Supporting Students Toward Success
The Student Success Center (SSC) is a central hub for personalized support at MSU Texas. If you are feeling stuck, navigating a change, or simply looking for clarity — this is a good place to begin. We help you to explore topics, identify next steps, and build practical plans that align with your goals, schedule, and circumstances.
Start with a Conversation
Not sure which service fits your situation? That's okay.
The SSC connects you to the right support at the right time. Whether you're building academic habits, reconsidering your plans, or exploring what comes next, our team can help you determine what makes sense for you even if that means referring you to another campus resource.
How We Support You
The Student Success Center includes several distinct areas of support. Choose the one that best fits your current needs.
Self-reflection. Strategy. Forward movement.
Success Coaching is a conversation-based service designed to help you move forward with clarity and intention.
Coaches ask purposeful questions to help you:
- Identify priorities
- Develop realistic strategies
- Break goals into manageable next steps
- Build habits that support your academic experience
Common topics include but are not limited to:
- Time management
- Motivation
- Balancing responsibilities
- Strengthening routines
- Preparing for an academic reset
We focus on where you are now and what feels possible next.
Support during academic change.
Transitional Advising serves students whose academic plans have shifted.
This may include students who:
- Were not admitted into a competitive program
- Need to explore alternative academic options
- Are navigating unexpected academic circumstances
This service is distinct from Success Coaching and from advising for undecided majors.
Appointments are scheduled through Navigate.
Connection and support for new students.
First-Year Mustangs Adventure (FMA) is designed to help students acclimate to college life through setting goals, using academic resources, prioritizing wellness, and building community.
FMA is located in the Student Success Center.
Support for military-connected students.
The Military Education Center specializes in working with the following students and their families:
- Active-duty service members
- Active-duty spouses and dependents
- Veterans and their dependents
- ENJJPT families
The center helps military-connected students understand their educational benefits, navigate university processes, and connect with the appropriate campus and community resources.
Meet Your Success Coaches
Not sure who to talk to? Every coach brings their own background and approach. Get to know the team before you schedule.Ashley Hurst, Director of SSC
Assigned Students: Continuing and Readmitted Students
I'm a south Texan by birth, but a Wichitan by choice. I came to MSU as a student in 2005 and never left. I'm thankful to be doing work I love with an incredible team on my favorite campus. This is my academic home, and I can't wait to be part of your journey here too.
When I'm off campus, I double as an aerial yoga instructor, photographer and videographer, actor, and proud mother to Riley and wife to Jonathon. I can't wait to meet you and see your vision for success become a reality in your life!
Alexis Robinson, Success Coach
Assigned Schools: Dillard College of Business Administration and McCoy College of Science, Mathematics & Engineering
I'm an MSU alumna with a degree in English and a minor in Communication. I love coaching, and I want everyone to feel welcomed and comfortable in a session with me. I strive to listen and guide students through any situation they want to discuss, without judgment.
Outside of coaching, I love anything to do with music, games, and journaling. I can't wait to meet whoever comes my way!
Madisyn Metaxas, Success Coach
Assigned Schools: Lamar D. Fain College of Fine Arts, Prothro-Yeager College of Humanities & Social Sciences, and Gordon T. & Ellen West College of Education & Professional Studies
I'm an MSU Psychology alumna, now working toward a Bachelor's in Spanish. I love reading, plants, puzzles, hiking, staying active, and traveling.
Book a coaching session with me to work toward your academic, personal, or professional goals.
Rosalie Saenz, Success Coach
Assigned Schools: Robert D. & Carol Gunn College of Health Sciences & Human Services
I'm an MSU alumna with a Master's in English and a former librarian. I like to think of coaching as a way to bounce around ideas, and I love being a nonjudgmental ear for safe, personal exploration.
Outside of work, I'm a self-proclaimed nerd who enjoys animals, movies, books, and crochet.
When Your Academic Plans Change
Reconsidering your academic path can feel overwhelming. Transitional Advising connects you with Dottie. When you meet with Dottie, who helps you talk through what happened and figure out what's next, not with picking a new major on the spot. From there, she helps you connect your interests, strengths, and goals to academic paths that fit where you want to go.Dottie Westbrook, Advising Program Specialist
I'm a two-time MSU alumna with a BA in Sociology and an MA in Counseling. I've worked at MSU for many years, 16 of them in advising.
I love working with students and helping them find a path that fits their interests, sills, and passions, especially those who need to pivot form their original plan.
Contact Us
Hours of Operation
Monday - Friday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
We are located in Bridwell Activities Center
(Building 6 on the Campus Map)
Campus Map
Have Questions?
Ashley Hurst Director, Student Success CenterAcademic Affairs ashley.hurst@msutexas.edu (940) 397-4823