Meet Our Staff
We welcome you to contact our staff with your questions about the University of Memphis. If you wish to contact the specific counselor that serves your school or state, please select the US State or Tennessee County maps below.
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Connor Bankey - Coordinator Transfer Student Enrollment
cbankey@memphis.edu
Phone:901-678-2617

Cade Forbes - Coordinator of Campus Visitation
I am originally from Brighton, TN but recently moved back to Memphis and am loving every second of it. I received my Bachelor's Degree in Communication Studies from the University of Memphis in May of 2023. I am a proud alumni, and am honored to now be leading our Campus Visit Program to new heights! One of my favorite parts of my job is getting the chance to meet so many new people each and every day. No day is ever the same, but I have great interns and students who make every day fun nonetheless! Outside of work, you can find me on stage across the Memphis area in various theatrical productions. I hope to see you on campus soon, and as always, Go Tigers!

Kayla Hubbard - Director of Regional Recruitment
kbhbbrd1@memphis.edu
Phone:901-678-4890
I was born and raised in Mississippi, and I am 2018 graduate of The University of Southern Mississippi. All of my immediate family have a bachelor’s degree from USM which means as the youngest child, I was lucky enough to have an easy transition to college because my family’s support. I know this is not the case for the majority of students entering college, so I am excited to use my knowledge and skills to help students have a seamless transition from high school to college. I am currently pursuing my masters in Leadership and Policy Studies with an emphasis in Student Personnel. Please reach out to me if you need anything! Go Tigers!

Kyle Nixon - Dean of Admissions
kcnixon@memphis.edu
Phone:901-678-2163
I was born and raised in south Mississippi, but have found a home here in Memphis! I graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi with a bachelor’s degree in psychology, and from Louisiana State University with a master’s in Higher Education Administration. What I love most about Memphis is the chance to always experience something different – no two days are the same. From kayaking at Shelby Farms Park, enjoying a summer concert at the Overton Park Shell, to eating some world-renowned BBQ downtown, there’s always something to do in Memphis. Come see for yourself; I think you’ll feel the same way!

Celia Parsons - Assistant Director of Admissions Engagement and New Student Orientation
crprsons@memphis.edu
Phone:901-678-4182

Matt Rhodes - Assistant Director of Transfer Admission
mdrhodes@memphis.edu
Phone:901-678-1493

Armella Smith - Coordinator Admissions Recruitment and Orientation
aabecton@memphis.edu
Phone:901-678-2332
I am a proud Memphis native and the University of Memphis graduate who is a dedicated advocate for student achievement. For more than 25 years, I served as the Senior Dual Enrollment Advisor for Memphis-Shelby County Schools, building strong partnerships with students, high schools, and universities while helping students take their first step toward college. In a full-circle transition, I recently returned to my alma mater, where I am excited to give back, inspire, and serve the next generation of Tigers.

Jamie Staggs - Director of Regional Recruitment
jstaggs1@memphis.edu
Phone:901-678-2984
I am from Illinois, and it is my pleasure to assist our Midwest students from Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Missouri, and Wisconsin. My office is regionally based near St. Louis, Missouri. I graduated from Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville with a double major in Speech Communication and Mass Communication. I think students appreciate the innovation and creativity that can be found in our classrooms, plus they get to enjoy the amazing music, food, parks, and entertainment that the city of Memphis can offer them.

