Meet the Team

DiAnna Washington, Ph.D.
Director, Student Success & Retention
Email: washingtond@uncw.edu
Phone: 910.962.7879

I joined the UNCW Seahawk community in 2020 and am honored to support students as they discover their strengths, define their goals, and chart meaningful pathways toward achievement. With more than 25 years of progressive experience in higher education, I specialize in designing, implementing, and assessing comprehensive programs that promote student development, retention, and academic success.

My work is grounded in a deep commitment to equity and to expanding access to transformative educational opportunities. I bring a broad interdisciplinary academic background, including a BA in Psychology, an MBA, an MA in Community Counseling, an M.S.Ed. in Learning Sciences and Educational Psychology, and a Ph.D. in Urban Education Studies.

Karen Cassidy, M.Ed.
Assistant Director, Student Success & Retention
Email: cassidyk@uncw.edu
Phone: 910.962.3005 

A key component of student success is reaching students early and often to ensure their academic success, and that’s what I aim to do by assisting students in addressing persistence barriers that are preventing them from degree completion. I hold a Bachelor of Science degree in Hospitality Management from the University of Central Florida and a Master’s in Educational Leadership from the University of North Florida.  I was driven to pursue higher education and intervention from my passion for helping people, specifically supporting students as they move from K-12 education to higher education. For me, it is just logical that students have a built-in support system at the university ready to step in and say, "Hey we care about you, what's going on, how can we help and get you on your path again?".

Tamara Cooper, M.S., CSPO, CSM
Retention Specialist, Student Success & Retention
Email: coopert@uncw.edu
Phone: 910.962.3751

I became a Seahawk in 2021 as a graduate student and then joined the Student Success and Retention team in the summer of 2024. My educational accomplishments include an AS in Graphic Design, a BS in Mathematics, and an MS in Mathematics. My role as Retention Specialist is focused on developing retention insights through data analysis and research. Prior to joining the team, I built a career in the tech industry in many roles including QA, technical content developer, program manager, and product analyst. My passion for research and data analysis brought me to UNCW to learn new techniques. I am excited to dig into the data and start helping students succeed and meet their educational goals.

Darron A. Jenkins, M.A.
Outreach Manager, Student Success & Retention
Email: jenkinsd@uncw.edu
Phone: 910.962.2504 

As an educator, I am a collaborator in our students’ academic journey, seeking to effectively empower students to take control of their educational experiences holistically. I received my undergraduate degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Human Resource Management from The University of Southern Mississippi. I continued my graduate studies in Higher Education Administration at Louisiana State University. My previous higher education professional experiences include housing and residence life, academic advising, student activities, co-curricular programming, and course instruction and design. I started at UNCW in 2021 as an Assistant Director in Campus Life. I transitioned to Student Success and Retention in 2022. I am excited to provide leadership in re-imaging the LLC experience and to continue to provide students the opportunity to engage inside and outside of the classroom.

Mark Forbes, M.S.
Starfish System Administrator, Student Success & Retention
Email: forbesm@uncw.edu 
Phone: 910.962.3751

I arrived at UNCW in 2016 and have loved being a Seahawk ever since!!! I enjoy working with students in every aspect of their college academic experience. I have worked as a student-centered educator for 25 years and have served in many roles which include instructor, advisor, and coach. I hold a Bachelor of Arts degree in History and a Master of Science degree in Education. I strive to inspire people to become the best version of themselves and am excited to work with the Student Success and Retention Team to support my fellow Seahawks.

Tanya Stack, M.A.
Technology Assistant, Student Success & Retention
Email: stackt@uncw.edu
Phone: 910.962.3751

I joined UNCW in 2024 and am honored to be on the Student Success and Retention team as a Technical Assistant. It is exciting to be part of a team that uses data driven insights to personalize student experiences on campus and improve outcomes. I have a B.A. in Government and Foreign Affairs and a M.A. in International Transactions, and my recent interest in online security led to an A.A.S. In Cyber Crime Technology. I am eager to use these skills to support students’ academic journeys at UNCW and beyond.

Kathryn Owens, B.A.
Business Outreach Coordinator, Student Success & Retention
Email: owensk@uncw.edu
Phone: 910.962.3751

I joined UNCW in early 2022 and have truly enjoyed becoming part of the Seahawk community. The close‑knit atmosphere reminds me of my own undergraduate experience at St. Andrews University, where I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education. My past roles at St. Andrews University, Fayetteville Technical Community College, and North Carolina State University have given me valuable insights that I am grateful to bring to UNCW. In my position with the Student Success & Retention (SSR) team, I support outreach and administrative initiatives that help students navigate their academic journey, and I am excited to contribute to the continued growth and impact of our department.

Kira Farnham, Social Work, Spring 2026

Tyler McKenzie, Communication Studies and Film, Fall 2026

Alyssa Buck, Criminology, Minor in Prelaw, Spring 2026

Trinity Virges, Communication, Minor in Journalism, Spring 2028

Erika Morse, Public Health, Minor in Biology, Spring 2028