As a Durham Tech student, you have access to a wide array of resources to promote your success. If you are experiencing any academic, personal, or career concerns, your Success Coach is here to be your personal advocate and to listen to your concerns and provide support.
Success Coaches partner with students by providing guidance along their pathway to academic, professional, and personal success. Your coach will support you with academic and career planning, financial aid, and transfer policies. Your coach can also connect you to resources such as childcare support, transportation assistance, technology and internet support, tutoring, etc.
Learn more about the Success Coaching Framework.
Interested students should email the Success Coach assigned to their pathway to set up an appointment. Durham Tech faculty and staff should use the referral form.
Success Coaches
- Theodore Johnson, III, Information Technology
I am a Natchez, MS native residing in Durham, NC. My educational background stems from Mississippi Valley State University for undergraduate studies in Mass Communications where I ran track, became a SWAC champion for cross-country, and served as Mr. MVSU. I furthered my education at Arkansas State University for my master's degree in Radio-Television Production and worked for ESPN2. Professionally, I went back to my HBCU to work as an Admissions Counselor/ Recruiter for two years, then moved to Durham for a change of pace. I served Durham Tech for two more years as an Admissions Counselor for the Health and Wellness programs.I currently serve as the Success Coach for the Information Technology program. I have spent most of my professional career preparing students to enter college, but I am more passionate about helping them finish and find their way to make better lives for themselves.
Outside of the workplace, I am a dedicated artist. My passions include creating/selling my art, exercising, traveling, and making the best out of any situation. When I get a chance, anime is also my escape. Enough about me, I am excited to connect with you and help you on your journey. Let’s get started!
"“We may have come here on different ships, but we’re all in one boat now” — Dr. Martin Luther King
theodore.johnson@durhamtech.edu
919-536-7200, ext. 1119
Wynn (Building 10), room 113C- Tommy Jones, Creative and Liberal Arts
I was born and raised in Lansing, Michigan. For the last five years I have lived in the Raleigh-Durham area.I am the Success Coach for the CALA pathway. I enjoy working with students and my holistic philosophy focuses on building a foundation of partnerships, being proactive, skills development, decision making, and ownership of education, to help students I work with achieve their academic and career goals while living a fulfilled life.
I earned my Bachelor in Sport Management from the University of Michigan (2001). While in Ann Arbor, I was a wide receiver on the Football Team, which won two Big Ten Championships and one BCS Championship (1998-2000). I earned my Master's in Counseling from Michigan State University (2006).
I love spending time with my family and 2 dogs. I enjoy reading, cooking, watching movies, watching football, riding motorcycles, relaxing at the beach, hanging out with friends, working out, and being active. My passion is working with people to help them maximize their abilities and pursue excellence.
"Be bold and mighty forces will come to your aid" — Basil King
thomas.jones@durhamtech.edu
919-536-7200, ext. 2016
Phillips (Building 3), room 3-204- Paris Kea, Business and Entrepreneurship
I am a native North Carolinian and claim Greensboro as my home. I received my bachelor’s degree in psychology from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. While at Chapel Hill, I played on the women’s basketball team.
Following my college career, I was drafted 25th pick to Indiana Fever and played 3 years of professional basketball, both in the WNBA and overseas. After retiring from being a professional athlete, I worked on Wake Forest women’s basketball staff as Assistant Director of Basketball Operations and Video Coordinator.
I am happy to be the Business and Entrepreneurship Success Coach. This opportunity allows me to help students succeed and excel in the classroom and in life. As a mental health and LGBTQIA+ advocate, I plan to continue creating spaces that cultivate diversity, equity, and inclusion.
“Let today be the day you stand strong in the truth of your beauty. Journey through your day without attachment to the validation of others.” — Steve Maraboli
keap@durhamtech.edu
919-536-7200, ext. 1038
Wynn (Building 10), room 113B
Pronouns: she/her- Kevin Lawrence, Health and Wellness
I am originally a Midwesterner but have lived in Durham for about the last 20 years. I consider North Carolina to be home. My undergraduate degree is in Elementary Education. I recently graduated with my master's degree in counseling education from Clemson University. In the middle of my professional career, I spent two years in the Peace Corps serving in Mongolia.I currently serve as the success coach for the Health and Wellness programs. I have spent my professional career guiding students to be successful in any arena of their lives. I am an extremely positive person who is passionate about helping students find their path to success.
My hobbies/passions include working out and exercising, hanging out with friends, working on my yard, and going to movies. I am also a super hard-core Star Wars fan. I believe that life should be fun, and we all need to live our lives to the fullest. It is amazing to get to work alongside the other Success Coaches at Durham Tech. We all have a diverse background which will help us as we provide resources to better student's lives at Durham Tech.
lawrencek@durhamtech.edu
919-536-7200, ext. 8141
Tech (Building 9), room 9-234A- Barryn McLaughlin, Science and Math
I enjoy helping students and colleagues achieve their academic and career goals by utilizing my experiences in Science and Math. I was born and raised right here in Durham, NC. After graduating from Hillside High School (2008), I discovered my passion for math and scientific ventures in the STEM fields.
I earned my Bachelor of Science degree in Marine Sciences at East Carolina University (2013). While at ECU, I became a recreational and American Academy of Underwater Sciences (AAUS) certified Scuba Diver. My research involved understanding Sea Nettle” Jelly Fish migrations and their sexual reproduction gonads. I also had the opportunity to study abroad at Flinders University Adelaide, South Australia to further my field research skills in Marine Science.
After undergrad, I worked professionally as a Financial Service Officer for State Employees Credit Union while earning my Master of Science degree in Remote Sensing and Applied Science from North Carolina Central University (2020). While at NCCU, I became a FAA Part 107 UAS certified drone Pilot and studied deforestation in Durham, NC using Graphic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing applications.
In “Mother Nature” is my favorite place to be. My favorite hobbies are vacationing with my family, freshwater and saltwater fishing, scuba diving, UAS drone piloting, pick-up basketball, and residential landscaping.
As your Success Coach, my priority is to ensure that you have adequate resources and the support that you need to be successful throughout your academic journey. My goal is to empower you to overcome challenges while successfully fulfilling your curriculum requirements.mclaughlinb@durhamtech.edu
919-536-7200, ext. 1039
Wynn (Building 10), room 113A- Tiffany Robinson, Building, Engineering and Skilled Trades
I am the Lead Success Coach here at Durham Tech. I have had the pleasure of working with students for the majority of my professional career.
I'm originally from New York City, but I now call the Raleigh-Durham area home. I have a bachelor's degree in American Studies, and a Master’s degree in Instructional Design.
Being a Success Coach is wonderful and fulfilling career. I am able to work with students on identifying their educational and professional goals. Once students identify their goals I can help them create a road map to their definition of success.
“Success is the sum of small efforts - repeated day in and day out.” — Robert Collier
robinsont@durhamtech.edu
919-536-7200, ext. 5153
Ingram (Building 11), room 11-230- Jon Warren, Human Services and Public Safety
I've spent over thirty years serving the public, including a number of years in public safety, and I understand the challenges that traditional students and practitioners in college face.
My primary goal is to support students while navigating their academic journey, through fellowship and integrity. I also connect students, when necessary, with applicable resources that mitigate some of the challenges they face. My goal is for students to satisfactorily progress and complete their degree, diploma, or certificate program.
warrenjt@durhamtech.edu
919-536-7200, ext. 8062
Northern Durham Center, room 100F