Meet Our Staff

Dr. Eric Gumm, ADC and FYP Director

Eric serves as the Director of the First-Year Program and Academic Development. He earned his Bachelor of Science degrees in Religion and History from Pepperdine University in 1994, a Masters in Christian Ministry from ACU in 1997 and a Doctor of Education from Baylor University in 2006. Having worked at ACU since 1997, he has served in the First-Year Program since 2001 – including directing all of ACU’s new student orientation events since that time.

Kara Rodriguez, Academic Counselor

Kara serves as an Academic Counselor and as coordinator of the SOS Program - our referral system for struggling students. She strives to motivate students and connect them with the support that they need to be wholly successful. Kara earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in English from ACU and a Masters in Social Work from Baylor University. She is a Licensed Master Social Worker in the state of Texas. She joined the Academic Development team in the fall of 2010.

Brooke Woodrow, Academic Counselor

Brooke serves as an Academic Counselor and works primarily with students who are on academic probation. She is also an academic advisor for students who are undeclared majors. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology with a minor in Bible from ACU and a Master of Science in Clinical Psychology also from ACU. Brooke is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Texas. She joined the Academic Development Center in January of 2010.

Ann Yarbrough, Academic Coach

Ann leads our Academic Coaching area. Her focus is to help students realize their potential and succeed in their academic, spiritual and life goals. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Abilene Christian University in 1984 followed by a Master of Arts in Communication in 1986. She has coordinated remediation for students at Blinn College and Prairie View A & M University, taught communication courses and university studies at Angelo State University and taught technology courses at the secondary level. Before joining the academic development team in 2010, she helped coordinate Summit lectureship at ACU in Ministry Events.

Karen Witemeyer, University Testing Center Coordinator

Karen serves as the Coordinator of University Testing. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Abilene Christian in 1993 followed by a Master of Science in School Psychology in 1995 also from ACU. She joined the Academic Development Center in June of 2003. She administers the ACT, MAT, THEA, CLEP, placements tests, and correspondence exam. She also oversees all testing activities during ACU's Passport Sessions for entering freshmen.

Jacki Hathorn, Administrative Coordinator 

Jacki started working at ACU in 1999 and she has served as the Administrative Coordinator for the First-Year Program since 2004. Having had all three of her children graduate from ACU, Jacki is a great resource for parents and students.  In our office, she coordinates everything from the facilities for our Passport sessions to the contact with academic departments across campus throughout the year. Jacki enjoys working with the incoming freshmen and transfer students as they prepare for their college careers, and if you call the First-Year program office she will be the welcoming voice that greets you.

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