Student Advisement

Office of Student Success

Academic Advisement for Clemmer College

Photograph of Students on the front steps of Warf-PickelClemmer College offers personal academic advising to undergraduate students who have declared a major within Clemmer College. Once undergraduate students declare their majors, they are assigned a Clemmer College Academic Advisor.

There are currently 5 full-time academic advisors. Advisors are assigned by degree program, ensuring that they have developed in depth knowledge of the program, course options, licensure requirements, and specific resources available to students within their program[s]. Advisors help students develop check sheets and 4-year plans towards graduation, as well as continuously check in and ensure students are registered for the classes needed for their degree program. Students will remain with their Academic Advisor from the beginning of their time at Clemmer College up until graduation.

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Get to know your advisor

image for Alana Farmer

Alana Farmer

Academic Advisor
Interdisciplinary Studies, Applied Science, and Special Education


Favorite Quote: “A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies. The man who never reads lives only one.” ― George R.R. Martin

Favorite Trip: It’s hard to pick a favorite trip, but the one that stands out most for sentimental reasons was going home to Ohio with my husband and showing him all my favorite spots. We compared Gold Star and Skyline Chili, visited the American Sign Museum, and explored the Newport Aquarium. We even caught a Savannah Bananas game at the Reds stadium. It was such a meaningful experience to revisit those places and create new memories together.

Favorite Campus Spot: My favorite campus spot would be Borchuck Plaza during the Farmer's Market! Always the best place to grab a coffee and buy some trinkets.

Best spot: My favorite place right now is Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park in Elizabethton. I love going on a peaceful walk and hearing the rushing water. 

Belonging at ETSU feels like finding people who become your family. It’s creating a home in Appalachia, surrounded by both supportive communities and beautiful landscapes. It means saying yes to new experiences, exploring unfamiliar paths, and growing into who you’re meant to be.

To Schedule an Appointment with Alana, Click on the Picture above

image for Brandon Castle

Brandon Castle

Academic Advisor and Recruiter
Physical Education
Favorite quote: "Believe in yourselves. Dream. Try. Do Good." Mr. Feeny of Boy Meets World

Favorite trip: My wife, Hope, and I took a trip to Ireland that was every bit of enchanting as advertised. Dining in establishments that are older than our country, taking in all the lush shades of greens as walked through ancient woods, standing on what felt like the edge of the world at the Cliffs of Moher...it was all truly unforgettable. 

Favorite campus spot: There are quite a few spots I enjoy visiting. I've seen some amazing shows at the Martin Center. I have spent a lot of time on the disc golf course and meandering on the ETSU trails. I find myself strolling on the Pride Walk often.  I love the Kelsey Montague heart mural! What a fun little photo op. 
Best spot in the Appalachian Highlands: Just one? There are so many beautiful spots in this area. Buffalo Mountain is a treasure that is so close to campus. Beauty Spot in Erwin and Carvers Gap in Roan Mountain showcase the beauty of this region spectacularly. Blue Hole, Laurel Falls, and Compression Falls are amazing to behold and swim! I can't pick a favorite. 

Belonging at ETSU means: that you are seen, supported, valued, and that what you do here matters. Yes, you are coming for a degree, but you leave with so much more. Your time at ETSU will present opportunities for new friendships, personal growth, finding your community, growing into the professional you want to become, and discover a place that can considered a home away from home. Embrace it all. You're not alone here. Place confidence in the fact that you have people around you that will help guide you every step of the way. 

To Schedule an Appointment with Brandon, Click on the Picture above
image for Meredith Lewis

Meredith Lewis

Academic Advisor
Elementary Education: Last Names A-L, Main Campus Early Childhood Education, Integrated PreK-3 and Early Care and Education Concentrations


Favorite Quote: Everyone is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid. - unknown, but credited to Amos E. Dolbear of Tufts and Einstein.

Favorite Trip: I will always remember my trip to Japan I took in College. It was remarkable to experience the variety of cities and to witness a culture so thoughtful and deeply appreciative of nature and humans as individuals. The beauty of the country was breathtaking!  The juxtaposition of the city’s hustle and bustle with the calming interiors of the temples and shrines was especially captivating. With so much to see and experience, the trip stands out vividly in my mind among all my travels.

Favorite Campus Spot: Clemmer College of Education and Human Development Student Success Center, of course!

Best spot in the Appalachian Highlands: Anywhere a tree is. Really though, I have many new parks and hiking trails to explore so I am sure I will find a favorite among those soon.

Belonging at ETSU means: Having the courage to embrace new experiences. From the start of my journey here, I have felt genuinely welcomed and understood, and that means so much to me. Life—and especially change—can be scary and challenging at times, but it is the growth and opportunities that come from change that MAKE life so interesting. ETSU is a place to create meaningful memories along the way in life.

To Schedule an Appointment with Meredith, Click on the Picture above

image for Crystal Johnson

Crystal Johnson

Coordinator of Education Advisement and Training | Academic Advisor
Elementary Education: Last Names M-Z, Teacher Education Concentration, and SETP/TEMD minor

Favorite quote: "Let all you do be done in love." 1 Corinthians 16:14

Favorite trip: I won a trip to Hawaii where I spent two weeks hiking, snorkeling, swimming, and enjoying the Oahu. 

Favorite campus spot: I have always loved the energy of students gathering at Warf Pickel Plaza, Pride Walk, Quad, and University Commons. 

Best spot in the Appalachian Highlands: I grew up in Mountain City and always loved the views provided in the area. I’d say some of my favorite memories are at Watauga Lake and the beautiful sunsets. 

Belonging at ETSU means: ETSU is a family like community. People care about one another and take care of each other. Clemmer has some of the friendliest and caring groups of people I know. It’s inspiring to work with people who care so much about their students, student success, and each other.

To Schedule an Appointment with Crystal, Click on the Picture above

image for Kay Blanton

Kay Blanton

Coordinator of Student Success and Outreach, Satellite Site-Sevier
Sevierville Elementary Education and Early Childhood Education: Integrated Pre-K-3 and Early Childhood Education: Early Care Concentration Online

Favorite Quote: “I’ve learned that you shouldn’t go through life with a catcher’s mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw something back”. ~ Maya Angelo

Favorite Trip:  I was given a wonderful trip to The Bahamas, and seven days at The Atlantis resort with great food, entertainment, and people was so special. It was also my first ever flight and It was such a wonderful time.

Favorite Spot on Campus: The Culp Center has always been my favorite place because there is always something going on. The changes I’ve seen there over the past twenty years make it welcoming to everyone passing through.

Best Spot in the Appalachian Highlands: Any spot is the best in the beautiful Appalachian Highlands, but Laurel Falls would be my favorite and most recent breathtaking view.

Belonging at ETSU Means: Having a shared connection with people on your path, who may even help you carve that path. It is the satisfaction of knowing you have a wealth of community support, which is an important part of your growth. Whether you are a student or an employee, ETSU will allow you to explore opportunities you desire to become your most authentic self.

To Schedule an Appointment with Kay, Click on the Picture above