Meet our Team
The CFAC Advisors come from a variety of experiences and backgrounds. Each degree is unique in its own way and we have advisors who are experts in your chosen field. Click on your major below to find out more about your advising expert.
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Art & Design
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Communication Studies
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Mass Communication
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Music
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Theatre
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Dance
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Karl BoysenBoysenKarlDirectorOld Main 118512.245.1932
Karl received his Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees in Communication Studies from Texas State University. He has been the Supervisor of CFAC Advising Center since 1997.
Karl enjoys working with all students in the college. It is his goal to see students meet their degree goals in the quickest and most efficient way possible.
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Debra SowardsSowardsDebraAcademic Advisor IIOld Main 118512.245.1932
Debra is a native of San Marcos where she grew up and went through the public school system. She graduated from Southwest Texas State with a Bachelor of Business in Finance.
Debra became an academic advisor in 2008 and soon after began advising Music students. Her goal is to provide exemplary student advising and opportunities to enhance student learning and support student success. Debra’s greatest joy is to see her students graduate!
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Joseph WardWardJosephAcademic Advisor IOld Main 118512.245.1932
Joe procured his Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication – Public Relations from Southwest Texas State University in 2001. During his undergraduate, he worked on campus and began to see a life for himself here in the Hill Country.
After graduating, Joe was a Transcript Evaluator with the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. In time, he accepted a role as an Admissions Counselor, pridefully recruiting high school and transfer students to his alma mater. Joe joined the College of Fine Arts and Communication in August of 2019 and is housed in Old Main 118. He primarily advises students majoring in Mass Communication. Joe chose to work for Texas State because he believes in the mission of higher education and is often in awe of what Texas State has achieved and grown to in 25 years. He enjoys working with students and helping them to attain their goals in a timely manner while gleaning everything that this beautiful campus and area of Texas has to offer.
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Ariel HowardHowardArielAcademic Advisor IOld Main 118512.245.1932
Ariel received her Bachelor’s in Public Relations from Texas State University in May 2021. She has worked in the College of Fine Arts & Communication Advising Center for four years as a student worker and joined the team as an Academic Advisor in May 2021.
Ariel is passionate about having students voices be heard and loves playing a small part in a student's unique journey as a Bobcat! As a First Generation student, she knows first-hand how important it is to have someone in your corner and ready to lend a helping hand.
Eat em' up cats!
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Makayla BiskupBiskupMakaylaAcademic Advisor IOld Main 118512.245.1932
Makayla was a transfer student that completed her BFA in Theatre with a concentration in Performance and Production in Spring of 2021 at Texas State University.
Makayla has worked at the heart of Old Main at the CFACAC since November of 2021, and has enjoyed every moment working for the university. She started off as the Administrative Assistant II and then shortly transitioned to Academic Advisor I. Makayla gives great assistance and compassion to every Bobcat.
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Kathy DickDickKathyAcademic Advisor IOld Main 118512.245.1932
Kathy received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication Studies with a concentration in Public Relations and Organizational Communication from Stanislaus State University in California.
Kathy worked in Career Services aiding students with employment after graduation before joining the CFAC Advising Center Team in 2008. She advises Art, Mass Communication, and Communication Studies students. She takes great pride in assisting students in achieving their academic goals.
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Hannah DunhamDunhamHannahAcademic Advisor IOld Main 118512.245.1932
Hannah received her Bachelor of Science degree in Journalism at Texas State University in May of 2023.
She was a student worker in the CFAC Advising Center for two years before transitioning to the position of Academic Advisor after graduating. Mainly aiding students with majors in the School of Journalism and Mass Communication, she enjoys meeting and helping students to succeed in their academic careers!
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Natalee SchmultsSchmultsNataleeAcademic Advisor IOld Main 118512.245.1932
Natalee received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology with a minor in Criminal Justice from Texas State University.
Natalee enjoys talking to students and directing students to resources so they can further their educational success.
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Joel JohnsonJohnsonJoelAcademic Advisor IOld Main 118512.245.1932
Joel began working as an Academic Advisor in The College of Fine Arts and Communication in 2023.
He graduated from The University of Texas at Austin with a degree in Music Studies. For many years, he taught Middle School Band in Austin and has enjoyed careers in a variety of other fields. After a long professional break to take care of his two young children, he found a perfect fit with The College of Fine Arts and Communication Advising Center, who was looking for someone to assist students in The School of Music. They seemed to agree. The rest is history.
Joel has lived in San Marcos with his wife, two daughters and animals for 15 years and has really enjoyed getting to know the wonderful students in The TXST School of Music. He is constantly inspired by their energy and love of music. He hopes to be a consistent presence, available to them whenever needed, over their time studying here.
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Naomi OwsleyOwsleyNaomiAcademic Advisor IOld Main 118512.245.1932
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Cynthia GuardiolaGuardiolaCynthiaAdministrative Assistant IIOld Main 118512.245.1932