Affinity Group Advocate
Veterans & Active Military

Email: joconnor@nctc.edu
Call: (940) 498-6258

“I am a nine year Army veteran. I served in the Infantry at 10th Mt Division in New York, and the 75th Reserve here in D/FW. I understand the transition from a military way of life to a civilian one - especially a college civilian world - is often not easy. I want to be available if you need help acclimating to an academic mindset - it's not as daunting as you think!”

Affinity Group Advocate
Rural Communities

Email: cbewley@nctc.edu
Call: (940) 521-0720, ext. 7102

“Rural students have a unique set of challenges to overcome. Being a 5th generation Graham-ite who is small town and rural to the core, I understand those challenges. I look forward to helping our students make this area a positive, productive, and promising place for generations to come.”

Affinity Group Advocate
Rural Communities

Email: cbrown@nctc.edu
Phone: (940) 498-6440, ext. 4912

Affinity Group Advocate
Students with Children

Email: cjaimes@nctc.edu
Call: (940) 498-6203

“As a parent myself, I empathize with the struggles and celebrate the joys of other parents. I recognize that single parents especially may face certain stressors and I hope to be a source of support!”

Affinity Group Advocate
Students with Children

Email: ccapuchina@nctc.edu
Call: (940) 498-6412

“As a single mom, I raised my kids while working and attending school. I know how stressful and hard it can be. I just want you to know that you are not alone. As someone who has once been where you are now, I will be here to listen, guide, and support you in any way that I possibly can. You CAN do this!”

Affinity Group Advocate
Students with Children

Email: jdoran@nctc.edu
Call: (940) 498-6424

“Students who are also parents face unique challenges and may feel torn between work, school and family life. As a former student / parent, I experienced some of those struggles. Now I am excited to help others who are juggling these very important responsibilities and working to achieve better lives for their families.”

Affinity Group Advocate
Students with Children

Email: stipton@nctc.edu
Call: (940) 668-7731 ext. 4010

“I know firsthand how challenging it is to be a parent while also going to school. I am here to support you and provide resources to help you achieve your goals. It is extremely valuable to have someone who understands your situation and can offer support and guidance when things feel overwhelming. I will be here to cheer you on until the finish line!”

Affinity Group Advocate
Students with Children / Pride Alliance

Email: bwright@nctc.edu
Call: (972) 899-8348

“Being able to see students learn about themselves and grow as individuals is so exciting to be able to be a part of. I want to be a mentor for all students to help them take opportunities without fear or self-doubt and learn there is a place to be their authentic self.”

Affinity Group Advocate
Latinx

Email: dgarcia@nctc.edu
Call: (940) 668-7731

“We would like to meet you! E-mail is the best way to contact me or on the app! Let’s chat! Si quieres, podemos hablar en español. (Sé lo suficiente para poder hablar contigo.)”

Affinity Group Advocate
Food & housing Insecurity

Email: bcurtis@nctc.edu
Call: (940) 498-6422

“My story is too long for this quote, but even though I don’t know your exact circumstances, I know what homelessness, extreme living conditions, and sustained poverty feels like. But that isn’t you; it’s just your circumstances. The one possession that can never be taken from you is hope, but if you do happen to misplace it, I’ll be happy to do my best to help you find it once again.”

Affinity Group Advocate
Black & African American Students / Women & Minorities in STEM

Email: fhaskins@nctc.edu
Call: (972) 899-8400, ext. 8506 

“As an African American male, I know firsthand the struggles young African American male have trying to navigate higher education. I want to be an advocate, a resource and a mentor to these students.  I want to personally help these students through completion of college. This is needed because statistics show that African American males everywhere are struggling to complete their degree and excel in higher education. Let’s work together to prove that these statistics don't know anything about you.”

“Women and minorities have been treated in the USA as second-class citizens. The effects of this treatment have caused a deficit in positions of leadership in many different industries. This is why I am an advocate of women and minorities in STEM majors. My goal is to encourage these demographics to pursue their dream in STEM fields to help build leaders for a better America.”

