UT Tyler Student Success
UT Tyler Student Success
Leadership Team
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Ona Tolliver Ona Tolliver serves The University of Texas at Tyler as the Senior Vice President for Student Success. She joined UT Tyler in 2008 as the Director of Student Life and Leadership and in 2010 she progressed to the role of Dean of Students and Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs. Having worked in Higher Education, specifically in the field of Student Affairs, she brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her work with students in the areas of student engagement, civic responsibility, retention, support and leadership. Ona’s experience in Higher Education includes working specifically with student development, policy and student transition. During her time at UT Tyler, Ona has been integral to the creation of a number of new offices, programs and services dedicated to improving student success, retention and the operation of the university. These programs include the Military and Veterans Success Center, the Students in Recovery program, university-wide Scheduling & Conference Services office, Title IX Office, Patriot Pantry and the Center for Student Financial Wellness. Ona has worked to improve student persistence and retention through creation of the CARE team and serving as both the Deputy Title IX Coordinator and Foster Care Alumni liaison with the State of Texas. Ona has worked with various community organizations including the local food bank, and agencies supporting the education and prevention of violence against women. She is an alumni of Leadership Tyler having participated in Class 30 and served as the former President of the Board of Directors for the Smith County Habitat for Humanity. Prior to joining UT Tyler, Ona served as the Associate Dean of Students at the University of North Texas. In her role at UNT, Ona provided oversight for student activities, Greek life, volunteer programs, student organization risk management, crises intervention and retention programs. Ona received her Master of Education degree in Higher Education and Counseling and Student Affairs from the University of North Texas.
Assistant Vice President & Dean of Students Andrew Pettee assumed the role of Assistant Vice President for Student Success and Dean of Students in November of 2019. He is currently responsible for Student Conduct and Intervention, Center for Student Financial Wellness, Student Wellness, Students in Recovery, Residence Life, the University Center, Scheduling and Conference Services, the Military and Veteran Success Center and the University CARE Team. He has over a decade of experience in higher education and most recently served in leadership positions within the Purdue University System. Andrew has a demonstrated expertise in student behavior management and Intervention, threat assessment, retention, compliance specifically with Title IX, Clery Act, and the Federal Educational Rights and Privacy Act, Strategic Planning, Strategic Resource Allocation, Bystander Intervention, and facilities management. Andrew holds a Level Three certification from the Association of Title IX Administrators, is a Certified Green Dot Implementation Instructor, and is actively involved in the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators, the Association of Student Conduct Administrators, and the National Behavior Intervention Team Association. He holds a Master of Arts degree in Student Affairs and Higher Education with an emphasis in Leadership, from Eastern Michigan University, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology, also from Eastern Michigan University. Andrew is married to Linda Atkinson-Pettee who is also a higher education administrator, and they have two children, O'Neil and Raegan, and a coonhound named Bean.
Assistant Vice President and Director, Student Engagement Since March 2021, Joshua has held the position of Assistant Vice President for Student Success and Director of Student Engagement. Prior to this role, he served as Director of Student Engagement and Assistant Director of Student Life & Leadership. In his current capacity, Joshua oversees various student-centered initiatives, including Campus Activities, Esports, Free Speech, Greek Affairs, Leadership & Service, Mentoring Programs, New Student Programs, Parent & Family Programs, Patriots Engage, Student Government Association, Student Organizations, Student Success at Health Science Center, and Transition Programs. Before joining UT Tyler, Joshua held the position of Assistant Director of Residence Life & Housing at William Peace University in Raleigh, North Carolina. He is a native of Stephenville, Texas, and holds a Bachelor of Science in Multidisciplinary Studies (Social Studies 8-12) from McMurry University and a Master of Science in Higher Education Student Affairs from the University of North Texas. Throughout his career, Joshua has actively participated in professional organizations such as NASPA, NODA, TACUSPA, and AFA. He is a member of Leadership Tyler Class 33 and currently serves on the Leadership Tyler board. In his personal time, Joshua enjoys spending time with his family, particularly watching Marvel and Star Wars movies and playing video games.
Executive Director of Career Success Rosemary Cooper, PhD is the Executive Director of Career Success at The University of Texas at Tyler. She also serves as an adjunct faculty member in the department of Human Resource Development in the Soules College of Business and in the department of Public Administration in the College of Arts and Sciences. She previously served as the Director of Enrollment Services at UT Tyler. She is a three-time alum of UT Tyler and holds a Ph.D. in Human Resource Development with a specialization in organizational development and change and a Master’s of Public Administration. She has worked in higher education for over 25 years. Dr. Cooper has been recognized for her research in the areas of shared services, employee engagement and organizational change and has presented nationally on these topics. She is an alum of Leadership Tyler Class 28, Leadership Tyler’s Catalyst 100 Program and The University of Texas System Women’s Leadership Program. Dr. Cooper has also served on the City of Tyler Mayor’s Veterans and Community Roundtable and as a member of the Women’s Symphony League of Tyler. She is the 2018 recipient of the UT Tyler President’s Excellence Award and was recognized as the 2022 Teacher of the Year, by the Rotary Club of Tyler. She is a native of Nashville, Tennessee but now calls Tyler, Texas home.
Executive Director, Office of International Programs Cynthia Martinez is the Executive Director of the Office of International Programs at UT Tyler, where she oversees International Student and Scholar Services, Study Abroad programs, the Intensive English Language Institute, and Passport Services. Cynthia is passionate about higher education and the transformative impact it has on individuals and communities. She is committed to creating life-changing opportunities for students, from supporting international students as they navigate new environments to empowering study abroad participants to expand their perspectives and embrace global learning. With 13 years of experience in international education, Cynthia and her team bring vibrant energy to the UT Tyler community through dynamic programs such as Diwali, Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations, and Lunar New Year festivities. These events enrich campus life and provide meaningful opportunities for engagement across the university. Cynthia has supported the development of strategic international partnerships, including a recent collaboration with Al Akhawayn University in Morocco, which expands academic and exchange opportunities for students and faculty. She is the former Chair of Study Texas, an active member of NAFSA: Association of International Educators, serves on the Operating Council of the Texas International Education Consortium's (TIEC), and sits on the Board of Tyler Sister Cities. During her free time, Cynthia enjoys traveling and spending time with her husband, their three children, and their beloved Pekingese, Sumi, who keeps the family entertained. A self-proclaimed foodie, she loves spicy food and sushi, often pairing her meals with a binge-watch session of The Office. She also enjoys word games and proudly counts the time she guessed the Wordle on her first try as one of her greatest victories. She holds a master’s degree in Sociology and a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, both from Texas A&M International University. |
