Staff

Leslie Harris

Director

Leslie Harris is the Director for Student Support Services. She provides academic and social support to those students who identify as first-generation, low-income, and/or are students with disabilities. Leslie received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Sociology from Illinois College in 2014, and her Master of Science in College Student Personnel Administration from Illinois State University in 2016. Leslie joined TRiO’s Student Support Services program while at Illinois College, that assisted her with her statuses as a first-generation, low-income college student. Leslie is originally from Chicago Heights, IL.

Penny Hendrix

Success Coach and Tutor

Penny Hendrix is a Success Coach and Tutor for Student Support Services. She coaches students who identifies as a first-generation student, low income student, or as a student with a disability through their collegiate experience at Georgia Southern University. Penny received her Bachelor of Science in Education with a minor in Special Education at Georgia Southern. She has worked for 20 years in the area of Disability and Student Support Services.

Janet O’Brien

Success Coach and Tutor 

Janet O’Brien is a Success Coach and Tutor for Student Support Services. She helps students who identify as first-generation, income-eligible, and/or are students with a disability. Janet received her Bachelor of Science in Math Education and Master of Education in Mathematics at Georgia Southern. She has worked for over 30 years teaching and supporting students at Georgia Southern.

Abriah Frasier

Administrative Assistant

Abriah Frasier is the Administrative Assistant for Student Support Services. She provides administrative support for the SSS office staff as well as the program participants. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree in English as well as a Bachelor of Arts degree in Modern Languages with a Spanish concentration. Abriah is a first-generation college student who understands the significance of receiving excellent support while pursuing a college degree. She is also the mother of a TRiO – Educational Talent Search student. She has worked for 4 plus years in Student Affairs and Enrollment Management at Georgia Southern University.

Dwight Williams Jr.

Graduate Assistant

Dwight Williams Jr. is the Services Programming and Recruitment graduate assistant for TRIO Student Support. He is a first-year doctoral student pursuing a degree in Public Health Leadership here at Georgia Southern University. His prior education includes a Bachelor of Science in Public Health from the University of North Carolina-Greensboro and a Master of Administration from Barry University. Dwight is from Jacksonville, FL. When not in class or studying he is planning out the opening of Mother Earth Organic Farm or enjoying days on the beach with his Dalmatian puppies. He plans on pursuing a career in health policy and management or starting an organic farm that specializes in increasing vulnerable population’s access to quality food sourcing.

Chelsey  Brunson

Graduate Assistant

Chelsey Brunson is one of the Programming and Recruitment graduate assistants for TRiO Student Support Services. She is pursuing a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling here at Georgia Southern University. She received her bachelors of science in Psychology from Georgia Southern in the Spring of 2018. When Chelsey is not in class she enjoys recreational reading, cooking, and binge watching shows on Netflix. Her career aspiration is to open her own clinical counseling practice that emphasizes holistic wellness and serves children primarily.