Ph.D., University of South Carolina
M.F.A., University of Arkansas
M.A., Eastern Washington State
B.A., Beloit College
Nelljean M. Rice Ph.D. is the Dean of The University College, consisting of a three-part academic unit comprised of First-Year
Academic Advising, the First-Year Experience, and the Learning
Assistance Centers. She is also an Associate Professor in the
Department of English, Journalism, and Communication. She has taught
at Coastal since 1987. Her areas of specialty include Children's and
Young Adult literature, British and American poetry, Creative Non-
Fiction, Asian Literature in Translation, and First Year Writing classes.
Additionally, Dr. Rice helped establish the minor in Women's and
Gender Studies, of which she was the program director until 2005. Dr.
Rice's monograph, A New Matrix for Modernism: A Study of the
Lives and Poetry of Charlotte Mew and Anna Wickham was
published by Routledge in 2003. Her poetry has been published in The
Beloit Poetry Journal, Calyx, Negative Capability, the medieval
discussion blog "In the Middle," and Cold Mountain Review. Dr. Rice
lives in the historic district of Conway, SC where she enjoys gardening,
walking and reading.
Fun Facts about Your Advisor
Dr. Rice’s favorite restaurant is Crady’s in Downtown Conway.
She is an avid reader and cannot pick just one favorite book,
but she loves reading.
The best advice she received about college is talk to your
professors.
The one piece of advice that Dr. Rice would like advisees to
know is to learn how to manage your time.
The two things that set Coastal Carolina University apart from
other places are the beautiful places and smiling faces that she
says she stole from the South Carolina state tourism ad.
Her favorite music is anything by her son, Jesse Rice.
Denise Davis
First- Year Academic Advisor
University College
Prince 213F
Phone: 843-349-2935
Denise Davis is a first year advisor at Coastal Carolina University. She received her associate’s degree in Business from HGTC and her bachelor in business management and a MBA in education from the University of Phoenix. Denise’s favorite course in college was critical thinking, because it helped her understand why she thinks the way she does. What she likes most about Coastal Carolina University is that it is a forward moving institution. Her favorite book is The Holy Bible: Kings James Version. Denise’s favorite TV show is America’s Most Wanted. Her favorite quote is “delayed dream is not a denied dream”. Denise likes to listen to is gospel and her favorite gospel artist is Mary Mary. Come by and see her in Prince to get advised.
Marcella Greene
First-Year Academic Advisor
Prince 213B
843-349-6534
M.Ed., University of South Carolina
B.S., USC-Coastal Carolina College
Mrs. Greene became a member of the Coastal Carolina University
community one year after graduating from Coastal Carolina College in
1985. She has worked in the Office of Human Resources, the College
of Education, and the Office of Admissions where she served as the
Senior Assistant Director of Transfer Students. Since joining the
University College, Mrs. Greene is very enthusiastic about
working with her first-year students. Her other enjoyments and
excitements are spending time wither her family and friends, pets,
playing the keyboard, and taking long walks in and around her
community.
Fun Facts about Your Advisor
Mrs. Greene’s favorite team is the Coastal Carolina
Chanticleers!
Her favorite restaurant to eat at is Bouvlasky’s.
She likes to read autobiographies.
She would like all of her advisees to understand that your
successes or failures in college depend totally on your actions.
Mrs. Greene believes the best advice she ever received about
college was to know your purpose for being in college and to be
educated in an area that will bring you happiness and
contentment for a lifetime!
She says that Coastal is unique to other universities because it is
relatively young and open to change and growth which increases
the opportunities for today’s youth.
Also, Mrs. Greene says that Coastal Carolina’s location is
convenient and enticing for in-state and out-of-state students.
Her favorite song is “Lean on Me.”
Mr. L. K. Grissett Sr.
First-Year Academic Advisor
Veterans Advisor
Prince 213E
843-349-4214
M.A., Trident University
B.A., Fayetteville State University
Mr. Grissett became a member of the Coastal Carolina University community August of 2011
after 21 years service in the US Army. He served in both enlisted and officer positions. Mr.
Grissett was promoted to the enlisted rank of Sergeant First Class. In terms of officer service,
Mr. Grissett was selected for promotion to Major. Mr. Grissett stated that, "every student
should take responsibility for his or her own actions in terms of your educational journey".
Mr. Grissett shared an acronym that many military members utilize. He called it the 7 "P's" or
P.P.P.P.P.P.P.. The acronym means prior proper planning prevents pretty poor performance. In
others words plan and organize yourself prior to engaging in any and all tasks.
