Meet Your Support Team - College Credit in High School

Staff

Victoria Whitfield Lewis, PhD

Executive Director, Academic Innovation

Contact Victoria Whitfield Lewis, PhD
UA Early College
Learn more about Victoria Whitfield Lewis, PhD

Dr. Victoria Whitfield Lewis is a Tuscaloosa native. In her role as Executive Director, Academic Innovation, she oversees all of UA Early College. She has a bachelor's degree and a master's degree in Secondary Education- English/Language Arts, as well as a PhD in Curriculum and Instruction. She spent many years working as an administrator and a high school English teacher. Students and parents contact her when special circumstances arise that are outside the scope of another staff members' expertise. She enjoys hearing about the positive experiences of UA Early College from students and parents.

Fun fact: Dr. Whitfield Lewis is a proud three-time alum of The University of Alabama.

Pam Mixon

Assistant Director

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UA Early College
Learn more about Pam Mixon

Pam Mixon is from Hamilton, Alabama. She has a bachelor’s and a master’s in Secondary Education, as well as a master’s in Educational Administration and an Educational Specialist degree in Educational Leadership. As the assistant director, she oversees student achievement and co-oversees the Summer On Campus program (SOC). In addition, she works closely with high school counselors and UA faculty to ensure students have the resources they need to be successful. Students and parents contact her when they have questions about courses or the SOC program.

Fun fact: Pam has five grandchildren and can be found at most sporting events cheering on the Tide.

Katie Neidhardt

Assistant Director

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UA Early College
Learn more about Katie Neidhardt

Katie Neidhardt is a Mobile, Alabama native and graduated from UA in 2005. Katie serves UA Early College as assistant director. She oversees the marketing and recruiting strategies for UA Early College and ensures that high school students, their families and high school counselors are aware of the benefits of UA Early College. Students, parents or high school counselors may contact her when they have a recruitment related question or when they’re not sure who they should ask their question to. Katie enjoys working with UA Early College staff to remove obstacles for high school students and help them to utilize all the opportunities this program offers.

Fun Fact: Katie is obsessed with organization and will sometimes drive her family crazy by constantly reorganizing various areas of her home.

Reagan Caddell

Academic Advisor - North Alabama and Out-of-state

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UA Early College
Learn more about Reagan Caddell

Reagan Caddell is from Addison, AL and an alumna of the University of Alabama. She serves UA Early College as an Academic Advisor for North Alabama and out-of-state students. Reagan supports students and parents through course advising based on the individual student’s anticipated major. She especially enjoys helping students discover their individual passion and ensuring their coursework provides a path to their goals.

Fun Fact: Reagan enjoys spending time with her husband and their two dogs. She also loves playing just about any sport!

Lee Carter

Enrollment Coordinator

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UA Early College
Learn more about Lee Carter

Lee Carter is from Butler, Alabama. She’s been with UA Early College since it began in 2009. In her position, She admits students, awards scholarships, coordinates classes and helps students enroll in those classes. Students contact her when they need help enrolling in a class. Parents contact her if they have questions about their student's account information. She most enjoys allaying the fears of students and parents regarding higher education, and she’s also proud to represent UA with the highest degree of integrity.

Fun fact: Lee, her two children and her daughter-in-law are all graduates of UA.

Leigh Heifner

Academic Advisor - South Alabama

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UA Early College
Learn more about Leigh Heifner

Leigh Heifner is originally from Tuscumbia, AL and has lived in Tuscaloosa for 20 years. She is a proud alumna of The University of Alabama and serves as an Academic Advisor for UA Early College's South Alabama geographic area. Leigh assists students with course selection based on the student’s individual goals. She meets with students and parents to help guide them in choosing courses that will build a foundation for them in their college work. Leigh's favorite part of academic advising is interacting with students and helping them achieve their academic goals.

Fun Fact: When Leigh isn't advising, she enjoys spending time with her family. Her husband is an alumna, her son is currently a student at UA, and her daughter plans to be a UA student soon.

Wendy Hoggle

Program Coordinator, Summer Programs

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UA Early College
Learn more about Wendy Hoggle

Wendy Hoggle's hometown is Cleveland, Ohio. As the Summer Programs Coordinator, she oversees, plans, coordinates and promotes the Summer On Campus and LEAP programs. Students reach out to her if they are interested in or are participating in either summer program. Parents may contact her for any information regarding the programs or their students’ participation in SOC or LEAP. She finds it most rewarding to see the students grow academically.

Fun fact: Wendy is a loving mother to 4 girls that she is very proud of.

