Meet the Staff of
Freshman Academic Advising Services
Liz Kennedy
Interim Director
Liz was born and raised in western Pennsylvania and came to FAU via northern New York. She has seven years of experience in higher education and six years of experience in community mental health. She holds two master degrees: Student Affairs in Higher Education and Counseling Psychology. In her spare time, Liz enjoys photography, traveling, and cooking. Liz is the liaison to the Schmidt College of Arts and Letters.
Hyacinth Wideman
Assistant Director of the University Scholars Program
Assistant Director of The University Scholars Program: The Honors Program at the Boca Raton Campus, has over twenty-five years of experience in the education system. Previously, she served as the Academic Advisor and Assistant to the Dean of the College of Social Science at FAU, and joined the Freshman Academic Advising Services office in 1996. She received her degree from Westminster College in London, England. She has one son, Bryan. Hyacinth is the liaison to the College of Nursing. In her spare time she enjoys mentorship, gardening and spending time with her family.
Kirk Hammond
Assistant Director of Information Technology, Academic Support Services
Kirk started working for the Freshman Academic Advising Services office part-time since 1989, while pursuing his Bachelor's degree in Business Management and Master's Degree in Business Administration at FAU. Kirk is currently an Assistant Director of Information Technology for the Freshman Academic Advising Services. He is commonly known as the "office computer guru" for any software and hardware issues. His hobbies include traveling, computers, web designing, and involvement within the community through local non-profit organizations, and especially spending time with his wife and family of four daughters and one son. Kirk is the liaison to the Schmidt College of Science.
Merideth Dee, Ph.D.
Assistant Director, Academic Support Services
Merideth is an Assistant Director of Academic Support Services and works as the liaison to the College of Design and Social Inquiry.
Merideth received her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Florida State University and
worked for the Office of Freshman Academic Advising as a graduate advisor in 2006 while pursuing her Master’s Degree in Educational Psychology at FAU before becoming a full time staff member. Merideth graduated with her Doctoral Degree in Educational Leadership: Adult Community Education from FAU in 2011, and you may recognize her as "the voice" from the Registration Tutorial.
Michele Rios
Coordinator, Academic Programs
Michele is a Coordinator of Academic Programs and serves as the liaison for the College of Education. Before joining the FAAS team, she worked in the Office of Admissions, Housing and Residential Life, and was an Orientation Leader. Michele earned her Bachelor's of Arts in Public Communications with a Certificate in Women Studies, and also received her Master's of Education in Higher Education here at FAU. Michele enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time with her family and friends.
Stephanie Gordon
Coordinator, Academic Programs
Stephanie is a Coordinator of Academic Programs and works with students who have an Undecided major. Before joining the FAAS team, she was an Adjunct Professor at Palm Beach State College and taught Strategies for College Success and Career Development. Stephanie earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Policy Studies at Syracuse University and a Master’s of Education in Higher Education Administration from Boston College. Stephanie has two boys, Dylan and Jayden and a one girl, Emma. She enjoys spending her free time exercising, reading, and doing fun activities with her family.
Kristen Robbins
Coordinator,
Academic Support Services
Kristen is a Coordinator of Academic Programs and works with students from all majors, but specializes in special programs such as Early Admission, Gateway, and Intellectual Foundation Program reviews. Kristen received her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and her Master’s degree in School Counseling from Florida Atlantic University. Before becoming a Coordinator, Kristen worked in Freshman Academic Advising as a graduate assistant while pursuing her Master’s Degree. In her spare time, Kristen enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling and reading.
Monica Moreno
Coordinator,
Academic Programs
Monica is a Coordinator of Academic Programs and works with retention and academic intervention programs. Before joining the FAAS team, she worked in marketing, academic advising, career development and residential life and housing. Monica earned her Bachelor's of Science in Advertising from the University of Florida and received her Master's of Science in College Student Affairs from Nova Southeastern University. In her spare time, Monica enjoys spending time with her family and friends, traveling and reading.
Madsion McShane
Coordinator,
Academic Programs
Madison is a Coordinator of Academic Programs and serves as the liaison for the College of Engineering. Before joining the FAAS team, she worked in the Office of International Programs while pursuing her Bachelor of Arts in Intercultural Communication and her Master of Education in Multicultural Education. She also holds a certificate in Women Studies. Madison loves helping students achieve a rewarding and exciting academic career. In her spare time, Madison enjoys spending time with family and friends, learning about different cultures, traveling and being involved in the arts.
