TRIO Student Support Services

Staff

Jim Johnston, Ed.D.
Director
jjohnston@harding.edu

The director of TRIO Student Support Services since January 2004, "Dr. J" holds the doctorate of education from Vanderbilt University. He has 21 years of experience in instruction, 12 in inner-city school districts, and more than eight years in Harding’s College of Education. Because he began his higher education as a first-generation, low-income student, he understands the challenges disadvantaged students face. His professional experience includes working with grant projects and educational programs, which involve mentoring, tutoring, community outreach, and techniques that enhance the success of at-risk students. He is married to Kathy, a fifth-grade reading teacher in the Arkansas public school system. They have raised four children and are also grandparents. Dr. J. has sponsored Omega Sigma men's social club, presently serves as faculty sponsor for King’s Men social club, and serves as president-elect of the Arkansas Tutoring Association.

Teresa McLeod, M.Ed.
Disabilities Specialist/Counselor
tmcleod@harding.edu

Teresa has a master's degree in special education from the University of Memphis and more than 20 years of experience as an educator, teaching from preschool to the college level. "Mother" Teresa - as we call her - serves as liaison between our students with disabilities and faculty/administrators. She is a member of the Arkansas Association on Higher Education and Disabilities, is active in the community, and conducts various seminars. Teresa and her husband, Randy, a professor in Harding's College of Business Administration, have five children.

Anissa Harris, Ed.D.
Instructional Resource/Tutor Coordinator
aharris@harding.edu

Anissa earned her doctorate in curriculum and instruction/technology from the University of Louisiana at Monroe. She also holds an M.Ed. in communication and a B.A. in English and Spanish from Harding University. Anissa has been an educator for 13 years, with experience in the public school system, collegiate research centers and other student success programs. She is responsible for coordinating student academic needs with SSS resources and facilitating the freshmen Learning Community by supporting a successful merger into the Harding environment. Anissa sponsors Shantih women's social club and lives with her husband, Greg, head coach for men's and women's soccer, and daughter, Kadyn.

J David White, M.S.M.F.T.
Personal Counselor/Licensed Therapist LAC
jdwhite@harding.edu

David is the experiential support coordinator and counselor for SSS. He graduated from Harding with a B.A. in vocal performance and then a master's degree in marriage and family therapy. David works one-on-one with students, assisting with stress management, adjustments to college, self-motivation, educational skills, and other issues that affect personal and mental wellness. He also strives to "plug" students into campus life and create personal accountability and community. David is an Arkansas-licensed associate counselor and a certified addictions counselor. He is currently pursuing his doctorate in marriage and family therapy. He lives in Searcy with his wife, Katy, and son, Gabriel.

Deborah Kemper, B.A.
Career and Financial Aid Counselor/Event Coordinator
dkemper@harding.edu

Debbie, a Harding alumna and former high school science teacher, enjoys working with students, navigating them toward and helping them sustain an appropriate career course. Her experience as a chemical analyst and recruiter/academic counselor in the College of Nursing provides a great tapestry for her work with diverse SSS students as a counselor/events coordinator. Debbie and her husband, Greg, have raised four children - each has graduated from or is attending Harding. Debbie is completing the M.S.E. with an emphasis in biology.