Patti Meggs

Program Assistant

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UA Early College
Learn more about Patti Meggs

Patti Meggs is a native of Pinson, Alabama. Her primary responsibility is maintaining the internal student database and updating student records for UA Early College. She is a primary point of contact for students and parents with general questions about the program and for any questions regarding the application/admission process. Anytime she gets to meet UAEC students and hear their stories of success, it brings her joy.

Fun fact: Not only is she an Early College employee, she is also an Early College parent.

Tiffany Moore

Office Associate II

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UA Early College
Learn more about Tiffany Moore

Tiffany Moore is from Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Her job involves communicating with students and parents when they call the UA Early College office. She can provide information, answer questions or put you in touch with the person that can. Tiffany also helps students when they are missing application documents. She likes guiding students through the admission process and engaging with them as they pursue their goals.

Fun fact: Tiffany loves crafting door wreaths, her two children and yelling ROLL TIDE ROLL!!!

Emily Mott

Recruiting Specialist - South Alabama and Eastern U.S.

Contact Emily Mott
205-872-6471
UA Early College
Learn more about Emily Mott

Emily Mott grew up in Mount Olive, New Jersey, before joining the UA Early College recruiting team. As a Recruiting Specialist for the South Alabama and Eastern U.S. territories, she engages with students, parents and counselors wanting to learn more about the program. Emily is always excited to meet with prospective students and parents one-on-one, or at a school event, to tell them about UA Early College. Students reach out to her when they want to learn more about the benefits of participating, assistance throughout the application process and when they want to hear about the different options regarding courses. Parents can call Emily when they have questions about scholarships/cost, application information and how UAEC will benefit their student. What Emily enjoys most is working with students, getting to help them achieve their educational goals and being a part of a program that opens the doors to so many opportunities for high school students.

Fun Fact: Emily loves to travel and when she's not traveling…she's usually spending time with her dog on hiking trails.

John Adam Page

Database Marketing Coordinator

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UA Early College
Learn more about John Adam Page

John Adam Page is from Phenix City, Alabama. His job involves working on marketing campaigns and prospective student communication, including maintaining the UA Early College website. Students and parents may communicate with him if they send the office a question by email. They may also see him at recruiting events or on-campus functions. He enjoys helping students get a head start on their college experience and working with the UA Early College staff and faculty.

Fun fact: He loves outdoor activities, water sports and travel.

Lindsey Porter

Recruitment Events Coordinator

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UA Early College
Learn more about Lindsey Porter

Lindsey Hoyle is from Tuscaloosa, Alabama and has worked with UA Early College since 2015. Her primary role at UA Early College is the coordination of multiple events each year that showcase the UA Early College program and benefits available to high school students everywhere. Outside of event coordination, Lindsey also assists with managing recruiting materials and assisting with student recruitment efforts. Additionally, she assists with responding to parent and student inquiries and is actively involved in the LEAP program. Students and parents may call her if they have any questions regarding an upcoming UAEC event or if they need UAEC materials to share with family and friends. She enjoys all the interactions she has with students, parents and educators as well as working with the rest of the UAEC staff. Her favorite part of working for UA Early College is being part of a program that is supports high school students in achieving their higher-educational goals.

Fun fact: Lindsey has a family tradition of watching “Survivor” and “The Amazing Race” and she hopes for a chance to audition in the future.

Alison Schwartz

Program Assistant

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UA Early College
Learn more about Alison Schwartz

Alison Schwartz grew up on Long Island, New York. As a UA Early College Program Assistant her primary responsibility is reconciling purchases and maintaining departmental expenditure reports. She’s a primary point of contact for students and parents with general questions about UA Early College. Alison is excited to be part of a program that allows high school students to get a jump start on college and helps guide them along their path toward their professional goals.

Fun fact: Alison loves traveling and has been to five countries and twenty-nine states so far. When she’s not traveling, she’s outside hiking or kayaking with her husband and dog or reading in her plant room (it has over 50 plants and it’s glorious.)

William Smith

Student Success Coordinator

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UA Early College
Learn more about William Smith

William “Will” Smith is originally from Greensboro, Alabama, and moved to Moundville, Alabama, when he was 14 years old. In his role as a Student Success Coordinator, he helps students manage the struggles of academic growth and keeps them engaged in their courses. Students should contact Will when they have a concern about their academics, or to get info on support services that are available to them. Will enjoys working with a team of positive and passionate co-workers that are focused on helping students reach their goals.

