We’re the people behind the Chaiken Center for Student Success — and we’re here to support you. Get to know our team of educators, coaches, and staff who are passionate about helping students thrive at Penn State and beyond.
Have a question or want to connect? Email us at success@psu.edu or stop by 325 Boucke on the University Park campus. We’d love to hear from you!
Kelly Griffith stepped into the role as Director in December 2024. Kelly began her career at Penn State in 2006 in residence life, where she advanced to senior assistant director, managing diversity initiatives, the co-curricular learning plan, and strategic planning for the department. In 2016, Kelly became the director of the Office for Summer Session, overseeing programs such as the Learning Edge Academic Program (LEAP) and the Student Transitional Experiences Program (STEP), along with summer marketing efforts and the summer budget model. Kelly's tenure at Penn State has included developing the Summer Success Scholarship, launching the Complete Penn State program, serving on key University-wide committees, and advising student organizations such as the Mu Eta chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Griffith holds a master's degree in counseling with a focus on student personnel services in higher education from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, earned in 2006, and a doctorate in educational theory and policy from Penn State earned in 2017. Her research focused on opportunities for college preparation in rural high schools in western New York.
Chelsey Walls became the Assistant Director of the Penn State Chaiken Center for Student Success in July 2023, after serving as the Student Success Advocate since March 2022. In her current role, she oversees the Academic Success Coaching program and advises the Eta Psi chapter of Tri-Alpha. As a Student Success Advocate, Chelsey led enhancements to Complete Penn State and First-Gen Student Success initiatives. Prior to joining the Center, she spent 8 years with the Penn State Alumni Association, advising the Blue & White Society and supporting a wide range of student populations and programs. Chelsey holds an M.Ed in Higher Education from Penn State and a B.A. in English from Marietta College. As a first-generation graduate, she is committed to helping others achieve success in their academic journeys.
In January 2024, Shidika Goode assumed the role of Student Success Advocate at the Penn State Chaiken Center for Student Success. She provides support for the Complete Penn State program, advising the First-Gen Advocates student organization, and contributing to the development of all student success events and initiatives. Before joining the center, Shidika dedicated five years to the Career Services Center, where she served as both the Career Resource Specialist and the Student Outreach Coordinator. During her time at Career Services, she has successfully created long-lasting partnerships and run a successful professional headshot program. Shidika holds a Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Higher Education and a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Photography, both earned from Penn State. Shidika, achieved the milestone of being the first in her family to attain a college degree. Although originally from Philadelphia, Shidika has called State College home since 2011.
In May of 2025, Kayla Hood joined the Penn State Chaiken Center team as a Student Success Advocate. In this new role, Kayla will provide direct support to the LEAP Summer Program for first-year students who are seeking extra help and resources as they transition to Penn State. She will also serve as an Academic Success Coach for students and contribute to planning other events which advance the mission of the Chaiken Center. Prior to coming to Penn State, Kayla held the title of Assistant Director for Student Diversity and Inclusion at Davidson College. A “southern bell” at heart, Kayla is originally from Houston, TX and holds a Master’s in Counseling Education from Clemson University as well as a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Texas A&M University. Kayla is excited to support Penn State students as they navigate college, while she herself navigates being new to the northeast!
Lacey McKivison serves as the Chaiken Center's Student Services Assistant and is integral in the success of programs such as LEAP. Lacey started at Penn State in 2022 as an Administrative Assistant supporting both the Office for Summer Session and the Student Engagement Network.