Mr. Grissett is very enthusiastic and passionate about the entire educational process. He
states that education has enhanced his life in many ways. He and his wife are both holders of
Masters degrees. His greatest fear is that his three children do not share that same passion for
education.
Mr. Grissett quoted one of his professors from FSU. Dr. Adu Mrieku stated that ,"education
should and could be considered the great equalizer in terms of bridging the great divide".
Fun Facts about Your Advisor
Mr. Grissett's favorite teams are the Carolina Panthers (despite everything) and the Los
Angeles Lakers. In terms of college athletics I enjoy them all.
He is always looking for ways to promote education and veteran recognition..
Heather Huffman
First-Year Academic Advisor
Prince 212
843-349-2941
M.A., Bowling Green State University
B.A., Ball State Unversity
Ms. Huffman joined the
CoastalCarolinaUniversity
’s advising staff in
September 2009. Originally from
Indiana
,
she completed her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education at
BallStateUniversity
. She continued her education at
Bowling Green
StateUniversity
where she completed her Master’s degree in College Student Personnel. While there,
she worked as a graduate assistant in the Office of Disability Services and spent time working
with Honors Program advising. Ms. Huffman enjoys reading, doing crafty projects, and traveling.
Fun Facts about Your Advisor
Her favorite books are the Harry Potter series and Pride and Prejudice.
The best piece of advice Ms. Huffman received about college was to take advantage of all the various opportunities and explore. College is the perfect time to participate in a large variety of groups and events, take a class just because it interests you, or try out different jobs.
She would like all her students to know that professors are people too. Don’t be afraid to talk to them and ask questions. If you missed class or need to miss class, let them know what’s going on. Visit them during office hours to discuss assignments and how you are doing in their course.
She believes what sets
CoastalCarolinaUniversity
apart is its beautiful campus including the turtles, and its dedication to growth and improvement.
Her favorite song is “What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong.
Paula Lippert
Administrative Assistant
University College
Prince 213F
Phone: 843-349-2934
Fax: 843-349-2862
Paula serves the office in a number of administrative as well as coordinating capacities. Paula has
been an employee of the university since 1996. Before coming to the University Academic Center
in August of 2008, Paula worked with the College of Business. Before joining the CCU staff, Paula
lived in Maryland for 9 years. Originally from Pittsburgh, Paula is obviously an avid Steeler fan.
She also enjoys the beach and making jewelry and scrapbooks.
Cara Lopresti
First-Year Academic Advisor
Prince 213H
843-349-6535
M.B.A., University of Central Florida
M.S.B.M., University of Central Florida
B.A., Duke University
Ms. Lopresti joined the Coastal Carolina University’s advising staff in
January 2010. She was originally born in Norristown, Pennsylvania,
but grew up in San Diego, California. In 2007 Ms. Lopresti obtained
her Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Markets and Management
from Duke University. She was also a member of the Duke varsity
field hockey team, helping the Blue Devils to NCAA runner-up
finishes during her sophomore and junior years and the NCAA Final
Four in her senior year. She then moved to Orlando, Florida where
she obtained a Master’s degree in Business Administration and a Master's degree in Sports Business Management from the
University of Central Florida’s DeVos Sport Business Management
Program. While in graduate school she also served as a graduate
assistant in the Institute for Diversity and Ethics in Sport.
Fun Facts about Your Advisor
Her favorite book is The Dip by Seth Godin.
The best advice Ms. Lopresti received about college was to develop strong relationships with your peers, faculty, and staff because these connections will be integral to your future success.
She would like all her students to know that school may be difficult at times, but obtaining a degree at Coastal Carolina University is an incredible feat and well worth the hard work and determination it takes to get there.
One of the most amazing characteristics of Coastal Carolina University is its diversity. There is such a wide variety of people on campus, which provides opportunities to continually learn and grow from one another.
Her favorite type of music is country because she loves to line dance.
Ms. Lopresti also enjoys surfing, snowboarding, the beach, hiking, and traveling.
Kelli Moses-Dolfi
First-Year Academic Advisor
Prince 207
843-349-6541
M.A., Chadron State College
B.A., Chadron State College
Mrs. Moses-Dolfi joined Coastal Carolina University in July 2007. She
has worked as a therapist, Student Services Coordinator, and as a
counselor at a public high school. Mrs. Moses-Dolfi is a licensed
professional counselor. She is an avid fan of Coastal Carolina
University football and the Pittsburgh Steelers. She has also recently
fulfilled a childhood dream by attending the 2009 Super Bowl. Mrs.
