Center for Freshman Year -Staff Directory

150 Allen Hall | O 225-578-6822 | F 225-578-5762 | ucfy@lsu.edu

Academic Counselors

Staff Picture Contact  Information Staff Bio
Jennifer Picard

Jennifer Picard
Director
150-A Allen Hall
jpicard@lsu.edu 

 
Erin Anthony, UCFY Counselor

Erin Anthony
Academic Counselor
150-N Allen Hall
eanthony@lsu.edu

Erin Anthony is a licensed professional counselor. She joined LSU in 2007. As a counselor with University College’s Center for Freshman Year, she has worked with first year students in a number of capacities through various programs, activities, and daily advising sessions.  Anthony earned her Master of Science in Community Counseling.
Allyson Barker

Allyson Barker
Academic Counselor
150-R Allen Hall
abark17@lsu.edu 

 
Amy Cave, UCFY Academic Counselor

Amy Cave
Academic Counselor
150-S Allen Hall
acave3@lsu.edu

Amy Cave joined LSU University College Center for Freshman Year in 2021.  She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Speech Communications , Master of Library and Information Science, and Master of Social Work from LSU.  Cave is a Certified Social Worker and is working towards her Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW).  She is a member of the National Association of Social Workers.
Evans Dyason, Academic Counselor

Evans Dyason
Academic Counselor
150-J Allen Hall
edyaso1@lsu.edu 

Evans Dyason earned her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology with a minor in Psychology from LSU in 2019. She is currently working towards a Master of Science in Health and Human Performance from Northwestern State University. Before starting her UCFY career, Evans worked at LSU’s Student Health Center in the department of Wellness and Health Promotion. She is passionate about helping LSU students be successful in meeting all of their professional and personal goals.
Cierra Gains, Academic Advisor

Cierra Gaines
Academic Counselor
150-M Allen Hall
cgain14@lsu.edu 

Cierra Gaines joined LSU University College Center for Freshman Year in 2022.  She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Communications Studies with a minor in Psychology at LSUA in 2018 and has earned a Master of Social Work from LSU in 2021. She is a proud first-generation college student. Gaines is a Certified Social Worker and is working towards her Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW).
Ashley Granger Ashley Granger
Academic Counselor & SSP Coordinator
150-T Allen Hall
agranger@lsu.edu
Ashley rejoined UCFY in April of 2019 after serving as the associate director of academic affairs in the LSU Cox Communications Academic Center for Student-Athletes. Ashley has worked in various departments at the University, which include the LSU Student Health Center. Ashley earned both her bachelor's and master’s degrees at LSU. She was awarded the LSU Advisor of the Year Award in 2013 and the National Academic Advising Association (NACADA) Outstanding New Advising Award in 2014. Ashley is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and a Board Approved Clinical Supervisor (BACS).  
Kelly Hinote Kelly Hinote
Academic Counselor
150-O Allen Hall
kellyhinote@lsu.edu 
Kelly Bezdek Hinote earned her Bachelor of Art in Anthropology in 2008 and her Master of Education in School Counseling in 2012.  Kelly has been a dedicated civil servant, working for the Zachary Community School District in a variety of roles, including Human Resources, School Counseling, and College and Career Coaching. Kelly is a third generation LSU Tiger.
Elizabeth Hymel, UCFY Acadeimc Advisor Elizabeth Hymel
Academic Counselor
150-C Allen Hall
ehymel6@lsu.edu 
Elizabeth Hymel is a two-time alumna of LSU; she earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with minor in Communication Studies in 2018 and her Master of Education in Mental Health Counseling in May 2021. During her graduate program, she interned at LSU’s Mental Health Services and was a graduate assistant at LSU’s Disability Services; she truly has a passion for working with LSU students.  Elizabeth is currently a Provisionally Licensed Professional Counselor (PLPC) and member of the Louisiana Counseling Association (LCA).
Dana Lewis, UCFY Academic Counselor Dana Lewis
Academic Counselor
150-P Allen Hall
dlewi56@lsu.edu
Dana Lewis earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Linguistics from LSU in 2017. She also earned her Master of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from LSU in May 2020. Dana interned at Youth Oasis, a youth shelter in Baton Rouge, as well as LSU Mental Health Services during her time in her graduate program. She is a member of the American Counseling Association (ACA) and the Louisiana Counseling Association (LCA). 
Kaitlyn Pharr Kaitlyn Pharr
Academic Counselor
150-U Allen Hall
kpharr2@lsu.edu 
Kaitlin Pharr joined LSU University College Center for Freshman Year in 2022. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from LSU. Prior to joining LSU, she worked as a case manager in behavioral health. Pharr is very passionate about helping students achieve their highest academic potential as she was once a fellow Tiger herself.
Rochelle Smith

Rochelle Smith
Academic Counselor
150-X Allen Hall
rochellesmith@lsu.edu 

Rochelle Smith earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology and Master of Science in Exercise Science in Human Performance both from Texas Southern University. After graduating with her master’s, she started working at Texas Southern University as an Academic Advisor for 6yrs in the College of Education. Once she left TSU, she got a job as a Special Education Teacher where she worked there for 6yrs in which she knew something was missing. Rochelle wanted to get back into what she loved which was helping student find their path to success; she got hired at Northland Pioneer College and worked there until she got hired at Louisiana State University in February of 2022 to follow her passion to help college students be successful and excellence in their academic careers.
Valori Washington

Valori Washington
Academic Counselor
150-B Allen Hall
vwashington@lsu.edu 

 
Ayannah Smith

Ayannah Williams
Academic Counselor
150-Q Allen Hall
ayannahwilliams@lsu.edu 

Ayannah Williams earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Economics with an emphasis in Business from Tougaloo College in 2006. She then obtained her Master of Business Administration degree from Millsaps College in 2008. She is a four time published author and public speaker. Ayannah joined LSU’s University College Center for Freshman Year as an Academic Advisor in October 2021 and continues to promote academic excellence amongst students as they pursue their academic careers.