Offices
Center for Academic Excellence
Offices
Staff
Takeshia Shelby
Academic Advisor (CAS) & Senior Woman Administrator
(HT Athletics)
tshelby@htu.edu
Ext. 3042
Ext. 3042
About the CAE
At the Center for Academic Excellence, we are committed to the highest standard of expectation and achievement. We help create and sustain a clear, coherent, and engaging academic environment for first-time freshmen, as well as assisting all students through to graduation.
Our mission is to provide thoughtful and quality guidance for students to cultivate effective learning paths, achieve academic goals, and excel as productive global citizens.
The primary strategy is to achieve desired student success using an intrusive academic advising model, tutoring, freshmen experience activities (to include but not limited to FYE course), orientation activities, and the Math Center and Writing Center that provide supplemental instructional support to students.
The Center for Academic Excellence works collaboratively with Enrollment Management, Office of Student Affairs, Office of Institutional Planning, Research, and Assessment (OIPRA), Assistant Provost, and Business Office to achieve desired results.
Services
1. Academic Support:
Peer Learning Coaches-PLCs: Peer Learning Coaches play a vital role in supporting student success through personalized academic tutoring and mentorship. PLCs offer peer-to-peer tutoring in a variety of subject areas and majors. Peer Learning Coaches offer one-on-one sessions, group study opportunities, virtual sessions and skill-building workshops. Tutoring services are coordinated through the Center for Academic Excellence, Math and Writing Center are free and accessible to all students, promoting academic excellence and student achievement across campus.
The Writing Center is a supportive academic resource dedicated to helping students strengthen their writing skills across all disciplines. Staffed by trained and knowledgeable Peer Learning Coaches, the studio offers one-on-one sessions that guide students through every stage of the writing process—from brainstorming and outlining to revising and final editing. Whether preparing essays, research papers, personal statements, or creative writing projects, students receive personalized feedback to enhance clarity, structure, and academic style. The Writer’s Studio also hosts writing workshops and collaborates with faculty to support writing-intensive courses, empowering students to become more confident and effective communicators. Please contact the Writing Center Coordinator, Shannon Breeding, sbreeding@htu.edu to learn more. Located in Jackson-Moody Building, Room #103.
The Math Center offers comprehensive support to help students build confidence and competence in mathematics. Staffed by trained and knowledgeable Peer Learning Coaches, the center provides individualized and group tutoring in subjects ranging from College Algebra, Statistics, Calculus and Accounting. Students can receive help with homework, test preparation, and understanding key mathematical concepts through a collaborative, low-pressure environment. The Math Center also hosts skill-building workshops and coordinates closely with faculty to reinforce classroom learning, ensuring students have the tools they need to succeed in their math-related courses. Please contact the Math Center Coordinator, Douglas Schroder, dpschroder@htu.edu, Ext. 3037. Located in Dickey-Lawless Building, Room #110.
Student Success Workshops are designed to equip students with the essential skills needed to thrive academically and personally. These interactive sessions cover a wide range of topics including time management, study strategies, goal setting, financial literacy, test preparation, and stress management. Led by faculty, staff, and Peer Learning Coaches, the workshops provide practical tools and real-world advice to help students navigate the college experience with confidence. Open to all students, the workshops foster a culture of academic excellence and empower students to take ownership of their success both inside and outside the classroom.
2. Academic Advising:
Academic Advising provides personalized guidance to help students navigate their academic journey from enrollment to graduation. Dedicated advisors work one-on-one with students to develop individualized academic plans, select appropriate courses, understand degree requirements, and stay on track for timely graduation. Advising sessions also focus on connecting students to campus resources, exploring career pathways, and fostering academic and personal growth. Through proactive and supportive advising, the CAE empowers students to make informed decisions and achieve their educational goals with confidence and clarity. Located in Jackson-Moody Building, Room #101 and Agard-Lovinggood Building, Room #315A (Athlethic Advising).
3. First-Year Experience
The First-Year Experience (FYE) is designed to connect first-year students to the university. FYE provides a wrap-around, holistic experience that offers a broad grouping of inclusive educational opportunities and student support services. First-Year Experience (FYE) Program is a comprehensive educational support system designed to assist students in making a successful transition to HT and higher learning. The FYE Program includes Ram Training Camp, which is Huston-Tillotson’s signature new student orientation program; a career cased FYE project; instructors/advisors; Peer Learning Consultants (PLC) mentors; co-curricular programming; and a student-centered academic alert intervention support network.
4. Programs
Huston-Tillotson University’s Ram Training Camp is more than just an academic program. It’s a comprehensive support system designed to ensure the success of our students. The six-week intensive academic, residential program is tailored to enhance students’ academic skills, reinforce the importance of academic excellence, and provide practical study skills, tutorial assistance, and mentorship. The program offers incoming HT freshmen a robust academic and social summer program that fosters interest in learning and inspires students to reach their full potential as leaders at HT and beyond.
Resilient Rams Mentoring Program pairs supportive university and community members with students seeking additional layer of academic and personal support.
Additional Information
Your success is important to us! If you have any questions or concerns please don’t hesitate to call directly at 512-505-3030 or email us at cae@htu.edu. Students are asked to complete a short survey to assist us in improving our services.
Contact Us
512.505.3030
Location: Jackson-Moody Building, 1st Floor, Rm# 101
Hours: Monday-Friday (8:30am-5:30pm)
