Meet Our Staff
Scroll down to find your FASTrack team member. Under their name, click on “Schedule an Appointment” to access their calendar and schedule a meeting.
Derrick Jones
Director
308 George Hall
662-915-1448
dtjones8@olemiss.edu
Mr. Jones previously served as executive director of Upward Bound at Mississippi Valley State University for 13 years, which provided low-income, first-generation high school students from the Mississippi Delta with a strict academic curriculum, academic help and cultural activities to broaden their horizons toward higher education.
Jones is delighted and grateful to serve as the director of such an esteemed and established learning community that helps first-year students matriculate, build great character and feel right at home at the University of Mississippi.
Arlanda Washington
Operations Coordinator II
309 George Hall
662-915-1448
awashin2@olemiss.edu
She is a native of Holly Springs, MS and now resides in Oxford, MS. Before joining the University of Mississippi with the McLean Institute in 2013, she served for 6 years as Secretary to the Division of Education at Rust College, in Holly Springs, MS. Arlanda holds an undergraduate degree in Business Administration/Child Care Management from Rust College.
Corianna Newsom-Jolly
Coordinator of Communications & Student Recruitment
316 George Hall
662-915-1568
ccnewsom@olemiss.edu
Corianna is a two-time alum of the University of Mississippi completing her Master of Arts in Higher Education and Student Personnel in 2017 and a Bachelor of Education in Secondary Education with an emphasis in Social Studies in 2014. Prior to returning to the University of Mississippi, Corianna was an Academic Advisor at the University of Alabama for first year undeclared students, and also an instructor of a university compass course for 4 years at UA. She enjoys acclimating and assisting first year, marginalized and underserved students to the campus while enhancing their academic and social skills. Her hobbies are traveling, spending time with her family, and volunteering.
Brandee Bradley
Academic Advisor
314 George Hall
662-915-2006
bbradley3@olemiss.edu
Brandee is originally from Inverness, Mississippi and earned her B.A. in English from Delta State University and M.Ed. in Counselor Education from the University of Mississippi. Brandee is an experienced educator dedicated to helping students reach their potential. She is most passionate about being the number one fan of her three talented daughters.
Dakota Robertson
Academic Advisor
317 George Hall
662-915-8319
djbass@olemiss.edu
Dakota is a two-time alumna of the University of Mississippi, with a bachelor’s degree in social work and a master’s degree in higher education and student personnel. As a first generation student, Dakota has a passion for helping students explore their many career and college options and choose their next steps after high school.
Fredrick Tidwell
Academic Mentor
312 George Hall
662-915-1922
fltidwel@olemiss.edu
Fred is a native of Grenada, MS, and two-time alum of the University of Mississippi. Fred graduated in 2022 receiving his Bachelors of Applied Science in Social Work. He received his Master of Arts in Higher Education/Student Personnel in 2024. Fred considers himself an educational enthusiast, always looking for an opportunity to increase his knowledge. Outside of work, Fred enjoys spending endless hours with his family and trying new foods.
Daniel Menard
Academic Mentor
313 George Hall
662-915-2592
dkmenard@olemiss.edu
Danny, a native from the shores of Gulfport, MS, obtained his B.A. in English from the University of Mississippi in 2017. He furthered his education at UM earning a Master’s in Higher Education/Student Personnel in 2024. Danny is committed to helping students navigate transitions with empathy and firsthand insight into their challenges. Outside of his work with students, Danny enjoys shining shoes, cherishing moments with his wife, and dedicating himself to continuous personal growth.
Amarea Newson
Graduate Assistant
318 George Hall
ajnewson@go.olemiss.edu
Alexander Price
Graduate Assistant
318 George Hall
acprice2@go.olemiss.edu
In Memory of Ms. Jackie Certion
As Assistant Director for the FASTrack program, Jackie served as the primary guidance for the students’ academic path. As a member of the FASTrack team, she understood and knew the importance of being a major support system for each student. “My willingness to GIVE coupled with their desire to LEARN has become my daily motivation.”
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