Transfer Advisors

College of Arts and Letters

Ryan Darensbourg Student Success Professional (931) 221-6587 darensbourgr@apsu.edu Education: Bachelor of Arts in General Studies, Master of Science in College Student Personnel Services from Western Illinois University Majors Advised: Art, Communications, English, History, Language, Music, Philosophy & Religion, and Theatre and Dance Location: Harned Hall 107 Schedule Appointment

Ryan is a native of Baton Rouge, La, and began his career at Austin Peay in the fall of 2021. As a student affairs professional his experiences included work in a variety of student service areas including academic advising, disability resources, student development, and career development. Ryan is motivated by the opportunity to assist students in maximizing their college experience and accomplishing their higher education goals. In his free time, Ryan enjoys spending time with his family, cooking, playing Frisbee golf with his son, and hiking!

College of Behavioral and Health Sciences

Maria Harris Student Success Professional (931) 221-6582 harrism@apsu.edu Education: Bachelor of Arts from Kentucky State University, Master of Arts in Education Leadership from Argosy University Majors Advised: Nursing Candidates Location: McCord 334 Schedule Appointment

Maria serves as an Academic Advisor for Student Success. Before joining the APSU team, she worked for 8 years as a Project Manager at the University of Kentucky. Maria has been a support to young adults and families for her entire professional career and is excited to bring her passions here to Austin Peay State University. Maria received her Bachelor of Arts from Kentucky State University in 2008, she then continued her education earning a Master of Arts in Education Leadership from Argosy University in 2011.

George Watt Student Success Professional (931) 221-6583 wattg@apsu.edu Education: Bachelor of Science in Management from Davenport University, Master of Art in Organizational Management from University of Phoenix, and Master of Military History at Norwich University Majors Advised: Criminal Justice, Health and Human Performance, Kinesiology, Leadership Science, National Security Studies, Political Science, Public Management, Psychological Science, Social Work, Sociology Location: McCord 205H Schedule Appointment

George Watt has joined the student success as an advisor since November 2020. He works with students in the College of Behavior Science. He has been advising students since 2006 and has been in education since 2004. He has been an instructor as well has worked in the financial industry, retail and a non-profit museum. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Management at Davenport University in Michigan. He also earned his Master of Art in Organizational Management at the University of Phoenix and his Master of Military History at Norwich University. 

College of Education/University College

Ajay Thompson Student Success Director (931) 221-7695 thompsonaj@apsu.edu Education: Bachelor of Science from Texas Christian University, Master of Human Relations from the University of Oklahoma, Graduate Certificate in Academic Advising from Austin Peay State University Majors Advised: Education, Special Education, Academic Focus, University Studies (Freshmen, Undecided/None) Location: McReynolds 111 Schedule Appointment

Ajay Thompson joined the Student Success team in 2019. Though originally from Minnesota, she’s lived down south and Italy before calling Clarksville home. She has over 7 years of experience working in higher education and has previous experience in academic advising, student affairs, and admissions. Ajay shares, "I love that I have the opportunity to support students as they make their transition into the University, help them overcome challenges, and connect them with opportunities to make their first-year experience at Austin Peay great. It’s always a good day being a Gov!" In addition to leading the Academic Focus and College of Education advising team, she serves as an adjunct instructor for UNIV 1000, APSU 4010, and PASS 0900. In her free team she enjoys spending time with her rescue dog, reading, and traveling! Where do you recommend she visits next? 

College of Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics

Stephanie Pollock Student Success Professional (931) 221-7143 pollocks@apsu.edu  Education: Bachelor of Arts in Music (Nebraska Wesleyan University), Master of Music in Opera Performance (University of Texas - Austin)  Majors Advised: Agriculture, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Information Systems, Computer Information Technology, Computer Science, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Engineering Technology, Mathematics, Medical Laboratory Science, Pre-Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary Technology, Physics, Radiologic Science Location: McReynolds 105 Schedule Appointment

Steph, a Nebraska native, began her career in 2013 in Residence Life. Her interests within the field led to her roles in advising, recruitment and retention, and now as Student Success Professional at Austin Peay.  Steph is passionate about providing her students with holistic and individualized guidance and resources as they connect their academic interests to their goals.  Outside of the office, Steph enjoys creating music and art, taking her standup paddleboard on the water, and exploring local hidden gems.