Your academic advisor is here to walk alongside you as you navigate your college journey. Our advisors are knowledgeable about our undergraduate programs, degree requirements, and the many resources available to support your success in the College of Education.
Think of your advisor as your go-to partner for:
• Choosing a program that fits your goals
• Getting ready for registration each semester
• Creating a degree plan that works for you
• Connecting with resources and opportunities on campus
Take a look at the categories below to find your assigned advisor and schedule an appointment. If you’re unsure who to meet with—or if you have any concerns about your assigned advisor—please reach out to me directly at nelsons19@nku.edu or 859-572-6633.
Sam Nelson, M.Ed (She/Her)
Director of Advising
Last names R-Z with 30+ Credit Hours
Incoming Pathway for Paraeducator Students
MEP 263 | 859-572-6633 | nelsons19@nku.edu
Current/Returning Students: Remote or In-Person
Transfer/Major-Changing Students: Remote or In-Person
BIO
Samantha "Sam" Nelson is an alum of NKU and graduated in 2019 with her Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Leadership. She earned her Master of Education in College Student Personnel from Ohio University in 2021. Prior to working in the College of Education, she worked in Housing & Residence Life at Ohio University and in the University Connect & Persist (UCAP) office at NKU. Sam is currently finishing her Doctorate of Education (Ed.D) in Educational Leadership at NKU.
Sam is originally from Richmond, Kentucky and spends her free time with her husband, Mick, and her dog, Rory. Sam loves working at her alma mater and being able to help support and guide students through their college experience.
The College of Education Advising Center provides advising services in-person at our office in MEP 263 and remotely via Zoom. Each advisor's availability for each format may vary, so please check their availability using the links included below.
For your advising needs, please feel free to email or make an appointment with your assigned COE advisor. If you require special arrangements (time, format) in order to meet, your advisor will be glad to help.
Jennifer Beck-Brown (she/her/hers)
Academic Advisor
MEP 263 | 859-572-5542 | brownj42@nku.edu
Last names A-G with 30+ Credit Hours
Schedule an appointment:
Current/Returning Students: Remote or In-Person
Transfer/Major-Changing Students: Remote or In-Person
BIO
Jenn Beck-Brown is an Academic Advisor in the College of Education. Jenn received her Bachelor’s degree in Organizational Leadership at Northern Kentucky University and her Master’s degree in College Student Personnel Administration (CSPA) at Illinois State University. Jenn joined the College of Education in 2020 and transitioned to advising in 2023.
Edward Thornton (He/Him)
First Year Student Success Hub | Team Lead Advisor
Thorntone3@nku.edu | Located in University Center 210
All COE majors with 29 or fewer earned credit hours
Call to schedule an appointment: 859-572-6900
FYSHH
Bio
Ed Thornton is the Team Lead Advisor for the College of Education. Born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, Ed made the trip to NKY where he attended Thomas More College (now University). He received his Bachelor’s degree in Communications, and started his higher education career as an admissions counselor. He recently received his Master’s degree in Organizational Leadership from Lincoln Christian University, which led him to the advising position at NKU. In his free time, Ed coaches basketball and is a huge fan of March Madness! He also enjoys music and spending time with his family.
Toby Hill (he/him/his)
Academic Advisor
Last names H-Q with 30+ Credit Hours
MEP 263 | 859-572-1980 | hillt15@nku.edu
Schedule an appointment:
Current/Returning Students: Remote or In-Person
Transfer/Major-Changing Students: Remote or In-Person
BIO
Toby Hill is an Academic Advisor for the College of Education. He attended Campbell County High School and graduated with honors from Marshall University (Huntington, WV) in 2015 with degrees in Sports Management and Business Management. Toby completed his Masters of Arts in Teaching in Wellness Education (Health/Physical Education) from Marshall
University in 2018. Certified in multiple states, Toby has previously worked in various roles for several northern Kentucky and Cincinnati school districts from 2018-2021. Toby began working in the College of Education at NKU in Fall 2021 and transitioned to advising in Spring 2023.
Room: MEP 263
Email: coeadvisingcenter@nku.edu
Phone: 859-572-6944
Time: 8:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
(special appointment arrangements available by request)
Northern Kentucky University
Mathematics Education Psychology Center
Nunn Drive
Highland Heights, KY 41099
Local: +1 (859) 572-6069
Email: coedean@nku.edu