Fun Fact: Will loves to sing. He’s even gotten to meet/sing and hangout with Morgan Wallen for an entire night.

Leslee Tucker

Recruiting Specialist - North Alabama and Western U.S.

Contact Leslee Tucker
205-737-2717
UA Early College
Learn more about Leslee Tucker

Leslee Tucker enjoys visiting her hometown of Monroeville, Alabama. As UA Early College Recruiting Specialist for North Alabama and the Western U.S, Leslee is always excited to meet with prospective students and parents one-on-one, or as a group, to tell them about UA Early College. Students reach out to her when they need assistance in completing their UA Early College application, discussing course options or just learning more about the benefits of participating. Parents reach out to Leslee when they have questions regarding scholarships, application deadlines or Dual Credit. She enjoys giving students the support and guidance they need to successfully transition into college and achieve their academic goals.

Fun fact: Leslee loves dancing and is always up for a good pun. Listen to her carefully, she will sometimes slip into a random accent!

Justin Warren

Student Success Coordinator

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UA Early College
Learn more about Justin Warren

Justin Warren was born and raised in Tuscaloosa, AL. Being a Student Success Coordinator, he assists students reach their academic goals by providing access to a variety of resources that can help them get acclimated to college-level learning. Students may reach out to Justin when they need help with study tips, navigating college courses, time management and how to maintain a school life balance. Parents may contact him when they need help understanding our program and support assistance for their student. Justin enjoys being able to help the next generation reach their academic potential and reassuring them that they can do anything they put their minds to.

Fun Fact: Justin's favorite childhood show is Mighty Morphing Power Rangers... and yes, he still watches it today.

Epiphany Wells-Kelly

Academic Advisor - UAEC 200 Students

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UA Early College
Learn more about Epiphany Wells-Kelly

Epiphany Wells-Kelly was born in Tuscaloosa and raised in Pelham, Alabama. As the UAEC 200 Academic Advisor, she helps new UA Early College students adapt to college-level learning. She meets with students and parents to discuss their experience in the course and suggest future courses. Based on a student's anticipated major or areas of interest, she can layout an academic plan and offer paths to achieving there goals. Students reach out to her as part of their UAEC 200 College Readiness Course. Interacting with students and reassuring them is what she most enjoys about her work with UA Early College.

Fun fact: Epiphany loves arts and crafts and listening to music.

Madison Woodbury

Student Success Coordinator

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UA Early College
Learn more about Madison Woodbury

Madison “Madi” Woodbury grew up in a military family and lived in London, England, before moving to Tuscaloosa, Alabama. As a Student Success Coordinator, she offers support to current UA Early College students and acts as a resource for students adapting to college-level learning. Students may reach out to Madi when they need help, navigating their course load, with time management assistance or using study skills. Guiding students through their UA Early College studies and providing academic support is what excites Madi most about her position as a Student Success Coordinator.

Fun Fact: When she isn’t helping student succeed in their college academics, Madi is a writer and a published poet!

Sierra Wyatt

Academic Advisor - Central Alabama

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UA Early College
Learn more about Sierra Wyatt

Sierra Wyatt has lived in Tuscaloosa, AL, her whole life. She has previously been a classroom teacher, but now serves UA Early College students as an academic advisor. Sierra supports students throughout their experience and offers insight on course options. Students and parents meet with her for academic advising before registering for courses. Students can also contact her when they have questions about upcoming courses they may want to take. Building relationships with students and families is important to Sierra and (as a former UA Early College student) she enjoys supporting today’s students as they achieve their academic goals.

Fun fact: When Sierra’s not advising, she loves being a mother to her little girl and a “fur-mom” to her two standard poodles.

Faculty

Jessica Mitchell, EdD

UAEC 200

UA Early College
Learn more about Jessica Mitchell, EdD

Jessica Mitchell was born in Birmingham, Alabama, but spent most of her childhood in Fayette County, Alabama. She attended college and lived in West Tennessee for over ten years where she taught high school English. Before moving back home to West Alabama, Jessica taught college classes at the University of North Alabama. She serves UA Early College as an instructor for UAEC 200 and helps high school students transition to college through experiencing college-level coursework. Her students can reach out to her when they need help developing college readiness skills such as navigating online learning. Jessica enjoys giving students feedback and seeing them grow academically. Jessica lives with her husband and two children (both boys) and enjoys gardening and spending time with her family outdoors.

