Dr. George Daniel, University of Tennessee at Martin director of institutional research and planning, has been named director of the Student Success Center at the University of Tennessee at Martin.

The Student Success Center is part of a $1.8 million Title III Grant and will provide additional career counseling and academic support services to incoming freshmen. The university currently offers a number of academic support services to respond to students' needs and increase retention. The grant will make additional services available and consolidate all support services at the Student Success Center.

"Dr. Daniel has a real devotion to helping UT Martin students succeed," said UT Martin Chancellor Nick Dunagan. "He led the effort to secure the Title III grant that created the Student Success Center. "I am very pleased to have someone with Dr. Daniel's background, energy and enthusiasm in this position.

He has worked closely and effectively with many UT Martin academic and administrative offices while serving as director of institutional research and planning. We all appreciate his good work and look forward to this important new role." Dunagan added, "This is a classic win-win situation. Dr. Daniel's salary shifts to the grant and we secure some additional funds for academics."

The goal of the grant, which will span five years, is to develop and provide UT Martin students with a comprehensive Student Success Program that encompasses orientation, academic tracking, college adjustment and survival. It also will provide supplemental instruction for entry-level courses and enhance faculty sensitivity and mentoring training. By the end of the grant period, increased retention will provide additional state resources and increased fee revenues that will fund continuation of the center.

"I look forward to working with our faculty and staff to strengthen and expand our support services that help students maximize their educational opportunities at UT Martin," said Daniel.

"Our primary mission in the Student Success Center is to help students attain their academic goals at UT Martin. The Title III grant provides the university with additional monies for resources that enhance students' abilities to succeed both in and out of the classroom. Grant monies will also assist faculty by providing them with additional opportunities to strengthen their mentoring and advising skills."

Two other UT Martin staff members have assumed new roles as a result of the grant and Daniel's move to the Student Success Center. Sharon Robertson, who has served as interim director of the UT Martin Student Learning Center for the past several years, has been named assistant director of the Student Success Center.

Edie Gibson will serve as coordinator of institutional research, while maintaining her other duties as executive assistant to the chancellor. She will work closely with Dr. Victoria Seng, assistant vice chancellor for academic affairs, to ensure that surveys, THEC and UT data are processed in a timely manner. Also staffing the success center will be Melanie Sue Young, career counselor/advisor, and Trisha Guy, research analyst, both of Martin.