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Meet the staff

Denise Poole

Denise Poole

(she, hers)

Director, Student Success Initiatives

Denise Poole join Penn State in July 2019 as the Unversity’s inaugural director of student success and currently oversees the Student Success Center within Undergraduate Education. Before arriving at Penn State, Denise served as the director of academic and student-athlete support services and compliance officer at New York University. In this role, Denise oversaw operations for the Academic Affairs Office which offers eligibility, admissions, advising, and student development support to NYU’s Department of Athletics and varsity student-athlete population. Denise also and partnered with faculty and administration across NYU's ten undergraduate colleges and the Division of Student Affairs to support the University’s recruitment, retention, and student success initiatives. Denise served on various NYU committees and groups including the Undergraduate Advising Deans Committee, the Intercollegiate Athletics Advisory Committee, the NYU Advising Network, the Starfish ("NYU Connect") Core Configuration Team, and the Department of Athletics Senior Staff. Denise is a Past President of the National Association of Academic and Student-Athlete Development Professionals (N4A), serving as the Association’s president during the 2019-2020 academic year. She provided leadership to N4A's organizational enhancement and strategic planning efforts for the past 12 years and has served as a faculty member for the Association's Professional Development Institute for nine years. Denise earned her M.S. in applied educational psychology with a focus in college student development and counseling from Northeastern University and a B.S. in psychology from Saint Joseph’s University. Denise is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in workforce education and development with a focus on organization development and change. 

Chelsey Walls

Chelsey Walls

(she, her, hers)

Student Success Advocate

Chelsey Walls joined the Student Success Center in March 2022 as a Student Success Advocate. Prior to this role, she was with the Penn State Alumni Association for 8 years as the Assistant Director of Student & Young Alumni Programs, serving as the Blue & White Society's advisor and the Association's student membership expert. During her time as advisor, the Blue & White Society prioritized diversity, equity, and inclusion, becoming one of the most diverse organizations in its student leadership and programming. Chelsey earned her M.Ed in Higher Education with a focus in student engagement from Penn State and a B.A. in English from Marietta College. Chelsey was the first person in her family to obtain a college degree and is passionate about helping other first-generation students find success.

Caylie Taylor

Caylie Taylor

(she, her, hers)

Administrative Support Assistant

Caylie joined the Student Success Office in September 2022. Originally from the Du Bois area, Caylie and her husband moved closer to State College. She has her license in Cosmetology where she specialized in chemical and color services. After 7 years in the cosmetology field, she realized she was more interested in an office environment. Caylie enjoys being able to solve puzzles and making an office move smoothly for the staff.

Felrette Greene

Felrette Greene

(they, them)

Graduate Assistant

Felrette Greene joined the Student Success Center as a Graduate Assistant in the Fall of 2021. They are currently a first-year student at Penn State pursuing a master’s degree in International Affairs. Felrette recently Graduated from the University of Rhode Island where they majored in Political Science. As a student at URI, they served on the Student Senate, acted as the President and Founder of the Black Student Union, and participated in multiple clubs and organizations that enhanced the campus community. Felrette has conducted research focusing on the intersection of Black women and rules that affect them within institutions and workspaces. During the summer of 2020, they were an intern for Senator Reed of Rhode Island. Through their multiple experiences, Felrette has a history of advocating for and mentoring others. Through these experiences, Felrette learned the importance of serving the community through leadership, advocacy, and support. Felrette looks forward to growing at Penn State, contributing to the mission of the Student Success Center, and engaging with this new community.

Christina Carter

Christina Carter

(she, her, hers)

Graduate Intern

Christina Carter joined the Student Success Center as a Graduate Intern in the Spring of 2023. She is an alumni and recent graduate at Penn State, where she earned her degree in Telecommunications. During her time at Penn State, Christina was a member of the Caribbean Student Association, The National Society of Black Engineers, and For Curlz Sake. Christina developed a passion for helping students during her time mentoring students as a part of her AT&T Believes/Junior Achievement mentoring activities. She is currently a Masters student of Strategic Communication at World Campus.

Halimat Ogembe

Halimat Ogembe

Graduate Intern

Halimat Ogembe joined the Student Success Center as a Graduate Intern in the Spring of 2023.  She is a recent Spring 2022 graduate where she earned her degree in Accounting and a minor in Information Sciences and Technology. Currently, she is pursuing the One-Year Master of Accounting Program at the Pennsylvania State University and a graduate certificate in Business Analytics. During her time at Penn State, Halimat has been involved in a multitude of organizations on campus, including, but not limited to former treasurer for the National Association Black Accountants, former secretary for the African Students Association, and the former president of the Delta Gamma Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. Currently, she is a Graduate Workshop Intern at Career Services, MAcc Volunteer for the Penn State Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program, and a teaching assistant/proctor for the Accounting Department. Post-graduation, Halimat will begin working for a Big 4 Firm, study for her CPA Exam, and research Master Programs in Corporate Sustainability to expand her interest and knowledge in environmentalism. 

Prior Staff