ASCEND Podcast
Are you ready to ASCEND to new possibilities? In this podcast, Dr. Jared Tippets and Dr. Eric Kirby outline why a focus on retention and completion is so important, why previous retention efforts have not always worked, and discuss how we can successfully "ASCEND" to these great expectations. In each episode, we will share innovative ideas, creative initiatives, and best practices and strategies that campuses have used to achieve amazing results. This podcast has intentionally been produced in a quick-tip, bite-sized format where the listener can quickly find ideas, initiatives, and solutions that can be tried on campus today.
ASCEND Podcast
S3 - E3 - Featuring Dr. Amber Williams - Vol Success Teams (Support)
This episode features Dr. Amber Williams, Vice Provost for Student Success at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, who shares how the university’s Vol Success Teams have transformed support for first-year and transfer scholars. Launched in 2020, this holistic model unites advisors, One Stop counselors, Academic Coaches, peer mentors, and faculty to provide personalized, wraparound guidance. The impact has been remarkable: coaching connections have increased 277%, advising appointments are up 53%, and the percentage of students in good academic standing has climbed to 96.9%. Dr. Williams highlights how this collaborative approach reduces student stress, strengthens belonging, boosts confidence, and drives stronger academic outcomes, all positioning UT as a national leader in student success.
