Parent/Family Insider
Staff
Robert Sabbatini, dean of campus life and student development, is in his fourth year in student services at LMU. A native of Jonesville, Virginia, he completed his undergraduate degree at Concord University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Master of Education in Leadership. He has also completed his Education Specialist Degree (EdS) from Lincoln Memorial University and is pursuing his doctoral degree. Robert has worked as the student activities director and housing director in his time at Lincoln Memorial University as well. Robert says, “I feel that the youth of America are our future and education is so very important to them and to all of us. I am very proud that we have the opportunity to help our students so they can be the absolute best!”
Rick Stowe, director of student activities, Rick received his bachelor’s degree in religion and philosophy from LMU in 2009. He is now pursuing his Master of Education with a concentration in Counseling and Higher Education. As an alumnus of LMU, Rick knows how important it is for students to get involved with the entire spectrum of college life. As the current student life director, after serving as the high adventure coordinator for two years, he strives to offer activities that will appeal to every student and to help them make the most out of their experience at LMU. “I never want students to be able to honestly say there’s nothing to do on campus, simply because I plan on making the activities calendar as full and as diverse as possible.”
Larry Thacker, director of student success and career services, is in his twelfth year serving with Student Services at LMU. A native of Middlesboro, Kentucky, he is a 1991, 2003 and 2011 alum of LMU with an undergraduate degree in history, a Master of Education in Counseling and Guidance and the Education Specialist in Administration and Supervision. Besides coordinating the Office of Career Services, he counsels students concerning academic challenges, coordinates the First Year Experience Program, teaches Strategies for College Success courses, coordinates the Student Services Initiative and advises the Lincoln Ambassador student leadership program. “I believe everything we do can be summed up in three words: relationships, interventions and preparation. Every service we offer students is rooted in one or more of those intentions that assist students in this exciting transition to college life.”
Lesley Chumley, director of residential life, is in her third year with LMU Student Services. Born and raised in Middlesboro, Kentucky, she is a 2008 alum of LMU with a bachelor’s degree in business. Lesley is currently working on her Master of Business Administration at LMU. Lesley resides in Cumberland Gap, Tennessee, with her husband and two children, living on and working the family farm, which has been in the family for over 150 years. Lesley says, “Education is the greatest gift that anyone can receive, and to be able to help someone receive this gift is the greatest reward in life.”
Frank E. Smith, dean of students, is in his sixth year with Student Services. A native of Knoxville, Tennessee, he is a alum of LMU, with an undergraduate degrees in social work ('82) and a Master of Education in counseling and guidance ('10). Smith is an Iraq war veteran and retired from the Army National Guard after 25 years of service. The father of twins Jazmine and Jordan teaches a course in Strategies for College Success. Frank says, “Dream big dreams and follow your vision to your path to success in life.”
Donna Treece, director of counseling and ADA coordinator, has been with LMU Student Services and Enrollment Management since January 2009. She is a native of Claiborne County, Tennessee, and a graduate of the Lindsey Wilson College Graduate School of Professional Counseling. She holds a Master of Education and Human Development with a specialization in Mental Health Counseling and an Education Specialist Degree (EdS) from Lincoln Memorial University. She is a licensed professional counselor and is nationally certified. She counsels students both individually and in group settings on a variety of topics and issues. Donna says, “I believe in teaching students the reality of success. To be successful, one can’t view it as a future goal that might someday be attained. Success can be yours today! Wake up each day being intentional – don’t just think about it, work hard at it!”
Jeremy Donahue, student services associate, is in his third year working with student services at LMU. A native of Sevierville, Tennessee, he completed his undergraduate and graduate degrees at Lincoln Memorial University receiving a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and Master of Education in Educational Administration and Leadership. In addition to working in student services Jeremy, is in his fourth season as head coach of the men’s and women’s cross country teams at LMU. Jeremy says “ I am very appreciative of all LMU had to offer me as a student such as a great education and valuable life experiences made possible by the faculty and staff. Now as an employee, I feel fortunate to be a part of the LMU community that helps student’s reach their individual goals both in college and beyond.”
Turner Bowling, coordinator of the High Adventure Series, is in his first year with LMU Student Services. A native of Middlesboro, Kentucky, he is a 2008 alum of Lincoln Memorial University with an undergraduate degree in English, and a 2011 alum of the University of Tennessee’s graduate program with a MA in English. He also plans to pursue his doctorate in English. Turner’s duties as High Adventure coordinator include supervision and instruction of all activities involving LMU’s ropes course, climbing walls and zip line, as well as coordination and supervision of local outdoor activities and regional outdoor excursions. Turner will also serve as a part-time freshman English instructor during the upcoming academic year.
Floyde Anne Gardner, director of aquatic services, is in her seventh year. A native of Harrogate, Tennessee, she attended Middlesboro High School and Lincoln Memorial University. She is privileged to work with LMU and area sports teams, teach lifeguarding, teach various water aerobic classes and work with the rehabilitation of patrons. She learned to swim in LMU's pool in 1957 and now it is "her" pool. "I feel so honored to have a job on this beautiful campus and even more honored to be at this pool."
Kathy Francisco, children's aquatic coordinator,is the newest member of the LMU pool staff. She has been an adjunct faculty member both in aquatics and international studies at LMU since 1984. Francisco is responsible for the development, promotion and execution of community based aquatics instruction programs for all ages. Kathy is focused on offering classes and special events that will establish in the participants a lifelong love of and familiarity with the water. Although she originally hailed from upstate New York, she put down roots in the tri-state area over 30 years ago and like the tenacious kudzu, she is here to stay.
