Meet the Team

Luke Matulewicz

Luke Matulewicz (he/him)

Assistant Director

Holton Hall 101D | lmatulewicz@ksu.edu | First-gen ally
Input • Learner • Connectedness • Individualization • Ideation

Learning Center Leadership Certified - Level 2

More about Luke

Education

B.A. Religious Studies - Calumet College of St. Joseph
B.S. Psychology - Calumet College of St. Joseph
M.S.Ed. Higher Education Administration - University of Dayton

Professional Interests

Luke found his passion for higher education via Student Goverment when studying at Calumet College of St. Joseph. While at the University of Dayton, Luke fosters his professional interests in learning theory, student transitions, mentorship, assessment, and meme-ology.

Personal Interests

Luke enjoys grilling and smoking on his alley-found Weber kettle, exploring new areas, and playing board games with friends. He collects all things Luke Skywalker and will debate anyone on Star Wars controversies. Luke is also a dog dad to Bison Matulewicz, a tricolor corgi with a name that fits his personality--not his size. Additionally, Luke makes incredible chili and is the reigning champion of the AAC Chili Cookoff.

While in College...

Knowing that graduate school was in his future, Luke lived at home for his college. Luke found community through the St. Gasper's Honors Learning Community and the director, Prof. Kirk Robinson, has become a lifelong mentor. During his last two years, Luke was also elected as the Student Government President. Luke always took a full course load (15 to 18 hours) to take as many classes as he could even if it was not part of his degree path (ceramics, painting, writing, and many other courses).

Lauren Mulanax (she/her)

Tutoring Services Manager

Holtz Hall 103 | lnmulanax@ksu.edu | First-gen graduate
Woo • Communication • Activator • Significance • Futuristic

More about Lauren

Education

B.B.A Marketing and Management - Washburn University
M.S. Counseling and Student Development - Kansas State University

Professional Interests

Creating authentic and welcoming environments that empowers people to engage in decision making, active learning, and intentional questioning to uncover their potential for success. Research interests include learning theory, student development, data analytics, and assessment.

Personal Interests

Books, Movies, and Podcast (I am always look for recommendations)
Traveling (My goal is to go to every National Park before 2050)
Board Games (Catan, Ticket to Ride, and Doomlings are my current favorites)
Puzzles (You can never have to many)

Tyler Vela (he/him)

Academic Coaching and Scholar Services Coordinator

Holton Hall 101E | tylerv@ksu.edu | First-gen ally
Input • Individualization • Learner • Arranger • Strategic

More about Tyler

Education

B.A. English Literature - Mount Marty University
B.S. Military Science - University of South Dakota
M.S.Ed. Education and Curriculum - Kansas State University
Civil Affairs Qual Course - John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School

Professional Interests

Helping people achieve their goals through education and practical life experiences

Personal Interests

Running (The goal is an Ultra-Marathon…I’m looking at you Western States 100!)
Camping (sometimes just staring at a fire is good enough for me)
Board Games
Traveling the world and eating foods you can’t easily find!

Bailey Britton (she/her)

Academic Coach

Holton Hall 101B | baibrit@ksu.edu | First-gen graduate
Relator • Connectedness • Learner • Responsibility • Discipline

More about Bailey

Education

B.A. English - Kansas State University
B.A. Mass Communications - Kansas State University

Professional Interests

Bailey discovered she wanted to work in higher education when she was participating in the McNair Scholars Program. The staff was always very helpful and supportive, and Bailey decided her passion was in helping students too. She enjoys working with college students as they navigate their goals and grow.

Personal Interests

Bailey enjoys many hobbies that she finds relaxing but also challenging, such as crocheting. Reading is another favorite pastime. She also enjoys baking and wants to learn how to make different types of bread. On the weekends, Bailey likes to go to events around Manhattan and spend time with her friends, family, and dogs.

While in college...

Bailey was a first-generation college student. She struggled with many things at first, but eventually found people that helped her thrive while she was a student at K-State. One thing that Bailey had a lot of difficulties with was balancing school, work, and her personal well-being. Eventually, she learned how to balance these things in a way that worked for her, but she is still working on it!

Bailey notes two things as pivotal moments as a student – taking an Indigenous Films class through the English department and participating in the McNair Scholars Program. Bailey enjoyed working closely with her mentor while conducting undergraduate research.

Logan Hays (he/him)

Academic Coach

Holton Hall 101F | lthays@ksu.edu | First-gen ally
Strategic • Arranger • Harmony • Positivity • Learner

More about Logan

Ruth Newton (she/her)

Academic Coach

Holton Hall 101C | ruthn@ksu.edu | First-gen ally
Connectedness • Belief • Harmony • Relator • Responsibility

More about Ruth

Education

B.S. Business Administration - National University of Asuncion, Paraguay

Professional Interests

"Having the opportunity to work, help and learn from the students it has been so rewarding. It’s a great feeling to be part of their college life, they recharge me."

Personal Interests

Ruth enjoys traveling to new places near and far, likes learning about different cultures and phrases from different languages. She and her husband also enjoy been part of different volunteer opportunities around the community. She loves expending time with family, friends and enjoys meeting new people.

Graduate Assistants

Lauren Cookson (she/her)

Graduate Assistant, Academic Coaching

Kat Christensen (she/her)

Graduate Assistant, Academic Coaching

Teagan Mies (she/her)

Graduate Assistant, Tutoring Services