, TX
Education: BSW from University of Mary Hardin Baylor, MSW from Texas State UniversityWhat do you enjoy most about working at McLennan?
What I enjoy most about working for MCC is working on such a beautiful campus, the friendly atmosphere, and all of the resources that we have on campus to help each and every student to be successful.What excites you most about being a Success Coach?
I am excited about being a success coach because it is my way of giving back to my community, if it had not been for all of the mentors in my life and people that pushed me to be successful and pursue a college education I’m not sure where I would be today. I want students to know that their situations don’t define them and that no matter what they can be successful and that they deserve an education.What is an inspirational quote you like?
“ Success isn’t about how much money you make it’s about the difference you make in people’s lives.” -Michelle ObamaWhat is your favorite thing to do in Waco?
My favorite thing to do in Waco is spending time with my family and friends. I love going to new restaurants, the movies, and shopping.
- Success Coach (Title V)
Success Coach (Title V)
Phone Number: 254-299-
E-mail Address:
Office Location: Student Services, Success Coaching Services, 248B
Hometown:
Education:What do you enjoy most about working at McLennan?
What excites you most about being a Success Coach?
What is an inspirational quote you like?
What is your favorite thing to do in Waco?
- Success Coach (Title V)
- Success Coach
Success Coach (First Gen Scholars, Julia's Fund, Foster Care, Restart, and Scholastic Probation)
Phone Number: 254-299-8519
E-mail Address:
Office Location: Student Services, Success Coaching Services, 249J
Hometown:
Education:What do you enjoy most about working at McLennan?
What excites you most about being a Success Coach?
What is an inspirational quote you like?
What is your favorite thing to do in Waco?
- Brooke Schumacher
Success Coach (Support & Empowerment Program)
Phone Number: 254-299-8600
E-mail Address: bschumacher@mclennan.edu
Office Location: Student Services, Success Coaching Services, 248A
Hometown: Brownfield, Texas
Education: South Plains College, A.A., University of Arkansas at Little Rock, B. A. English/ASL: Interpreting, University of North Florida, M. Ed. English/ASL: InterpretingWhat do you enjoy most about working at McLennan?
MCC faculty and staff care about the students they work with. It is encouraging to be surrounded by others who are supportive not only towards their students but with other faculty and staff as well.What excites you most about being a Success Coach?
I remember my own journey trying to navigate college life, while so much growth and great memories--it's tough! Life doesn't give us a break while we journey through college; figuring out college and life at the same time can be challenge and having support makes all the difference! I was in the top 10 in my class in HS. I was a first generations college student, and I failed almost every course my first semester on campus and lost my scholarships. That was hard year! I can remember each person, faculty, and staff that impacted my life as a college student during that time as well as beyond, they empowered me to achieve what I wanted to achieve while helping me break down barriers along the way. I work in higher education because I want to pay those experiences forward. As an SEP Success Coach, I get the privilege of walking alongside students from all walks of life and provide support in tangible ways-- emotional, academic, and financial ways to students so that they are able to achieve what they want to achieve and grow. I learn from my students as much they do from me.What is an inspirational quote you like?
"Between stimulus and response there is space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom." -- Often attributed to Steven Covey or Viktor E. FranklWhat is your favorite thing to do in Waco?
Waco has so much to offer! I have been in Waco 14 years now and I am still discovering things that I love! I really enjoy the farmer's market, the Art Center, downtown area and events, close enough to some really great state parks to visit, the Brazos river, Cameron Park Zoo, Fabled Bookshop, it's growth in the past few years, so many wonderful people, so many great local restaurants and lots of local small businesses to support, and so much more!
- Carrie Tran
Success Coach (Support & Empowerment Program)
Phone Number: 254-299-8569
E-mail Address: ctran@mclennan.edu
Office Location: Student Services, Success Coaching Services, 249F
Hometown: Anaheim, California; Durham, North Carolina; Waco, Texas
Education: Bachelor of Arts in Education, University of Redlands
Master of Social Work, Baylor UniversityWhat do you enjoy most about working at McLennan?
I appreciate the staff and students I have the opportunity to work with.What excites you most about being a Success Coach?
I find joy in walking alongside my students on their academic, professional, and personal journeys.What is an inspirational quote you like?
“What lies behind you and what lies in front of you, pales in comparison to what lies inside of you.” ~ Ralph Waldo EmersonWhat is your favorite thing to do in Waco?
I love hanging out with my family and friends, eating good food, and having great conversations.