Meet the Advising Staff

Professional Experience:

Prior to joining Thomas Edison State University, Carla Colburn served in the U.S. Navy working in the field of electronic communications. She has worked as an academic advisor at a number of institutions during and following her military service. At Thomas Edison State University, she advises students pursuing degrees offered through the School of Applied Science and Technology.

Words of wisdom:

All the courses you need for your degree may not be easy. Remember, everyone has their own unique areas of expertise and talent. You can accomplish anything you really want as long as you never give up.

Relationship with students:

Since my students are all adults, I try to act as a guide who can advise them on the selection of appropriate courses for their chosen degree. My role is to provide my students with help so they can attain their academic and career goals as quickly as possible.

Interests:

Spending time with my family, reading, history and traveling to historic sites.

Professional Experience:

Rhonda Beckett has 20-plus years of experience in academia. Prior to joining Thomas Edison State University, she worked in various capacities at two-year institutions. At Thomas Edison State University, Beckett primarily advises students focused on degree programs in human services and liberal studies. She also assists prelaw students by locating resources to pursue acceptance into law school.

Words of wisdom:

The will of God will never take you where the grace of God will not protect you.

Relationship with students:

I try to instill a sense of self-confidence and independence in the students I work with by providing them with as much information and guidance as possible

Interests:

Entrepreneurship, art and teaching art appreciation.

Professional Experience:

Sherwood Brown has worked both in the corporate sector and government before entering academia. Prior to joining Thomas Edison State University, he worked at Merrill Lynch in the benefits and insurance department. He later joined the public sector working for a local municipality and focusing on workforce development. Brown has also worked as a consultant helping small business owners.

Words of wisdom:

“Education is the key to unlock the golden door of freedom.” (George Washington Carver)

Relationship with students:

I am an advisor for the business degree programs.

Interests:

Being entrepreneurial, writing, watching football and basketball, movies, listening to music, video games and traveling.

Professional Experience:

Prior to joining Thomas Edison State University, Patricia Certo worked as an Admissions Recruiter for Rosemont College. She worked as an Admissions Counselor at Thomas Edison State University before moving to the Office of Academic Advising.

Words of wisdom:

You never know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have.

Relationship with students:

I primarily advise students in the business degrees. I have a friendly personality and am eager to assist students in reaching their academic goals.

Interests:

Her son, traveling overseas, reading about ancient history and shopping for purses and shoes.

Professional Experience:

After earning her undergraduate degree, Donna Keehbler worked as a cartographer for Hammond Publishers working on the final edits of state and country maps to be entered into their database. While earning her first graduate degree, she worked for the Cook/Douglass Learning Resource Center and for the Douglass College dean’s office processing the pregraduation audits. After earning her EdM, Keehbler taught preschool for a year at a Montessori school.

In 1995, she joined Thomas Edison State University as a transcript evaluator for the BSAST degrees. In 2000, she joined the advisement staff as an advisor for the BA and BSAST programs. Today, Keehbler focus solely on the science and technology degrees.

Words of wisdom:

Speaking from experience, try not to procrastinate. It is easier to learn over a full semester, not just in the final weeks of a course.

Relationship with students:

My role is to guide students to degree completion by letting them know all their options for completing requirements.

Interests:

Reading, rollerblading, snowboarding, walking my dog and watching hockey and baseball on TV.

Professional Experience:

After graduating from Monmouth University, Michael Patrick worked for a global publishing company and then for a corporate social responsibility firm. Patrick joined the University in 2003 as a transcript evaluator. Patrick recently joined the advisement staff and advises for the Bachelor of Arts program.

Words of wisdom:

Being a nontraditional and an adult student come with a variety of challenges and pressures. Family responsibilities and professional obligations sometimes make the simplest task seem impossible. When times get tough, remember these quotes:
“No pressure, no diamonds.” (Thomas Carlyle)
“Never tell me the odds.” (Han Solo)

Relationship with students:

Many of the Bachelor of Arts programs have a lot of flexibility. I usually start my student interaction by asking them “What's on your mind?” It is my desire to help students find degrees and credit earning options that accentuate their strengths and interests.

Interests:

My family, baseball and small business management.

Professional Experience:

Prior to joining Thomas Edison State University, Don Stoltz worked as an academic advisor at Salem Community College. Don has also held positions in admissions and residence life at several other institutions. In addition to Don’s experience in higher education, he has a great deal of experience in the culinary industry. At Thomas Edison State University, he advises students pursuing degrees offered through the Heavin School of Arts and Sciences.

Words of wisdom:

“The whole purpose of education is to turn mirrors into windows.” (Sydney J. Harris)

Relationship with students:

I’ve had the pleasure of working with students from many different personal, professional, and educational backgrounds. My role as an advisor is to guide students through their degree programs. I assist students in choosing courses, as well as helping them obtain their educational and professional goals.

Interests:

I enjoy sports, camping, cooking, and reading. I also have a strong interest in career advising.