Meet the Team

Dr. Lee Francine Juarez

Dr. Lee Francine Juarez (aka Dr. J) stepped into the role as Director in 2026. Dr. J began her career at UNT Dallas in 2023 in Student Success, where she progressed in her leadership, supporting student success initiatives, supporting first-generation and transfer students, and strategic planning for student support, testing services, and peer coaching. Dr. Juarez has experience working with a variety of student populations such as first-generation, transfer, online, adult/post-traditional students, and student athletes. Originally from California, Dr. J holds a B.S in Cognitive Science from UC Merced and holds a dual master’s degree in Higher Ed and Comparative International Education and a doctorate degree in Higher Ed from the Pennsylvania State University. 

 

Her passion drives her research focus on student success, retention and institution support. Dr. J is a proud first-gen and transfer student and is a member of the Sigma Lambda Gamma National Sorority, Inc. 

What does “student success” mean to you?  To me, Student Success means that we are do our best to support every student, their college experience and seeing them as humans first. It means being a problem solver to find helpful solutions for students and sharing these ideas with our campus to make the journey less stressful. 

What’s a fun or surprising fact about you?  I love lowrider culture and cruising with the windows down and jamming to oldies. Summer days on a Sunday playing Brenton Wood is the ideal vibe for me. 

 

Brittany Bolden, MSW, M.Ed.

Brittany is originally from Covington, GA, and relocated to Dallas, TX, in 2020. She is an alumna of Clayton State University, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Human Services. She holds a Master of Social Work and a Master of Education in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies, with an emphasis in Higher Education, from The University of Texas at Arlington. 

With over seven years of experience in the social services and mental health fields, along with three years in higher education, Brittany brings a strong background in student success, resource connection, barrier reduction, and empowering students to reach their full potential. 

Favorite Coaching Tip: 
Reading and taking notes before attending a lecture can make a significant difference in how well you learn the material. I also encourage students to write down three to five questions based on the readings. This gives you the opportunity to ask your professor questions and deepen your understanding of the material. If you are not comfortable speaking in class, attend office hours.

If you could instantly master any skill, what would it be? 
I would say playing the drums and the guitar. Sometimes I imagine myself performing on stage with Panic at the Disco!

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Laura Gomez Villegas, M.Ed.

Laura is originally from the DFW area. She is a double alumna from Texas Woman’s University where she earned a bachelor's in education and her M.Ed. with a focus on Teaching, Leadership and Collaboration. With 5 years of experience in higher education, she brings a strong background in student success, mentorship initiatives, student programming, and supporting first-generation students.   

What inspired you to become a Student Success Coach? 

As a first-generation student, finding a guiding hand, mentor, and cheerleader made my journey all the better. I strive to empower my students and the broader community, contributing to a more equitable(?) and sustainable future.   

What do you enjoy doing outside of work? 

I enjoy spending time with my family and finding new hobbies every couple of weeks! You can find me painting, building puzzles, or going for a run. 

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Liliana Franco Lara

Lili was born in Coahuila, Mexico, but raised in Dallas, Texas. She is a University of North Texas at Dallas alumna where she earned her bachelor's in psychology. She has dedicated her career to supporting students across a wide range of educational settings, including elementary, middle, high school, and now higher education. Her experience spans both school-based roles and works with nonprofit organizations focused on mentoring and student support. Throughout these roles, she has been committed to helping students navigate academic and personal challenges while fostering their growth and success. She also brings experience working with TRIO programs, where she has supported first-generation students in accessing and thriving in postsecondary education.

Favorite Coaching Topic: Personal Growth & Self Discovery and Career Exploration and Future planning  

What’s a fun or surprising fact about you? I love adrenaline-inducing activities! I’ve gone shark-cage diving before and would love to sky dive in the future. However, I do draw the line at watching scary movies, Chucky gives me nightmares.  

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Guadalupe M. Robles

Lupe is a Dallas native. She is trilingual, speaking English, Spanish, and financial aid fluently. Her parents are from Mexico and visiting family as a child opened her eyes to the magic that is alive in the Mexican culture. These experiences inspired her to earn her Bachelor's of Arts in Ethnic Studies from the University of Texas at Austin. She found beauty in her bi-cultural upbringing and discovered the importance of deliberately creating spaces for everyone to thrive. Lupe has worked in higher education for over 16 years. She has worked with high school, transfer, and non-traditional students. Meeting students and their families where they are at and helping them understand their options when it comes to earning a higher education, applying for financial aid and scholarships are Lupe’s passion.  

Favorite Coaching Topic: Community, Connection & Belonging, Career Exploration & Future Planning, Personal Growth & Self-Discovery 

What is one piece of advice you always give your students? To add “icing and sprinkles” to their college experience. Having good grades and earning your degree bakes a plain cupcake, but to find a job after you graduate, you need to add icing and sprinkles. The icing and sprinkles are the opportunities to build skills and have meaningful experiences that will open doors for you. Become a leader on campus, join a research project, study abroad, apply for internships, and volunteer. Don’t be a plain cupcake. 

What’s your favorite quote, motto, or saying you live by? When I feel down or frustrated, I ask myself, “What is one thing I can do today that will bring me joy?” Even if it is a small thing, small things over time add up to be big things. I want to look back at my life and know I intentionally brought joy to myself. 

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Taneisha Kinsey Valenzuela

Taneisha is an Alumna of the University of North Texas at Dallas where she earned her Bachelors degree with concentrations in Child Development and Sociology. With a strong foundation in the social sciences and a passion for helping others, Taneisha brings a wealth of experience to her role as a Student Success Coach. Her commitment to fostering growth and development in students is evident in her work, as she provides guidance and support to help them navigate their academic and professional journeys. She is currently pursuing a Masters of Science in Family Studies.  

Favorite Coaching Topic: My favorite coaching topics include Work-Life Balance & Wellness as well as Building Self-Confidence  

What is one piece of advice you always give your students? 

Communication is key. It is a vital life skill that should be continuously developed, upgraded, and exercised 

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