The Office of Advising & Technology Initiatives is committed to supporting our undergraduate scholars and the university’s community of academic advisors. As part of the Division of Student Success, we are aligned with the division’s mission to collaborate with UT faculty and staff to help each scholar maximize their individual strengths and understand how their strengths contribute to their academic dreams, career paths, and personal well-being. Our team also supports the academic advising community by providing ongoing professional development and training opportunities for staff, and we work in collaboration with our college partners to coordinate campus-wide advising initiatives.

Isabelle Rena Langham, Director (she/her)

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Isabelle Rena Langham serves as the Director of Advising and Technology Initiatives (ATI), where she leads with a deep commitment to student-centered innovation, strategic collaboration, and intentional design. With over 15 years of experience across higher education, government, and nonprofit sectors, Isabelle brings a unique, cross-sector lens to ATI’s work at UT.

A proud first-generation college graduate from Moss Point, Mississippi, Isabelle holds a B.A. in English from Tennessee State University and an M.Ed. in Organizational Leadership and Communications from Belmont University and currently pursuing a doctorate in Public Administration and Policy. Her work is guided by data-informed, people-first principles that prioritize lived experiences, meaningful connection, and consistent communication. Given the scope of ATI’s work, Isabelle will support campus-wide advising efforts with a forward-looking mindset to contribute to the thriving scholar and advising community landscape.

Isabelle is a NACADA Emerging Leader and an active contributor to the national conversation on advising excellence. Outside of her professional work, she finds joy in music, coloring, and good conversation—often found near water, immersed in culture, or chasing great food.

CliftonStrengths:Futuristic, Strategic, Ideation, Context, Restorative

Stephanie Tanksley, Coordinator of Advising Services

Stephanie serves as the Coordinator of Advising Services in the Office of Advising & Technology Initiatives, where she plays a vital role in supporting both students and faculty by improving academic advising processes and integrating innovative technological solutions.

Stephanie earned her Bachelor of Science in Communication Studies from Tennessee Tech University, where she gained a solid foundation in effective communication and interpersonal skills. She then went on to earn a Master of Science in Information Sciences from the University of Tennessee, equipping herself with a strong background in information technology and its applications in educational settings.

Stephanie completed a Master of Arts in Communications with a concentration in Corporate Communications from Austin Peay State University in December 2024, further honing her expertise in strategic communication and organizational effectiveness. She is a lifelong learner who values continuous growth and is deeply committed to helping students achieve their educational goals, offering guidance, support, and mentorship throughout their academic careers.

Outside of her professional life, Stephanie enjoys a variety of hobbies that allow her to unwind and recharge. She is an avid crocheter, creating beautiful handmade pieces, and she loves attending shows and concerts. Additionally, she cherishes the time spent with her dog, Sadie, who provides her with companionship and joy.

CliftonStrengths:Restorative, Achiever, Learner, Focus, Responsibility

Shena Faith,Coordinator of Administrative Services

Shena serves as the Coordinator of Administrative Services in the Office of Advising & Technology Initiatives. Shena comes to UTK with over 15 years of experience in fitness and wellness programs, 10 of those years being in Campus Recreation. Throughout her career she’s managed fitness programs at several universities and abroad. Shena also served as a Physical Health & Wellness Coach for wounded veterans. She holds a B.A. in Exercise Science from Rowan University and an M.Ed. in Physical Education from Valdosta State University. Shena’s background includes collaborative programming, staff development, assessment, mentoring, and coaching.

Shena’s passion for education and helping others has been the motivation behind her career. She is excited to be on the academic side of an institution and eager to contribute to the positive experience students have a UTK.

CliftonStrengths:Individualization, Restorative, Responsibility, Ideation, Arranger

Dr. Colleen Farrell,Coordinator of Student Services

Dr. Farrell serves as the Coordinator of Student Services in the Office of Advising & Technology Initiatives. Dr. Farrell provides student-centered academic advising services to campus-wide academic advising initiatives and administrative services.  In her position, she strives to provide specialized services and support to university-wide academic advising units. 

Colleen holds a B.S. in Human Ecology from The Ohio State University, a M.S. in Higher Education from Old Dominion University and a Doctor of Education in Global Sport Leadership from East Tennessee State University.  She has 10+ years of higher education experience in a variety of roles in higher education in areas of athletics, teaching, academic advising, and diversity and engagement. 

Colleen has a passion for helping students holistic needs and identifying their goals for success. 

CliftonStrengths:Achiever, Competition, Activator, Positivity, Discipline

Kiley Shumpert, Program Assessment Intern

Kiley comes to UTK from Chattanooga, TN where she earned her International Baccalaureate Diploma from Signal Mountain High School. She currently studies Psychology and minors in both Hispanic Studies and Interpersonal Development. Kiley aspires to work in industrial organizational psychology post graduation and earn her masters. Kiley’s background includes roles in accounting and political assessment, and she is utilizing her current role to build analytical skills in program assessment, deepening her knowledge of the field she is studying and gaining confidence in her skills and their applications. 

Kiley’s passion for academics and her perspective as a student informs her work and her goals in contributing to the university.

CliftonStrengths:Input, Connectedness, Learner, Intellection, Relator