SI Coordinator
Karen Jenkins Smith, LAP lecturer and Supplemental Instruction/Structured Learning Assistance coordinator, graduated from Miami University (Oxford) with a Bachelor's degree in History and a Master's of Arts in Humanities from Xavier University (Cincinnati).  Her professional experience includes a background in continuing education, college study skills, and African-American Studies at Miami University (Oxford and Middleton branches), NKU, and Union Institute (Cincinnati), along with experience in supervising an instructional staff.  Karen has presented, and conducted numerous workshops, and trainings on Learning Styles, Collaborative Learning, and Active Learning strategies at various universities and conferences.  At NKU, she teaches an in-service training seminar and a Developmental Writing course.  Ms. Jenkins Smith has one child, Treye  Smith, who is a graduate of  Princeton High School.
e-mail: Jenkinssmith@nku.edu

 

SI Supervisors
Joyce Couch holds an MBA from the University of Michigan. She is the Academic Coordinator and computer room coordinator for Student Support Services. Joyce has been very active since coming to NKU. She has assisted in teaching University 101 and is currently teaching developmental Math courses. Joyce is also a member of the Kentucky Association of Developmental Education (KADE), and the Kentucky Association of Educational Opportunity and Program Personnel (KAEOPP). "I love my position because Student Support Services is special...as in a magical place. I am thrilled by the variety of talented individuals, both staff and students that I work with."
e-mail:  couchj@nku.edu

 

Jill Easter came to NKU in 1995 after teaching in Ohio at Lakota High School for 82 years.  Well, many years any way.  Since arriving here, she has taught reading and writing classes for the Learning Assistance Center as well as supervised leaders in the Supplemental Instruction program.  She also teaches University 101, Orientation to College.

Jill received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Miami University, Oxford, Ohio.  She presently lives in Glendale, Ohio with her dog, Prince and cat, Scamper.  She loves reading, walking, touring old houses, buying antiques, keeping in touch with family and friends via email and spending time with her grandchildren.  She loves teaching at NKU and feels that students will not find a more caring, student-oriented staff anywhere.
e-mail: easterj@nku.edu

 

Greg Walsh has taught in the Learning Assistance Program since 1995. In addition to his English and Reading classes, he is a supervisor for Supplemental Instruction. He is a member of the Kentucky Association for Developmental Education (KADE) and NADE.  He was formerly a member of the Executive Committee for the Association in Support of Non-Tenure Track Faculty. Greg is a retired teacher from the Archdiocese of Cincinnati.  He earned his Master’s in Education and Bachelor’s of Arts from Xavier University.  Greg and his wife Susan, who works for Hamilton County as Deputy Director for Community Development, have a daughter, Carissa. Greg's other interests include reading, traveling, hiking and Xavier basketball.
e-mail: walshg@nku.edu

 

 

SI Faculty
Debbie Dempsey has an R.N from Northern Kentucky University, a B.S in botany from the University of Kentucky, and an M.S. in Plant Physiology from the University of Cincinnati. Her husband is in Family Practice in Cold Spring. She has two children; her daughter Jennifer is a resident in Dermatology at Vanderbilt University and her son is a junior at the University of Kentucky.
e-mail:  dempseyd@nku.edu