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K-State Today

July 12, 2018

Academic Achievement Center announces Dierks' retirement, new team members

Submitted by RJ Youngblood

Kim Dierks has announced her retirement as managing director of Holtz Hall Tutoring.

The Academic Achievement Center thanks Dierks for her commitment to empowering student leaders, dedication to student success and access, and leadership of Holtz Hall Tutoring. Dierks has played an integral role in expanding tutoring services at K-State since 2004 when she began working as a coordinator of Leasure Hall Tutoring. She has connected countless K-State students to tutoring services through her extensive outreach, including information sessions and presentations at K-State's Open House, Orientation and Enrollment, Greek life and residence hall communities, and the Upward Bound Math and Science Program, among others. Dierks saw through many changes that made tutoring accessible to more students, including managing the move of tutoring services from Leasure Hall to Holtz Hall and expanding tutoring services to satellite locations in Derby and Kramer Dining centers. She also served as an active member of Totally Tutoring, a collaboration of tutoring services at K-State which hosts workshops and lectures to foster professional development of tutors. The Academic Achievement Center extends Dierks best wishes in her retirement.

The Academic Achievement Center welcomes Katie Pierce to the role of interim managing director of Holtz Hall Tutoring. Pierce will manage the transition after Dierks' retirement until a search is conducted. Pierce has served as a graduate assistant in the Academic Achievement Center for the past year and has been integral in supporting the Holtz Hall Tutoring to see through transitions and strengthening of tutor training programs and Student Success Collaborative Campus platform implementation. She has served as an instructor for the SPARK program, assisted with supervision and training for the Supplemental Instruction program, and collaborated to create a new tutor training program. Pierce is a member of the KSBN Selection Committee and previously served on the Chet Peters Lecture Series for Student Affairs Committee. She holds a Bachelor of Science in elementary education from K-State and previously taught in USD 383. Pierce is a graduate student in K-State's College Student Development program.

The center also welcomes two new academic coaches, Javier Martinez and Ellen Clayton, to the academic coaching team. Academic coaches meet with students individually to help improve academic success skills and reach academic goals.

Martinez, originally from San Antonio, earned a bachelor's degree in exercise science and Spanish and a master's degree in physical education both from the University of Northern Iowa. Martinez has experience as a graduate assistant in the athletic training department and the Academic Learning Center at the University of Northern Iowa. He also worked as an academic tutor, coach and advisor for the Academic Learning Center.

Clayton is a Kansas native, but has recently relocated to Manhattan. After receiving her degree in political science from DePauw University, Clayton joined Teach for America in Memphis, Tennessee, and taught high school math. She has taught Algebra II for six years. She is excited to continue her work advocating for student success by providing resources.

For more information about the center, academic coaching or tutoring services visit k-state.edu/aac or 101 Holton Hall.