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.

Sar Fenske
Academic Advisor I

Hometown: Katy, TX (suburb of Houston)
Education: B.S. in Psychology from UNT, M.A. in Women’s & Gender Studies in progress from UNT
About Me: I am so excited to be a part of the Pre-Nursing Academic Advising 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.

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: Bachelor of General Studies 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.