Kathleen M. Morris, PhD

Computer Science

UA Early College
Learn more about Kathleen M. Morris, PhD

Dr. Kathleen Morris calls Tuscaloosa, Alabama home. For the past 14 years, she’s been an instructor in The University of Alabama Department of Computer Science. She is a coordinator and instructor for CS 102 courses online and on campus. She has a PhD in Educational Leadership, Policy and Technology Studies with a concentration in Instructional Technology. She is married with a daughter at UA and a son in high school (he’s in UA Early College, too!). Her free time involves serving on the advisory board for the Tuscaloosa Career and Technology Academy, advising a UA sorority, being outside, pet rescue and cheering on the Crimson Tide at any opportunity.

John Ratliff, PhD

History

UA Early College
Learn more about John Ratliff, PhD

Dr. Ratliff earned his PhD at The University of Alabama in 2007 and has been with UA Early College from its beginning in 2009. He is a historian of the American South and specializes in the legal and social history of the late 1800s and early 1900s. His research focuses on racial violence in that period, using same race lynching incidents as a lens to view popular conceptions of race and society during that period. He’s garnered numerous honors during his career, including being named an Outstanding Content Developer and receiving the Ruth M. Kibbey Award for Outstanding Service to the Department of History. In 2021, Ratliff completed the QM Teaching Online Certificate, the national standard in excellence in online instruction. He also serves as webmaster and digital content expert for the University's Department of History. Dr. Ratliff lives in Coaling, AL, with his wife and son. In his free time, he serves as a Boy Scout Scoutmaster, enjoys the outdoors and raises Boer goats as part of his son’s 4-H project.

Deborah Schwartz

English

UA Early College
Learn more about Deborah Schwartz

Deborah Schwartz is from Dothan, Alabama. She’s worked at The University of Alabama for over 11 years and has spent the past six years teaching English for UA Early College. She is an alumna of Troy University and earned a master's degree in English Education. Deborah is currently a doctoral student in The University of Alabama College of Education’s Curriculum and Instruction program. She is a member of the National Council for Teachers of English and the Sloan Consortium, an organization committed to quality online education. She is married and has two children and two grandchildren and enjoys gardening, water activities and Alabama football.

Claire Thompson, PhD

Anthropology

UA Early College
Learn more about Claire Thompson, PhD

Dr. Claire Thompson is from Tuscaloosa, Alabama. She's been teaching at The University of Alabama for over seven years. She recently became an Anthropology instructor for UA Early College. She has a bachelor's degree from Vanderbilt University, a master's from Florida State University and a PhD from The University of Alabama. Her husband is also an employee at The University of Alabama, and they have two children. Dr. Thompson's academic interests include the following: Southeastern archaeology, pottery analysis, prehistory of Moundville and the instruction of secondary and higher education.

Kim Wright

Computer Science

UA Early College
Learn more about Kim Wright

Kim Wright is from Montgomery, Alabama. She has worked at The University of Alabama for over 18 years. She teaches Computer Science classes for UA Early College. Kim has bachelor's and master’s degrees in Math Education. Before beginning her work as an instructor at the University, she was a high school math teacher and worked as an Assistant Research Engineer in the Computer Science department at UA. Kim’s son is a freshman at UA and her daughter is a senior in high school. She has one dog and one cat. She is also a member of Northwood Church of Christ.

Amanda Snyder

English

Learn more about Amanda Snyder

Amanda is from Oxford, Alabama. She received her degrees from Jacksonville State University before coming to teach at the University of Alabama in 2015. She has been an English instructor with UAEC since 2017. She enjoys helping students find the writers within themselves and seeing the progression her students make each semester. Amanda enjoys traveling and dancing while she cleans house. She also has two children, Amiliya and Kennedy, who make sure her life is never boring. Roll Tide!

Allison Scrivner, PhD

Psychology

Learn more about Allison Scrivner, PhD

Allison is from Tuscaloosa, Alabama. She has a Ph.D. in Cognitive Psychology from the University of Alabama. She has been teaching PY 101 for Early College since 2016. She also teaches upper-level courses within the Psychology Department at the University. Allison married in 2020, and they have one super special and precious Pomeranian, Snyper. When not teaching Psychology, she spends her time with her husband, her dog, her 200 plants, and at the gym.

Rita Yessick

English

UA Early College
Learn more about Rita Yessick

Rita Yessick is from Tuscaloosa, Alabama. She’s worked as a UA Early College English instructor for a year and a half. She’s worked at The University of Alabama since 1999. She has a bachelor's degree and a master's degree. Rita is married to Michael. They have two sons, Kevin and Tyler. When not teaching, she bakes and decorates cakes. She also spent many years as a florist.