TRiO Staff

Hi! I joined the Winthrop community in September 2005 as the first TRiO Program Director. Each day, I have the pleasure of working with a superb group of TRiO professionals and a very lively, motivated group of students.

After completing my undergraduate work at the State University of New York at Buffalo, I received an M.S. in Criminal Justice from Northeastern University and an M.A. in Counselor Education from the University of South Florida. I stayed at USF and worked in the Counseling Center as a counselor for 2 years prior to relocating back to Syracuse, New York where I began my TRiO career. In New York I worked at Cazenovia College as the Associate Director of a TRiO-SSS program. My 10+ years of TRiO experience prepared me well for building Winthrop’s new TRiO program and designing services that will help you excel.

When not at Winthrop, I try to balance my family with other interests, such as traveling, FCC activities (Families with Children from China), keeping my active 6-year old busy and out of trouble, going to movies, knitting, reading, and various other things we can fit in!

It’s exciting to be a part of TRiO; I am very passionate about TRiO and providing students with opportunities for success. I look forward to meeting you and helping you reach your educational goals!

Assistant Director/Senior Academic Counselor:

Leah Kendall

Hello! My name is Leah Kendall and I am excited to be the newest member of the TRiO team. I graduated from UNC Charlotte in 2006 with a BA in Communication Studies/Public Relations and a minor in Journalism. In May of 2008 I graduated from the University of South Carolina with my Master's degree in Higher Education and Student Affairs. Both of my educational journeys have fostered a strong passion in me to work with college students and help you best prepare for your bright future ahead.

When not in the office, I love to run, workout, journal, hang out with my friends, and admire my new niece! I am a huge family person and I treasure my closest friends--so any extra time I can squeeze in with them is a plus!

I cannot express how genuinely excited I am about meeting each of you and learning your educational and personal goals. While I cannot promise to have every answer, I can promise to be a listening ear and a strong resource to help with any and every situation. Please feel free to stop in anytime and say hello! I look forward to learning more about each of you! :)

Janell Stevens

Program Assistant/Interim Academic Counselor:

Janell Stevens

stevensj@winthrop.edu (803)323-4797

Greetings! My name is Janell Stevens and I am a native of Hampton, Virginia. In December 2000 I graduated from South Carolina State University with a degree in Psychology. I was formally employed with the South Carolina State University Small Business Development Center in Orangeburg, SC as Administrative Specialist. My family & I relocated to Rock Hill, SC in January 2007 when my husband was offered a position as Area Manager of the Small Business Development Center at Winthrop. I soon followed and was hired as the Program Assistant for the TRiO Program.

I have 3 daughters: Brianna 11, Skylyn 5, and Tori 1.

I am so elated to be here and be involved in such an exciting program. I look forward to learning new things and working with students to help them in anyway I possibly can.

Academic Counselor: Search Spring 2008

Antoine Deas

Academic Counselor: Antoine Deas

deasa2@winthrop.edu (803) 323-4793

Greetings! I am a PROUD graduate of Benedict College, located in Columbia, SC, where I earned my Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology. I have had the opportunity to work with students on different levels of the academic scales as well as work as a Residential Counselor at a group home in Columbia. Currently, I am pursuing a Master's Degree in Community/Agency Counseling.

As a member of the TRiO Staff, I plan to work diligently with the students to meet their academic needs and to help prepare them for graduate school.