Meet the University Advising Team

Dr. Nikkole Stewart
Director
nstewart4@twu.edu

Hometown: Born in Valdosta, GA at Moody Air Force Base into a military family, but Dalzell, SC is home.
Education: B.A., Winthrop University; M.Ed., University of Georgia; Ed.D., Northeastern University
About Me: My background in higher education spans more than 20 years in academic and career advising, student activities, and admissions. I love working at Texas Woman’s University and advocating for students. I’m blessed to be married to a chef who loves to cook and love being a dog mom. In my free time, I enjoy serving at my church, thrifting, genealogy, and listening to my new favorite podcast, Native Land Pod.

Kim Taylor
Associate Director, University Academic Advising
ktaylor15@twu.edu

Hometown: Ponder, Texas
Education: B.B.A. in Human Resource Management, Tarleton State University
About Me: I have worked in academic advising for over 10 years. Seven years as a first-year advisor in the College of Health Sciences here at TWU and the last six years as a Coordinator of College Academic Advising. I was a transfer student in school, doing my first two years at a community college before finishing up at Tarleton. One of my favorite quotes is, “Always remember that you are absolutely unique; just like everyone else.”– Margaret Mead. I enjoy spending time with family, friends, outdoor activities and traveling.

Wylijanna Cole
Assistant Director, Academic Recovery & Resilience
wcole@twu.edu

Hometown: Dallas, Texas
Education: Bachelor’s in English, Texas Woman’s University; Master’s in Higher Education, Abilene Christian University
About Me: I work with students who are on academic probation and suspension, as well as high school students who are taking dual credit courses at TWU. In my free time, I enjoy reading, shopping, going to brunch and hanging out with friends.

John Thompson
Assistant Director, University Academic Advising
jthompson34@twu.edu

Hometown: I was born in Emporia, KS. I have lived all over the U.S. Denton, TX is now home.
Education: B.A. from Grand View University, M.Ed. from University of North Texas
About Me: I have worked in Higher Education for nearly 20 years. At least 15 of those years in Academic Advising. I am married and a father of 2 middle school aged children. On weekends you can usually find me on a baseball or softball field.

Luis Guerra
Coordinator, Advising Support Services
lguerra6@twu.edu

Hometown: Lima, Peru
Education: B.S of Psychology. Texas Woman's University
About Me: I have ten years of experience working in Higher Education, assisting students both in being admitted as well in knowing what coursework to register for. It is always exciting seeing students being accepted and achieving their goals, and I take great pride in knowing I have aided in their journey. Outside of work, I normally spend time reading, making home art projects, and spending time with my wife and cats.

Sar Fenske
Academic Success Advisor

Hometown: Katy, TX (suburb of Houston)
Education: B.S. in Psychology from UNT, M.A. in Women’s & Gender Studies from UNT
About Me: I am so excited to be a part of the Academic Recovery & Resilience team. My first experience with assisting students was as a teaching assistant for my graduate program at UNT, and I learned then that I am passionate about helping students achieve their academic and life goals. Outside of school and work, I write, read, listen to music, and volunteer with a crisis text line.

Shay Nogic
Senior Academic Advisor & Retention Specialist
mnogic@twu.edu

Hometown: Arlington, Texas
Education: B.S. in University Studies, concentrations in Physical Science, Social Science, and Business, University of Texas at Arlington. Currently working on a M. Ed. in Educational Leadership with concentration in Higher Education Administration, Midwestern State University.
About Me: I have been in the field of education for a little over a decade now, providing academic advisement to college-level students for about five years. I am a transparent advisor who believes in the immense value of empowering students to take charge of their academic career—I aim to create a safe space for students to feel comfortable enough to advocate for themselves. Outside of TWU, I enjoy reading, playing tennis, and spending time with my partner.

Arty Leos
Academic Advisor I

Hometown: Fort Worth, TX
Education: B.A. Dance Studies, double Minor in Sociology and Business Management, Texas Woman’s University
About Me: As a proud first-generation Mexican-American immigrant student, my journey at Texas Woman's University began as a transfer student. During my time as an undergraduate, I was deeply involved on campus, serving as an Orientation Leader and a Resident Assistant for the Department of Housing and Dining. These experiences ignited my passion for working with students, and I knew I wanted to continue supporting them beyond my time as a student. I’m now fortunate to pursue that passion as an Academic Advisor, where I help guide students on their path to success and take pride in being part of their journey to graduation. Outside of work, I enjoy traveling, spending time with my best friends, watching movies, and discovering new coffee shops, restaurants, and shopping spots!

Mollie Patrick
Academic Advisor I

Hometown: Brenham, TX
Education: B.S. in Family Studies, Texas Woman’s University
About Me: I first began my journey at TWU as a transfer student and student worker. Post-graduation I knew I wanted to continue helping TWU students. I am proud to be able to assist students in their academic and collegiate success. In my free time I enjoy kayaking, singing karaoke with my friends, and eating Blue Bell ice cream.

Zara Van Alstyne
Academic Advisor I

Hometown: Graham, TX
Education: B.G.S. with concentrations in psychology and English, Texas Woman’s University
About Me: This is my first year in academic advising, and I am so excited to be helping students thrive at TWU as part of this advising team. I have thoroughly enjoyed helping TWU students reach their goals in the past, and I couldn’t be more enthusiastic about continuing that journey in this role. Outside of work, I like to spend my time crocheting, attending live music events, and spending time with my partner, family, and friends!

Sarah West
Academic Advisor I

Hometown: Leander, TX
Education: B.S of Integrative Studies, with focuses in Psychology, Sociology, and Theater Arts, University of North Texas
About Me: This position is my entry into higher education, and I’m so excited to be a part of the team. I have a passion for helping students and hope to assist TWU students in having the most robust and fulfilling collegiate experience. In my free time, I enjoy reading, watching classic or arthouse movies, and spending time with my husband and our families.