Cherry Ross

My name is Cherry Ross, and I am the Academic Coach for the Labry School of Science,
Technology, and Business. My role as an academic coach is to support you in whatever you need
to be successful and thrive in college. I will tailor my support to meet your needs as a student. It
might be in the form of accountability or helping you develop skills and mindsets to persevere
and achieve your goals.

Before joining Cumberland, I was an elementary school educator. I have taught first, second, and
third grade and was an Instructional Coach for elementary school teachers for over nine years. I
have an undergraduate degree from Austin Peay State University, a master's degree from Middle
Tennessee University, and an Educational Specialist Degree from Lipscomb University. I am
currently working on my Doctorate in Learning Organization and Strategic Change at Lipscomb
University.

My husband David and I have three amazing kids and one great son-in-law. Along with my kids,
I have a cute hot mess dog named Snoopy.

Feel free to stop by the LCC, room 203, to talk or grab a snack between classes. You can also
email me at cross@cumberland.edu. I look forward to meeting you!

Jodi Sydenstricker 

Hello everyone! My name is Jodi Sydenstricker, and I am the Academic Coach for the Rudy School of Nursing and Health Professions. I am here to help you navigate your first year at CU by helping you succeed through goal setting and tracking your academic progress.

I am a Wilson County native and from Lebanon, TN. I started my academic journey at CU in August of 2017 utilizing TN Promise. After earning my AA, I continued my schooling with the Rudy School as an Exercise and Sport Science major. Upon graduating with my bachelors, I joined the Admissions team full-time in May of 2021 as the University Concierge. In January 2022, I was promoted to the Campus Visit & Guest Experience Coordinator. After earning my MBA in October of 2023, I started my current role as an Academic Coach and Instructor.

I am a member of the 1842 Society, Omicron Delta Kappa Honors Society, Delta Mu Delta, and served as a Graduate Studies Representative for SGA at CU. I recommend everyone to get involved in any way they can! My favorite thing about CU is helping students adjust to college. Outside of work, I enjoy attending sporting events, traveling, and reading.

Feel free to stop by to see me in the LCC, Room 203, or email me at jsydenstricker@cumberland.edu.

Hannah Cole

Hi everyone! I’m Hannah Cole, and I’m an academic coach at Cumberland for the Millard and JJ Oakley School of Humanities, Education & the Arts. I’m happy to help you all succeed at Cumberland and thrive during your time at the university!

Before Cumberland, I worked as a Graduate Assistant for Tennessee Technological University where I taught English Composition and tutored students in writing. At Tech, I earned my Master of Arts in English. Prior to that, I received my Bachelor of Arts in English from Austin Peay State University. I will gladly talk your ear off about any literature, but specifically I love Shakespeare.

During my time at both universities I worked closely with the Women and Gender Studies programs and greatly enjoyed that work. I’ve also worked for Nashville’s theater community at Nashville Children’s Theater and the Nashville Repertory Theater, so, along with academic coaching, I’m happy to share my knowledge about monologues or puppetry.

Outside of my role at Cumberland, I also enjoy reading at home with my three cats, concerts, specifically Taylor Swift, and movie theater popcorn.

I’m happy to meet in the LCC, Room 203, or you can always reach me at hcole@cumberland.edu.