Damien Akao
Phone: 316.866.3375
E-mail: damien.akao@sckans.edu
Toll-Free Phone: 888.684.5335 ext 3375
Role: Assistant Director of Coaching
Hometown: Wichita, KS
Hobbies: Staying active & watching NBA basketball
Degree: Associate’s in Liberal Arts, Bachelor’s in Sports Communications, and Master’s in Organizational Leadership
If I could travel anywhere in the world, I’d pick: Hawaii
Accomplishment I’m most proud of: Completing my master’s degree
Someone who inspires me: My mom
My first job was: Sandwich maker at Planet Sub
Guilty pleasure: Ben & Jerry’s ice cream
Family life: One younger brother, one older sister
If I could have one superpower, it would be: Being able to fly
Three things that remain on my bucket list: Run a half marathon, attend an NBA Finals game, visit the Grand Canyon
What do you like most about your position at Professional Studies? Having the ability to help others achieve their goals.
What makes you passionate about helping adult learners? Knowing that you can help make an impact on another person.
Nicole Dyson-Smith
Phone: 316.866.3384
E-mail: nicole.dysonsmith@sckans.edu
Toll-Free Phone: 888.684.5335 ext 3384
Role: Academic Success Coach
Hometown: Wichita, KS
Hobbies: I enjoy performing recitals, looking at modern art, and laughing at memes
Degree: B.M in Piano Performance and M.M. in Piano Pedagogy
If I could travel anywhere in the world, I’d pick: Norway, stay in an ice hotel and see the Northern Lights.
My first job was: cashier at a Christmas tree farm
What do you like most about your position at Professional Studies? Working with students from around the world, and seeing them make progress on their educational goals.
What makes you passionate about helping adult learners? It’s exciting to be part of the support system for people who are working hard to fulfill their dreams.
Sadie Parker
Phone: 316.866.3381
E-mail: sadie.parker@sckans.edu
Toll-Free Phone: 888.684.5335 ext 3381
Role: Senior Academic Success Coach
Hometown: Mulvane, KS
Hobbies: I love crafting and doing Pinterest projects
Degree: Bachelor of Science in Communication, Professional Master of Business Administration
If I could travel anywhere in the world, I’d pick: Ireland
Accomplishment I’m most proud of: First generation college student
My first job was: at Papa John’s
If I could have one superpower, it would be: Invisibility
Three things that remain on my bucket list: Travel to different countries, meet Brad Paisley, and scuba dive
My favorite quote: “Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.” – Mother Teresa
What do you like most about your position at Professional Studies? I like that I get to build relationships with students and guide them as they achieve their goals.
What makes you passionate about helping adult learners? I believe that everybody has the ability to earn a degree as long as they truly want it and work for it, and I want them to see that they are capable.
Derek Lawrence
Phone: 316.866.3371
E-mail: derek.lawrence@sckans.edu
Toll-Free Phone: 888.684.5335 ext 3371
Role: Director of Admissions
Hometown: Wichita
Hobbies: Carpentry, reading, video games
Accomplishment I’m most proud of: Earning a bachelor’s degree
Degree: Business Administration with a major of Management
If I could travel anywhere in the world, I’d pick: Austria
My first job was: Movie Theater
My favorite quote: “I don’t stop when I’m tired. I stop when I’m done.” – David Goggins
What makes you passionate about helping learners? No one assisted me when I enrolled in college, so I had no idea what I was doing or if I was making the right choices. It also hurt my chances at succeeding early in my degree. Being that person who makes the transition easier and simplifies the process is, in my view, a very important role.
Tye Pameticky
Phone: 316.866.3383
E-mail: tye.pameticky@sckans.edu
Toll-Free Phone: 888.684.5335 ext 3383
Role: Admissions Counselor
Hometown: Blackwell, Oklahoma
Hobbies: Motorcycling, hiking, camping
Degree: B.A. Studio Art, Printmaking
If I could travel anywhere in the world, I’d pick: Europe
Accomplishment I’m most proud of: The giving nature of both my children.
Someone who inspires me: Henry Rollins
My first job was: Raking leaves
If I could have one superpower, it would be: Flight
Three things that remain on my bucket list: Travel Old Route 66 from end to end with family, build a hardtail chopper and move to a wooded area.
My favorite quote: “Follow your inner moonlight; don’t hide the madness.” – Allen Ginsberg
What do you like most about your position at Professional Studies? Helping students through the first steps of fulfilling a significant goal.
Danielle Reckers
Phone: 785.784.9930
E-mail: danielle.reckers@sckans.edu
Role: Fort Riley Admissions Counselor
Hobbies: Baking, Hiking, Camping and Crocheting
If I could travel anywhere in the world, I’d pick: Puglia, Italy
Accomplishment I’m most proud of: Raising two amazing tiny humans
Someone who inspires me: My Father
My first job was: Newspaper route at the age of 7
Guilty pleasure: Nutella and banana on a cold tortilla
Three things that remain on my bucket list: Walk on a black sand beach, finish a marathon, sponsor a Child’s wish through Make-a-Wish Foundation
If I could have one superpower, it would be: Telekinesis
My favorite quote: “Growing old is mandatory, but growing up is optional” -Walt Disney
What do you like most about your position at Professional Studies? I like that I get to be apart of this chapter of their life.
What makes you passionate about helping adult learners? I love I am helping someone start or continue their dreams, reminding them it is never too late to carve a new path.