Academic Coaching and Advising

We're here to help.

Our team of experienced and dedicated professionals (advisors and academic success coaches) help students with academic planning and overcoming obstacles that stand in the way of academic success.

We assist students with:

  • Understanding assessment and placement scores
  • Planning class schedules
  • Developing academic goals and a long-term academic plan to achieve those goals
  • Improving time management and study skills
  • Dealing with practical non-academic issues that stand in the way of success: transportation issues, child-care concerns, money matters, balancing work and school.

Our team connects with academic and student support services on campus and within the community.

To make an appointment, click here, call 217/353-2005, or stop by room D120.


Jessica Jackson

Center for Academic Success Academic Success Coach, Developmental/Adult Ed Specialist

Office: D137

jjackson@parkland.edu

217/353-2069

B.S., Illinois State University

M.A., Adams State University

Jessica grew up in the Champaign area and attended Champaign Central High School.  She is passionate about student success, and in her free time enjoys photography and volunteering with efforts focused on equity, diversity, and leadership development.  Jessica generally advises students who place into CCS 098 or Adult Education students.

Tanino Minneci

Center for Academic Success Academic Success Coach, Developmental/Adult Ed Specialist

Office: D123

gminneci@parkland.edu

217/373-3827

B.A., University of Illinois

M.S.W., New York University

Tanino, who has been helping students at Parkland since 2010, is a native of Champaign, but spent several years in New York City as a social worker for a young adult agency.  Advisor for Parkland Pride, Tanino is a theater buff who also works for an area escape room. He generally advises students who place into CCS 098.

Larry Taylor

Center for Academic Success Academic Advisor, Center for Academic Success

Office: D121

ltaylor@parkland.edu

217/353-2649

A.S., Parkland College

B.A., Eastern Illinois University

M.S.Ed., Eastern Illinois University

While Mr. Taylor generally advises students who place into CCS 099, he is able to advise and assist any student with planning their schedules, academic standards, and transferring.  A Parkland grad himself, Mr. Taylor is a staff advisor for the Together We Achieve learning community and Brother-to-Brother student organization. 

Melanie Whited

Center for Academic Success Academic Success Coach, Student Engagement Specialist

Office: D122

mwhited@parkland.edu

217/353-2022

B.S., Indiana University

Ed.M., University of Illinois

The newest member of the coaching team and coordinator of the iConnect peer mentoring program, Melanie comes to us from the University of Illinois.  A native of Indiana, she is interested in social action and awareness, historical biographies, walking her dog Monty, and watching makeup tutorials.