Student Success Team

Student Success Center
Location: Beneficial - Hodson Library & Learning Commons, Suite 1027
Primary Phone: 301-696-3569
Email: studentsuccess@hood.edu (Allow 24 business hours, Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., for a reply)

Student Success Team

In addition to the professional staff listed below, trained graduate assistants, student workers and tutors help to carry out the office's mission and core values.

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Email: copenhaver@hood.edu
Office: Beneficial - Hodson Library & Learning Commons, 1029
Pronouns: she/her

Clifton Strengths: Positivity - Responsibility - Empathy - Belief - Developer

Dean Copenhaver brings over 30 years of work experience in the field of higher education working in various student support and administrative roles.

Dr. Copenhaver began her career in admissions at Hagerstown Business College in Hagerstown, MD, where she spent over 10 years as the Registrar, overseeing the advisement, course scheduling, and registration for the student body. After the acquisition by Kaplan College, she worked as the Associate Academic Dean, facilitating faculty engagement workshops and teaching an orientation to college class to incoming students. She was named the Dean of Student Affairs after the college changed to Kaplan University, where her duties included student retention, overseeing the Registrar’s office, student activities and engagement, and serving as a member of the Senior Team.

Born and raised in Altoona, PA, she graduated from Shippensburg University, where she earned her undergraduate degree in Public Relations and Speech Communications. She completed her Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Management from Capella University after completing her Masters Degrees in Online College Teaching and Higher Education College Administration and Leadership. She resides in Greencastle, PA, and is a proud parent of two grown children and two grandchildren. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, cooking, trying new restaurants, and spending time with her family, friends, two dogs, and cat.

Dean Copenhaver oversees the Student Success Center including Accessibility Services, Tutoring, Academic Coaching, and Advisement. She teaches the Academic Success Seminar and First Year Experience courses.

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Email:humphries@hood.edu
Phone: 301-696-3421

Secure Fax: 301-696-3952
Office: Library 1032

IG: @hood_accessibility
Pronouns: she/her

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Dr. Humphries serves the Hood community as the Director of Accessibility Services with a broad range of experience supporting individuals with disabilities. She has served as a special education teacher, a school district administrator, adjunct university faculty, and as a federal contractor. She holds master’s and doctoral degrees in special education from George Washington University, where her research focused on risk and resilience in beginning special education teachers.

At Hood, Dr. Humphries works to ensure students with disabilities have access to the full college experience. She is the advisor for the Disabled Student Union (DSU) and the Sensory Housing Living Community. She facilitates the Office of Accessibility Services Includes Stakeholders (OASIS) advisory board and offers regular, campus-wide professional learning opportunities in disability history, culture, and policy.

Dr. Humphries is passionate about reaching underserved populations, closing opportunity gaps, and promoting independence. In her personal life, she enjoys (winning at) bar trivia and exploring hiking trails and coffee shops around the Frederick area.

man with glasses and a beard wears a blue and white checked shirt

Email: guzman@hood.edu
Phone: 301-696-3195

Appointment link: https://hood.campus.eab.com/pal/LpHiXSj-IH
Office: Beneficial - Hodson Library & Learning Commons
Pronouns: he/him

I am the Student Achievement and Learning Advocate & Navigate Operations Coordinator at Hood College, and I am entering my third year in the Student Success Office. In my role, I work closely with students, faculty, and staff to support student achievement, foster academic success, and enhance the student experience through effective use of the Navigate platform.

Originally from the Bronx, I am a passionate sports fan. I proudly support the Baltimore Ravens, the New York Knicks, and the New York Yankees, and I love all things soccer—especially following the Premier League. Outside of work, I enjoy watching anime, playing video games, and exploring new technology.

I am also currently pursuing a Master of Management Information Systems (MIS) at Hood College, where I continue to develop my interests in technology, data, and student success. I am passionate about helping students navigate their college journey and connecting them with the resources they need to achieve their goals.

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My name is Brendan Dierman, and I am the Student Achievement and Learning Advocate. I previously worked in a variety of education settings, most recently supporting students experiencing homelessness. In my role at Hood, I oversee the testing center and work directly with students and staff to support student success.

Born and raised in Maryland, I grew up in Middletown of Frederick County. I attended the University of Kentucky and will always bleed blue! I am a gigantic sports fan with my favorite teams being the Carolina Panthers, Washington Nationals, and Washington Wizards.

When not at Hood, I can be found playing pickleball, watching one of my favorite teams give me anxiety, or spending time with family & friends. I also love to play video games to help unwind after a long day.

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A Walkersville, MD native, Sidney earned an English B.A., concentration in creative writing, from Hood College. Published in Wisteria and president of Sigma Tau Delta, she maintained a consistent presence in Hood’s writing community.

Sidney has been a part of the Student Success Center since her undergrad, having worked as a tutor assisting students with papers, projects and other writing concerns. Being Lead Tutor means she is now responsible for managing tutors and supporting academic needs.

She is currently pursuing her Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing at Hood College and has a long family history supporting the Pittsburgh Steelers – go Steeler Nation! She also loves writing, reading and spending time with family.

Student Success Team

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