Staff Directory
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Dr. Overtoun Jenda Dr. Overtoun Jenda serves as Executive Director of the Institute for Strengthening Pathways and Research Knowledge in STEM (SPARK STEM Institute) and Professor of Mathematics and heads the Office of Special Projects and Initiatives at Auburn University. He previously served as Associate Dean of the College of Sciences and Mathematics, Associate Provost for Diversity and Multicultural Affairs, and Assistant Provost for Special Projects and Initiatives at Auburn University. Dr. Jenda has been the Principal Investigator and Project Director for several US National Science Foundation (NSF) grants focusing on broadening participation in STEM disciplines and the STEM workforce, including the US-Africa Collaborative Research Network in Mathematical Sciences, Masamu Advanced Study Institute and Research Workshops, Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) in Algebra and Discrete Mathematics, Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP) program, the NSF Eddie Bernice Johnson INCLUDES Initiative: The Alliance for Students with Disabilities for Inclusion, Networking, and Transition Opportunities in STEM (TAPDINTO-STEM), DDLP INCLUDES South East Alliance for Persons with Disabilities in STEM (SEAPD-STEM), Alabama Alliance for Students with Disabilities in STEM, MAKERS Scholarships in STEM, GK-12 Fellows in Science and Mathematics for East Alabama Schools, Alabama Alliance for Graduate Education and the Professoriate, and the LSAMP Bridge to the Doctorate program. In 2020, Dr. Jenda received the prestigious Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring (PAESMEM). Prior to coming to Auburn, Dr. Jenda was a faculty member at the University of Kentucky, University of Botswana, and University of Malawi. Dr. Jenda received a PhD and MA in Mathematics from the University of Kentucky and a BS in Mathematics (with Distinction) from the University of Malawi. His areas of research are Homological Algebra and Commutative Algebra, and he has published three graduate and research level books and numerous research articles in this area. He has also published several research articles in STEM Education.
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Dr. Brittany McCullough Dr. Brittany McCullough is the Director of Planning, Implementation, and Assessment for the Office of Special Projects and Initiatives. In this position, Brittany is responsible for leading and overseeing nation-wide assessment processes for projects housed in the Office; hiring, training, and supervising instructors and graduate student mentors; writing annual reports for all federally-funded and state-funded programs administered by the Office; leading and facilitating strategic planning efforts; overseeing all unit dissemination efforts including magazines, scientific research publications, technical reports, and presentations; leading the IRB process for all project-related research initiatives; and supporting grant writing opportunities through data management, proposal preparation and review. She has also served as an instructor in Auburn University’s Department of Mathematics and Statistics. Brittany received a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics (summa cum laude) from Campbellsville University in Campbellsville, Kentucky, a Master of Probability and Statistics degree from Auburn University, and a PhD in Educational Psychology from Auburn University with a focus in Educational Research Methods and Analysis.
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Keri Hesson Keri Hesson serves as the Academic Programs Administrator for the Office of Special Projects and Initiatives, where she is responsible for planning, developing, and executing strategies and programs for academic related programs and services. Keri serves as the program manager for the office's two summer academies for students with disabilities: College Quest Summer Academy for students who are blind or have low vision and the ACT Prep Summer Academy for students who are deaf or hard of hearing. She also serves as the advisor for Auburn University’s chapter of Golden Key International Honour Society and for the Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS). In addition, Keri is responsible for all departmental business and accounting functions, including managing multi-institutional grant budgets; management of and accounting for pre and post-award funding; and budgetary management and monitoring of grant and departmental expenditures. Keri received her Bachelor of Science degree from Penn State University, with a concentration in Business, and a Master of Science in Business and Human Relations from Amberton University in Texas. She relocated from Pennsylvania to Columbus, Georgia and began working at Auburn University in 2013.
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Tamara Massey-Garrett Tamara Massey-Garrett serves as the Project Manager for the Office of Special Projects and Initiatives, where she is responsible for providing support for the NSF INCLUDES Alliance: The Alliance of Students with Disabilities for Inclusion, Networking, and Transition Opportunities in STEM (TAPDINTO-STEM). Tamara retired from Auburn University at Montgomery (AUM) with 25 years of service in 2021. She served as the director for the Center for Disability Services at AUM and has 22 years of experience in disability support services, with an emphasis in providing accommodation and assistive technology services to college students with disabilities. She has also served as state president of the Learning Disabilities Association of Alabama (LDA AL) and as president of the Alabama Association on Higher Education and Disability (AL AHEAD). Tamara received her Bachelor of Science degree with a concentration in Marketing, a Master of Arts in Agricultural Economics, and a Master of Science in Rehabilitation Services from Auburn University. |
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Gwen Kirk Gwen Kirk serves as the Office Supervisor for the Office of Special Projects and Initiatives. She retired from Auburn University with 25 years of service in 2018. From 2006 - 2018, she served as the office supervisor/manager for the Department of Mathematics and Statistics, handling departmental accounts, payroll, and other HR duties. She joined the Office of Special Projects and Initiatives in 2019, where she helps with summer programs, conferences, travel, invoices, and generally helping to keep the office running smoothly. Gwen attended both Opelika Tech and Southern Union State Community College. |