Moses-Dolfi has a passion for reading.
Fun Facts about Your Advisor
Mrs. Moses-Dolfi’s favorite team is the Pittsburg Steelers.
Her favorite restaurant in the area is Grecian Delight.
Her favorite book is All but my Life by Gerda Weissmann
Klein.
The best advice that Mrs. Moses-Dolfi received about college
was to take some classes outside of your comfort zone to help
you explore new ideas. Learn about other people and be open
to better ways of doing things.
She would like all of her advisees to know that all their behavior
has consequences.
Mrs. Moses-Dolfi LOVES Coastal and thinks it is set apart
from other colleges and universities because it is so beautiful.
The campus has several wooded areas tucked away where
students can sit and read or just relax. It is a friendly campus
with a lot of positive energy.
Agatha started at Coastal Carolina University in
1989 as adjunct faculty in the Wall School of Business teaching
Introduction to Business, Human Resource Management, Organizational
Behavior and Fundamentals of Management. She was also the Director
of the Marine Science for Junior Scholars Program from 1990 to 1992.
Prior to turning her career to academics, she had nine years of
managerial experience in a fortune five hundred company where she
started as an executive trainee and worked her way up the corporate
ladder in numerous executive positions.
Fun Facts about Your Advisor
Mrs. O’Brien’s favorite team is the New England Patriots.
Her two favorite restaurants are The Gulf Stream Café and
Miyabi’s.
Her favorite book is Growing Up by Russel Baker.
Mrs. O’Brien believes that the best advice that she received
about college was “a place cannot make you happy” because
you are responsible for your own happiness.
She also believes that Coastal Carolina University’s students set
it apart from other institutions. The number of opportunities for
student involvement in leadership programs and the student
body’s ability to initiate change.
Mrs. O’Brien’s favorite group of all time is Queen. However,
her taste in music runs from classical to contemporary depending
on her mood and what she is doing.
M.Ed., Kent State University
B.A., Edinboro Univ. of Pennsylvania
Melissa has worked on a college campus since she was a sophomore
in college when she was a Resident Assistant. After receiving a
Bachelor of Arts degree at Edinboro University of Pennsylvania in
2001, she attended graduate school at Kent State University in Ohio.
During her tenure at Kent, she served as an Assistant Residence Hall
Director in both upper-class and first-year residence hall areas. Upon
completion of her Master’s degree in Higher Education
Administration and Student Personnel, she worked at Vanderbilt
University as an Assistant Director of Residence Life. Just prior to
coming to CCU, she worked at Brevard College in North Carolina
as Director of First Year Programs.
Fun Facts about Your Advisor
Ms. Paschuck’s favorite team is the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Two of her favorite restaurants are Sun City Café and King Kong Sushi.
Some of her favorite books include The Last Lecture, The Twilight Series, and A Prayer for Owen Meany.
Ms. Paschuck believes that the best advice that she received about college was to stay open to new ideas and different opinions.
One piece of advice that she wishes that all of her advisees would understand is your problems will not simply go away. You must do something about them.
She also believes that Coastal Carolina University sets itself apart from other institutions because of the focus on students.
Ms. Paschuck has an eclectic taste in music. She has favorites from all genres for when she is in different moods, but lately she has been listening to Carlos Vives, Lady Gaga, and Andre Bocelli. Her favorite song is Here Comes the Sun by the Beatles.
Frances Richmond
First-Year Academic Advisor
Prince 213C
843-349-6529
B.A., Coastal Carolina University M.B.A., Coastal Carolina University
Ms. Richmond has been working with CCU students since 1996. Prior to working in University College, she was Student Services Coordinator within the Wall College of Business where she served for almost five years. In addition to academic advisement for freshman and sophomore business students, she was also a reference point for students from the time they entered as a freshman or transfer student until the time they signed their graduation application. She was the recipient of the university's Professional Staff Excellence Award for 2004-05. Prior to coming to CCU, Ms. Richmond gained over ten years of experience in business that included banking, management, accounting, and medical billing.
Fun Facts about Your Advisor
Ms. Richmond's favorite team is the Costal Carolina Chanticleers!
Her favorite restaurant is El Burro Loco.
Her favorite books are The Five People You Meet in Heaven, Who Moved My Cheese, and anything by Jodi Picoult
The best advice about college that she ever received was to GO TO CLASS!
