Academic Opportunity Center Advisors

Kathy J. Barnes Mitchell Hall 177D, (414) 229-3772 barnes@uwm.edu Senior Academic Advisor since 1978 in Academic Opportunity Center Graduated from UW-Milwaukee Vestry Board Member Christian Education Teacher St. Martin's Episcopal Church, Brown Deer, WI
John Dorosz, Assistant Director Admissions/Advising Mitchell Hall 177, (414) 229-3774 jmdorosz@uwm.edu Students are the reason we are here. Without students, we would have no University. While my primary responsibility is to oversee the advising and admissions operations in the Academic Opportunity Center (AOC), I also advise students. I have been with UWM for over 25 years, first as an undergraduate and graduate student, then as an employee of the University. As an employee I have served in various capacities in different student services offices across campus, and during that time I have thoroughly enjoyed helping and empowering students to take charge of their academic futures. I have been with the AOC for a little over 6 years. I earned my BA (1981) and MA (1983) in English (Creative Writing) from UWM. I guess I could say I went to school here and liked UWM so much I kind of never left. I am currently active in campus activities and various committees, and have served in several leadership roles over the years, including chair of the campuswide Advisors and Counselors Network, as well as state rep to the National Academic Advising Association (NACADA). My hobbies include gardening and landscaping projects, enjoying the energy of forests and sanctuaries in nature, investigating 'coincidences' and metaphysical occurences, and I firmly believe in the positive value of 'paying it forward', 'just doing the right thing', and 'balance'.
Jimmy Johnstone, Senior Advisor Mitchell Hall 185D, (414) 229-3768 jqj@uwm.edu I have been an academic advisor in the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee's Academic Opportunity Center for 36 years, starting shortly after the program's inception. Before coming to UWM, I was a teacher at the Omaha and Winnebago Reservations, taught reading at Harambee Community School, and worked as an organizer for Inner City Development Project. I have been blessed with a wonderful wife and five children, six energetic grandchildren, a great church family and work family. I enjoy participating in volleyball, racquetball, and football. Additionally, I enjoy watching basketball and football.
Travis Jones, Advisor Mitchell Hall 185G, (414) 229-3047 travisj@uwm.edu I was born in the State of Louisiana and raised in Wisconsin. I received my undergraduate degree in History from UW-Milwaukee and my Masters in Social Work from Southern University. I advise freshmen and sophomore students, encouraging all students to meet with me at least once a month. I believe like Malcolm X said, "Education is your passport to success."
Vicki Provost, Senior Advisor Mitchell Hall 177C, (414) 229-3775 vlp@uwm.edu I have been working at the Academic Opportunity Center since 1987, first in admissions and then in advising. I earned my BS degree in Education with a major in English in Curriculum and Instruction from UW-Madison and my Master of Science degree from UW-Milwaukee. As an advisor in the Academic Opportunity Center, I work closely with my students during their first few semesters at UWM, helping them to make the sometimes difficult transition to college a little easier. My goal is to assist students to develop and then accomplish their own educational goals while they are in AOC. My desire is that each of my advisees not only earns a degree, but also has a valuable and satisfying experience doing so. I want to know that upon graduation my former students will look fondly back with smiles on their faces, at their semesters in AOC and at UWM.
Lynnette Rivera, Senior Advisor Mitchell Hall 185C, (414) 229-3770 lrivera@uwm.edu Born in Puerto Rico, I moved to Wisconsin in 1980. I have become deeply involved in different activities and services concerning the Spanish speaking communities of Southeastern Wisconsin. In 1990, I taught in the Spanish Department at UW-Milwaukee while working toward my Masters' degree in Foreign Language and Literature. I received my Masters in 1993. Since 1994, I have been an academic advisor at UWM in the Academic Opportunity Center. One of my greatest joys in life is to be able to help people find their own goals and lead them in their quest towards those goals. As a Senior Advisor at UWM, I have the opportunity to do exactly what I enjoy so much, helping others to help themselves. My office has become a place where students not only go to get advice on how to become a good student, but also on how to become the best person possible. Having a very outgoing and joyful personality have helped me become a very original figure among students and peers. If you are ever on campus and would like to meet, please stop by and there will be a cup of Puerto Rican coffee waiting for you!