Meet Our Staff
Mission
The Holman Success Center provides services to all students—those at risk, on academic probation, and currently well-performing—that support the development of skills they need to achieve academic success. Our services are innovative and utilize technology in unique and effective ways. We enhance students’ academic and personal development and assist them in creating opportunities for growth. Our mission includes the understanding and use of coordinated referrals to campus offices and resources to ensure that no student ever feels dismissed or abandoned by our staff. At Holman Success Center, we are committed to providing services to support student transitions through graduation and delivering excellence in everything we do.
Vision
Services that support students’ development of skills to achieve academic success
Philosophy on Diversity
At the Holman Success Center, we value the diverse experiences of our staff and students. Our goal is to empower disenfranchised populations and to provide a community for the unsupported, education to the marginalized, and opportunities to the silenced. We are committed to providing a compassionate student-focused office that places emphasis on building self-confidence, awareness, and education around the ideas of diversity, inclusion, and equity. The hope is that those who enter our doors will be propelled to become change agents in our society.
Meet Our Staff

Holli Black, MSA
Holli Black, MSA
Associate Director, Holman Success Center - Student
Supplemental Instruction, Tutoring, Success Coaching, Mentor Collective, KCP 4S 4 Success program, KCP GEAR UP program
[email protected]
Need an appointment?
Holli is a dedicated educator with a strong passion for fostering student success. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Education and a Master of Science in Administration (MSA) with a focus on leadership from Central Michigan University. Currently, she is pursuing a Doctorate in Educational Leadership (Ph.D) to further her commitment to shaping the educational landscape.
Before transitioning to Eastern Michigan University (EMU), Holli spent eight years at Central Michigan University, where she held multiple roles, including coordinator, academic advisor, and director. During this time, she worked closely with 4S and GEAR UP scholars, helping them achieve their academic goals.
Now at the Holman Success Center, Holli is excited to engage with hundreds of EMU scholars as they begin their academic journeys. As a first-generation college graduate herself, she is particularly passionate about supporting students in their pursuit of success and reaching the finish line. Her door is always open to students and colleagues alike.
In her free time, Holli enjoys karaoke, dancing, and spending quality time with family and friends.

Tracey Sonntag, M.A.
Tracey Sonntag, M.A.
Associate Director, Holman Success Center - Data
Data Collection and Assessment, Success Coaching, Peer Academic Coaches, Eagle Rewards, Equipment Loan Program, EMU EagleApp, Starfish, KCP 4S 4 Success program, KCP MICUP program
[email protected]
Tracey has earned a BS in professional writing with a minor in business, an MA in written communication: teaching of writing, and a graduate certificate in higher education: academic advising; all from Eastern Michigan University.
At Holman Success Center she has the opportunity to interact with hundreds of first-year and at-risk students. As a first-generation student herself, she is fulfilled by those small moments of celebration when she can assist a student in their path to degree completion.
When not knee-deep in data and spreadsheets, she plays a lot of board games, video games, and table-top RPGs with her friends, partner, kids, fairy goddaughters, grandson, and cats. The cats are not very good at it.

Kiera Berry, B.A.
Kiera Berry, B.A.
KCP GEAR UP Coordinator
Kiera holds a BA in Family Life Education from Spring Arbor University. Prior to joining EMU, Kiera worked as the operations director at the Boys & Girls Club of Southeastern Michigan. She has worked with grades K-12 for over 5 years.
As a product of programs like KCP and GEAR UP as a first-generation college grad, Kiera is excited to continue to expose youth to college and career readiness. She also hopes to encourage current EMU students to give back by volunteering with GEAR UP and creating peer to near peer relationships.
In her spare time, Kiera loves spending time with her husband, three children, and two dogs. She also loves competition shows and hopes to one day be a contestant.

Scott Kardel, MSW
Scott Kardel, MSW
KCP Gear Up Coordinator
Scott Kardel earned his master's degree in Social Work here at EMU in April of 2022 as well as his bachelor's degree in social work from EMU back in 2017. Scott spent two years as a success coach while completing his master's degree and now has returned as a full time success coach here at the Holman Success Center.
Scott is passionate about student success and is dedicated to helping students achieve their goals academically and professionally while also making the most of their college experience personally. In his free time, Scott loves to explore, travel, and spend time with friends and family. If you are new to the area, ask Scott for his coffee picks!

LaTina Jackson, M.Ed.
LaTina Jackson, M.Ed.
KCP Program Coordinator
LaTina holds a B.S. degree in sociology from Eastern Michigan University and a M.Ed. in educational counseling with an emphasis in student affairs from Northern Arizona University. In the Holman Success Center LaTina is excited to work with KCP 4S and MICUP students. She has over a decade of experience supporting students and is passionate about helping students achieve their academic goals, social and personal well-being.
Beyond her professional endeavors, LaTina finds joy in various hobbies, including cooking, playing board games, journaling, and cherishing moments with her loved ones.

Kimberly Jones M.A.
Kimberly Jones M.A.
UNIV Instructor and Success Coach
Edge Program, Social Media and Promotion
[email protected]
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Kimberly Jones has earned her master's in educational leadership: higher education student affairs (HESA), a graduate certificate in higher education: academic advising, a bachelor's degree in psychology, and a bachelor's in literature; all from Eastern Michigan University. Kim has spent over fifteen years working with the EMU Alumni Association and has served as President of the Eastern Michigan University Black Alumni Association (EMUBA) from 2016-2020.Kim has spent the past six years working as a Success Coach in the Holman Success Center and an instructor of UNIV 101L3: Introduction to Student Success.
Affectionately known by students as Ms.Kim, she is dedicated to helping students achieve their academic and professional goals in life while maintaining a fun and engaged work-life balance. Kim is a devoted mother to her family, while serving her community as a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated, Lambda Pi Omega Chapter and as the President of Renaissance High School Alumni Association in Detroit.