Affinity Group Advocate
Black & African American Students / Veterans & Active Military

Email: afleeks@nctc.edu
Call: (940) 668-7731 ext. 4955

“I personally wanted to take on the Affinity Group for African American women because that is who I am. I know what it is to live in poverty. I know what it is to have to find my own way, because I am the first in my family to go to college, graduate, and pursue graduate school. I know what is to not have anyone who looks like you, try to help you and fail because they don't understand you or your journey. I am grateful for this opportunity to impart, advise, and lead more African American women on their purposeful journey. It is important that the youth in our community can physically see people like themselves contributing to society, and just maybe their footsteps will reach higher ground than mine ever could.”

“I served as a School Certifying Official (SCO) for veterans for 5 years. Although I am no longer in that position, I learned a plethora of information that I think all VA student’s should know. I am very grateful and humbled by their sacrifice and bravery; it is an honor to serve such an amazing group of people!”

Affinity Group Advocate
Black & African American Students / Pride Alliance

Email: damitchell@nctc.edu
Call: (972) 899-8417

“As a Black woman, I can personally relate to being a minority in a college setting. I can remember many times being the only person of color in my college classes and feeling like I did not belong. Luckily, I had people in my corner that helped me and reminded me that I could do it! I hope to be able to pay it forward and make a positive impact on students that had similar experiences to me.”

Affinity Group Advocate
Adult Learners

Email: cgottardi@nctc.edu
Call: (940) 498-6282, ext. 6420

“I have great respect for those who have already navigated life, careers and family. They enter college with more wisdom, knowledge and drive than most. The life experience and knowledge they bring helps enrich the learning process for not only their fellow students but for the entire NCTC team. It’s not easy to start school again after a long break, but education has no age limit.”

Affinity Group Advocate
Adult Learners

Email: ssolomon@nctc.edu
Call: (940) 498-6459

“As a career coach and a career changer myself, I have a natural connection with Adult Learners. I can provide insight and resources to help guide you towards success in your individual journey towards improving, expanding, or changing your career. I admire individuals who have the courage to take action to get to where they want to be, and I look forward to partnering with you as you strive to meet your goals.”

Affinity Group Advocate
Adult Learners / Students with Children

Email: smkluth@nctc.edu
Call: (972) 899-8408

“As a fellow adult learner, I hope I can provide encouragement, insight, and resources as you are working towards your educational goals. Juggling multiple roles and dealing with new technology are challenging, but not insurmountable. Adult learners bring a lot to the table with career and life experiences. I look forward to supporting you in your journey!”

“Being a student with children is challenging! As parents we tend to put everything else ahead of our own needs and when it comes to balancing our family life, work-life, and school-life it can feel like we are spinning plates in the air. I want to be a source of support so that you know you are not alone in this journey. ”

Affinity Group Advocate
Adult Learners

Email: gcox@nctc.edu
Call: (940) 498-6450

“Over the last two decades, my teaching and advising experience has allowed me to develop a broad familiarity with students' differing educational and experiential backgrounds. More than that, however, I was an adult learner myself. Adult learners often juggle work, family, and other responsibilities, in addition to coursework. I appreciate the courage and sacrifice it sometimes takes for those who choose to return to school later in life. I look forward to helping you navigate these and other challenges on your path to success.”

Affinity Group Advocate
Adult Learners

Email: bbjohnson@nctc.edu
Phone: (972) 899-8409

“I admire adult learners because they often balance personal and professional responsibilities while pursuing their education. As a higher education professional, I look forward to helping adult learners be successful in their studies while also gaining wisdom and insight from them since I myself am an adult learner.“

Affinity Group Advocate
Pride Alliance

Email: dhooper@nctc.edu
Phone: (940)498-6266

“Every person has the right to feel happy, secure and equal within society. I have very dear family and friends who identify with this group who I have seen struggle as they adjust to openly identifying as LGBT+. I am here to support and advocate as needed.”

Enrollment Guide
Admissions

Campus: Gainesville / Bowie
Email: kosteen@nctc.edu
Phone: (940)668-4400