Dean of Student Success
Connie earned her B.A. in Family Studies and Human Services from Kansas State University and her M.A. in Leadership and Policy Studies from University of Memphis. She is currently a doctoral candidate in the Doctor of Education in Leadership program at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. Her commitment to higher education is rooted in her own experience as a student in a retention program, where she discovered her strengths and developed a passion for helping others do the same.
In her role, Connie provides strategic leadership and direction for CLASS and partners with students navigating transition or uncertainty, including those returning from academic suspension or leave, considering withdrawal, or working to re-engage with their academic path. She collaborates across the institution to strengthen systems of support that foster student success, belonging, and wellbeing. Grounded in the belief that every student has inherent value and potential, Connie is dedicated to advancing both student development and the growth and care of the staff she leads. Outside of her work, Connie enjoys hot yoga, exploring local coffee shops, and spending time with friends, family, and her beloved dog, Barney.
Director, Student Outreach & Support (SOS)
Schedule a meeting with Alexa
Alexa received her BS in Psychology at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and MSW at the University of Memphis. Before joining Rhodes in 2022, she worked as a teacher and residential therapist and has experience across mental health services, nonprofit organizations, and school settings. Alexa loves being a mom and wife, going on nature walks, shopping, and exploring all that Memphis has to offer.
As part of her work on the CLASS team, Alexa provides personalized support to students as they navigate challenges and access resources. With a strong passion for the intersection of social services and education, Alexa promotes holistic wellness and helps students evaluate both mental and physical health supports. She is deeply committed to student wellbeing and encourages students to reach out with questions about creating a personalized support plan at Rhodes.
Director of Academic & Learning Resources
Schedule a meeting with Jennifer
Jennifer joined the CLASS team in 2019. As a first-generation student, she earned her B.S. in Biology from the Universidad del Sagrado Corazon in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and an M.A.Ed. in Curriculum Development from the University of Phoenix, San Juan, PR. She has held various positions throughout her higher education career, including roles in academic support, instructional design and educational technology support, peer education and programming, and as an instructor.
As Director of Academic and Learning Resources, she supports students by offering practical strategies, useful resources, and personalized guidance to help them succeed academically. She is dedicated to fostering a welcoming and supportive environment and collaborates closely with students, families, faculty, and staff to promote overall academic achievement. She meets individually with students to develop essential skills such as time management, study techniques, and critical thinking. In her role, she partners with faculty and staff to create clear action plans, connect students to campus resources, and track academic progress. Through this student-focused approach, she helps ensure students feel supported, confident, and prepared throughout their college journey.
Outside of work, Jennifer enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and trying new restaurants with friends.
Assistant Director of Academic & Learning Resources
Schedule a meeting with Haeleah.
Haeleah earned her Bachelors of Professional Studies from the University of Memphis and her M.A. in Higher Education from the University of Arizona. She has held various positions ranging from student engagement and programming to academic support. She is passionate about helping students succeed academically, socially, and personally.
Within CLASS, Haeleah leads the PEP Experience (Peer Education Programs), which includes the Peer Academic Coaching (PAC) and Supplemental Instruction (SI) programs. She coordinates trainings, events, and workshops, and oversees student engagement initiatives, using data to strengthen support and measure program impact. Grounded in the belief that every student can thrive when engaged with meaningful academic support, she provides practical strategies, resources, and personalized guidance to help students succeed academically. Haeleah meets individually with students to build essential skills such as time management, study strategies, and critical thinking, helping them connect with resources and feel confident in their academic journey. She also partners with offices, programs, and student organizations across campus to expand opportunities for academic support and student engagement.
Director of Student Accessibility Services (SAS)
Schedule a meeting with Melissa
Melissa earned her B.S. in Psychology from the University of Washington in Seattle and her M.S. in Counseling and Personnel Services (Rehabilitation Counseling) from the University of Memphis. She has over 25 years of experience working in ADA compliance, disability and higher education.
In her role, Melissa ensures that students with disabilities experience equal access and inclusion in college programs through collaboration and facilitation of approved accommodations. She provides leadership, comprehensive case management, access resources, and referral services for registered students with disabilities. She also serves as a resource for the Rhodes College community on issues pertaining to disability, access, and Universal Design.
Outside of her work, Melissa enjoys painting, pilates, traveling, and quality time with family and friends.
ADHD Coach, Independent Consultant
boevingb@rhodes.edu
901-848-3350
Ben Boeving earned his Bachelor's degree from the University of Tennessee in 1997 and completed his coaching training through ADDCA, the ADD Coaching Academy in New York, in 2008. He is also an ADHD Parent Trainer through CHADD, the National Organization for Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. Ben has over 17 years of experience coaching college students with neurologically based executive functioning and motivational deficits.
Ben helps students develop the academic, executive function, and life skills they need to become successful adults. He also offers laser coaching and group coaching for any student looking to improve their organizational and time management skills. Ben is the author of Colleging with ADHD: Everything You Need to Know About College but Were Too Distracted to Ask (2023).
Outside of work, Ben enjoys spending time with his wife and three (mostly grown) children, cheering on the Memphis Grizzlies and UT Vols, playing golf, and tackling home improvement projects.