Student Success Coaches

Student Success Coaches are current graduate students who serve as near-peer mentors for first-generation freshmen. They provide an additional layer of support throughout the college transition by checking in regularly, helping students work through challenges, setting goals, navigating college expectations, connecting them with the right people and resources, and simply being another supportive person in their corner.

Students are assigned a Student Success Coach at the beginning of the academic year and remain with the same coach throughout the school year, allowing students and coaches to build a meaningful connection over time.

What to Expect from a Coach

Your Student Success Coach will check in with you each month throughout the academic year by email, text, and phone. Sometimes, we’ll simply ask how things are going. Other times, we may share helpful information, important reminders, or resources based on what you need. You can also find your coach's contact information in AP Navigate at any time if you need to reach out.

Not every student is assigned a Student Success Coach, so take advantage of having someone in your corner! You don’t have to wait for your coach to contact you; you can reach out anytime you have a question, need support, or just want to talk through something.

Student Success Coaches can help with:

Meet the 2026-2027 Student Success Coaches

Winter Parker

Winter Parker (she/they) is a Student Success Coach and Graduate Teaching Assistant for UNIV 1000. She received her bachelor's degree from APSU in English Literature, Creative Writing and Publishing, and Women’s and Gender Studies; she is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Education in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in Instructional Technology and graduate certificates in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages and Grant Writing (phew!). Winter has worked as an editor for Zone 3 Press, an RA, a writing center tutor, and in several other roles on and off campus. She has received the Meningall Advocacy Award, a Scholar Activism Award, a Student Leadership award, and multiple departmental and external scholarships. Talk to Winter about books, life, food, travel, classes, dogs, anime, or music!

Rachel Mohamed

Rachel Mohamed (she/her) is a Student Success Coach and GTA in the Department of Student Success & Academic Excellence, as well as a TA and tutor in the Department of Computer Science. She holds a B.S. in Software Engineering from Austin Peay and is pursuing her Master's in Computer Science, concentrating in Data Analytics & AI and Cybersecurity. Her research interests span cybersecurity, computer ethics, and AI/automation. Her most recent paper examined AI-powered vehicles through a case study of Waymo, drawing on the company's origins, crash-statistics analysis, and personal interviews to assess the current state and public perception of autonomous vehicle technology. Outside of academics, she's slowly building a 2D puzzle platformer with fantasy and sci-fi themes.

Kalissa Evans

Kalissa Evans (any pronouns), a native of the Murfreesboro area, came to Clarksville in 2022 to attend Austin Peay State University. During her undergrad, Kalissa served as an assistant secretary for the University Student Success advising office at APSU for 3 years. As both a former graduate and first-generation college student at APSU, Kalissa feels that she can relate to students on a more personal level and is prepared to help students grow and feel like they belong. She has a passion for helping students find and understand the many systems and departments used throughout the university to aid the growth of their confidence. In her free time, Kalissa enjoys playing video games, cooking, and pinning insects.

Keith Harris

Keith Harris (he/him) is an APSU alumnus and graduate student pursuing his Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. During his time at Austin Peay, Keith has been involved in student leadership, mentoring, and student success, experiences that have shaped his passion for helping students find their purpose and reach their potential. He is passionate about counseling, psychology, and creating meaningful connections with others. Outside of work and school, Keith enjoys spending time with his family, creating music, and exploring his creative interests. Keith lives by the motto, “A Dream IS Only A Dream If You Sleep On It.” Ask Keith about getting involved on campus, finding your purpose, preparing for graduate school, or turning your dreams into goals!

Keiston Barbee

Keiston (he/him) is an APSU alumnus with his Bachelors of Science in Psychological Science, and hails from Ripley, Tennessee. He is currently pursuing a Master of Science degree with a concentration in School Counseling at APSU. Prior to his current position, Keiston served as a Student Success Coach through College Possible from February to July 2026, a Peer Leader in the Peer Leadership Program for one and a half years, and a Govs Ambassador through the Office of Admissions for one year. Keiston’s experiences at APSU have allowed him to build meaningful relationships with students and faculty across campus. These experiences motivate him and drive him to be the best version of himself in every role he serves. Through his discussions with students, Keiston often emphasizes that “networking goes a long way.” He encourages students to build strong relationships and make their experiences both memorable and meaningful. One of the things Keiston loves most about APSU is the abundance of resources available to support students in need. Outside of academics, Keiston is a mellow and personable individual with an out-of-the-box outlook on life. He enjoys listening to music, trying new foods, spending time with friends, and binge-watching movies and TV shows, especially horror films.

Frequently Asked Questions