Each Spring semester, the TennACADA membership nominates and elects the upcoming year’s Executive Board. TennACADA leadership may consist of advisors, coaches, and related student success staff who volunteer their time to promote the academic advising profession. We are thankful for their contributions each year!
Below is our 2026-2027 Executive Board. You can view prior leadership in our Past Programming section and the requirements for our leadership positions in our by-laws.
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Raini Sizemore, President Raini is a Senior Academic Advisor in the College of Arts and Sciences. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Tennessee Tech, a Master of Arts in Experimental Psychology from the University of North Carolina Greensboro, and a Master of Science in Academic Advising from Kansas State. Raini primarily supports pre-health, pre-law, exploratory, and College Scholar students. Since becoming an advisor, Raini has enjoyed being an advocate and support system for all students and helping them navigate the complexities of higher education. Raini is from Murfreesboro and enjoys reading (and hoarding books) in sci-fi, fantasy, and classical literature genres. |
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Adam Lanagan, Vice President Adam is a Senior Academic and Career Exploration Coach in the Center for Career Development and Academic Exploration at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Neuroscience from UTK and a Master of Science and Graduate Certificate in Academic Advising from Kansas State University. Drawn to the ACE Coach role because of his own experience as an exploratory student, Adam is passionate about normalizing exploration so students feel supported throughout the process. Before higher education, he explored a wide range of fields including insurance adjusting, logging, retail, automotive, and carpentry. Outside of work, he enjoys book clubs, hiking and backpacking in the Smokies, spending time with his spouse and their two dogs, playing video games, and claims to be the fastest shoelace-tier this side of the Mississippi River. |
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Ashley Shaver, Secretary Ashley is an Academic Advisor in the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from UTK and a Master of Arts in Ethics and Leadership from Johnson University. Since becoming an advisor, Ashley has loved advocating for students and watching them succeed. She is from Mt. Juliet, TN and enjoys spending time outside, reading a good book, and exploring new places with her husband! |
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Diamond Leonard, Communications Coordinator Hello! My name is Diamond Leonard, and I’m so excited to serve as your Communications Coordinator this year! I have been working at UTK for a little over four years, but I have been in my current advising role since February 2025. I currently advise our Biological Sciences major and pre-health students within the College of Arts and Sciences while liaising specifically with our Ecology and Evolutionary Biology department. I have lived in the Knoxville area for most of my life (other than a 5-year adventure in NYC) and love everything this city has to offer. I especially enjoy a fun workout class, taking the dogs to the park or on hikes, trying new restaurants, and of course a good weekend road trip. I look forward to meeting more of you this coming year and developing some innovative and fun programming for our advising community! |
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Kirstie Fredrich, Membership Coordinator Kirstie is a Senior Academic Advisor in the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences that primarily works with KRSS students. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from UTK and a Master of Education from Lincoln Memorial University. Prior to stepping into her advising role, she worked in K-6 education for a decade where she focused on student success and building positive relationships that empowered students. Kirstie is originally from New Orleans, Louisiana; however, she grew up in a handful of states. Outside of work, she is an avid reader, a lifelong learner, a collector of creative endeavors such as junk journaling and crocheting and is always looking forward to her next trip or adventure. |
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Sydney Chipley, Professional Development & Education Committee Chair Hi! My name is Sydney Chipley. I have been an academic advisor in the College of Nursing since January 2025 but have worked in education for almost 6 years! I am passionate about student success. I am so excited to serve as the PDEC chair this year for TennACADA. I believe this opportunity will allow me to provide great professional development opportunities to the UTK Advising and Advising Adjacent Communities! My hobbies include baking, arts & crafts, traveling, and spending time with my family and friends. I also love spending time with my fiancé & trying new restaurants around Knoxville. |
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Jeanette Stevens, Community Building & Engagement Committee Chair Biography coming soon! |