A motivational quote “…if I
work hard enough, there will be things I can do tomorrow that I
can’t do today” ( The Last Lecture, Pausch).
She would like all of her advisees to know that hard work
and persistence are vital to your education. You will only get as
much out of your education as you put into it. (Cliched but very
true!)
One thing that Ms. Richmond believes set Coastal apart from
other colleges and universities is that it is small enough that
student input is still actively recruited when making revisions to
policies, planning campus renovations, and setting the university
mission.
M.S., Binghamton University
B.S., Long Island University - Southampton
Ms. Varga joined the Coastal Carolina University community as our
Bridge Program/Transition Coordinator. Although employed by
Coastal Carolina University, her office at Horry-Georgetown Technical
College is where she helps students bridge the gap between high school
and Coastal Carolina University. She previously worked at Broome
Community College in Binghamton, NY as an Academic Advisor. She
has her Master’s Degree in Social Science and a Bachelor’s Degree in
Psychobiology. She is passionate about helping students achieve their
dreams, animals, quilting, and beading.
Fun Facts about Your Advisor
Ms. Varga’s favorite restaurant to go to in the area is the
Melting Pot.
Her favorite book of all time is In Cold Blood by Truman
Capote
The best advice that she ever received relating to college was to
keep all of her old papers, as she may be able to use them in the
future.
Ms. Varga wishes students would go to their advisor to get their
academic information.
She believes that two of the things that separate Coastal
Carolina University from the pack is the amount and quality of
academic assistance that is available to them and the
determination of the University College help new students succeed.
First-Year Academic Advisor
Prince 213 J
843-349-2984
M.A., The Ohio State University
B.A., The Ohio State University
Brian Wagner joined Coastal Carolina University's advising staff in October 2011. He is originally from the Cleveland area, growing up in predominately rural Newbury, Ohio. Brian obtained his Bachelor's degree in Communication (2001) and Master's degree in Higher Education and Student Affairs (2008) from The Ohio State University. While in graduate school, Brian completed graduate projects in higher education at Lancaster University in Lancaster, England. Professionally, Brian has worked in residence life and housing at Otterbein University and Cleveland State University as a Resident Director for over 3 years. Before coming to Coastal, he worked in non-profit mentoring underrepresented students and helping these students apply to college. In his spare time Brian enjoys hiking, traveling, photography, volunteering and Ohio State football.
Fun Facts about Your Advisor
His favorite book is Watership Down by Richard Adams.
The best advice Brian received about college was to challenge yourself beyond your comfort zone both academically and socially. The knowledge and pride that you accomplished something difficult far outweighs the initial discomfort or anxiety.
He would like his advisees to know that their professors are approachable and to speak to them when they are having difficulties in class. Especially approach those professors in your major because they also have knowledge about opportunities in your career as well as internships.
One of the most amazing characteristics of Coastal Carolina University is the politeness and friendliness of the students and staff. It is such a pleasure to see smiling faces as you walk across campus and meet with students.
Misti Williams
First-Year Academic Advisor
Prince 213J
843-349-xxxx
B.A., University of Washington Political Science, Minor Communications
M.A., University of Washington Political Science, Communications
Ph.D., University of Washington Political Science, Communications
Misti Williams joined Coastal Carolina University's advising staff in September 2011. She is originally from Portland, Oregon, but moved to Seattle to attend the University of Washington. There, she completed a Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts, and Doctoral degree in the fields of Poltical Science and Communication. Her research has recently been published in Generational Analysis: Theory and Practice in International Relations and Comparative Politics, edited by Brent J. Steele and Jonathan M. Acuff. While in school, Misti Williams also worked as a college instructor and undergraduate advisor. She enjoys live music, classic films, and all things pop culture and is thrilled to be living in an area where she can finally get some sun.
Fun Facts about Your Advisor
• Misti's favorite book is The Book of Lost Things, by John Connolly but she also loves anything written by Margaret Atwood, Tom Robbins, or Neil Gaiman.
• The best piece of information that she ever received about college was that education should not be pursued simply to confirm pre-existing beliefs. If you don't change your mind about something at least once during college, then you're probably doing something wrong.
She believes that CCU's understanding and commitment to students' needs sets it apart from other colleges and universities.
• She would like her advisees to know that the knowledge received from their education can occasionally be more important than the grades they receive. Even if a class is challenging, the content might be vital to your future success!
