Gear Up
Welcome!
We are delighted to see that you are interested in pursuing your future in Higher Education. College is an exciting new adventure that will allow you to grow and learn more about yourself and other interests. Hopefully during these next four years on campus you will set new goals and venture down a path that will allow you to have an idea of what career you want to pursue post graduation!
What is GEAR UP?
OK GEAR UP currently partners with 13 school districts and five regional colleges throughout the state to prepare nearly 12,000 middle and high school students for college success through college campus tours, ACT test preparation and testing, and college exploration and preparation courses. GEAR UP offers college access and financial aid information to students and families through awareness activities, including Oklahoma’s Promise and FAFSA completion assistance.
Once students arrive on one of GEAR UP’s partner college campuses, college coaches
provide support to students in their transition into college. They connect with students
to answer questions and share information to set students up for success.
For more information about Oklahoma GEAR UP, please visit the Oklahoma GEAR UP Website.
As your coaches, we are here as a resource to you so that we can ensure you have the best college experience. The skills you learn during your freshman year can set you up for success in getting your college degree!
More information on the other 5 representing college coaches can be found at OK GEAR UP College Coaches.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ada
Claremore
Clinton
Duncan
Durant
Grove
Jay
Locust Grove
Sapulpa
Skiatook
Stilwell
Tahlequah
Woodward
During your freshman year at NSU, you will be greeted with open arms. We are so glad you have chosen your new home at NSU. You will be contacted by your GEAR UP College Coach. As a GEAR UP student and freshman at NSU, you will receive free college coaching.
Our purpose is getting to know each of the GEAR UP students individually and to be
a valuable resource for you. We want your college experience to be the best it possibly
can be. We are here to help you identify and create an action plan for achieving your
goals and support you on your new journey as a college student.
Our goal is to meet with each of you at least once a month during the academic school
year to check in and see how you are doing. Our meeting may only average 15-20 minutes,
however they can also be longer or shorter, based on your individual needs and wants.
These meetings take place in person, over the phone, or virtually. You can reach out
at any time for support.
College coaching can benefit all types of students and is FREE. Working with a coach can help you become better at what you want to do, in and out of the classroom. A college coach can help you get the most out of college, plan your career path, and finish on time.
Some topics covered:
- Campus resources
- Transitioning to college
- College success
- Planning and goal setting
- Health and wellness
- Time and money management
- Finding Balance
- Motivation/Support
- Organization
Yes, students who are traditional incoming freshmen are offered these services. These services will be provided for the entirety of their first year experience.
Meet Your GEAR UP College Coaches
Edwin Oquendo
GEAR UP College Coach
Seminary Hall 134B
I am a GEAR UP College Coach. I’m here to help you make a smooth and successful transition to college—and have an amazing first year at NSU! We’ll plan to meet at least once a month to talk about your goals, tackle any challenges, and make sure you stay on track. I’ll also send you helpful texts and emails with reminders about important deadlines, campus events, and tips for success. Best of all—there’s no cost to you! Thanks to OK GEAR UP, a federally funded grant, you get this support completely free. College is an exciting time, and I’m so excited to be part of your NSU journey.
Book an appointment with Edwin: https://calendly.com/oquendo-nsuok/30min
Britanie Turk
GEAR UP College Coach
Hi, my name is Britanie Turk and I am a GEAR UP College Success Coach here at Northeastern State University. I am Keetoowah, Cherokee and Muscogee Creek and a first-generation college graduate. I earned a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Exercise Science from Ottawa University and a Master of Science in Sport Administration from NSU! My goal as a College Success Coach is to help students navigate the challenges freshman year brings and help set attainable goals to keep them on track to have a successful college career! My favorite part about coaching is revealing opportunities and seeing students achieve their ultimate goals. I'm so excited about the new opportunities that await you at NSU! I hope you "Gather Here, Go Far"!
Calendly Link: https://calendly.com/turkb-nsuok/30min
Zech Vanfleet
GEAR UP College Coach
I am a GEAR UP College Coach. I’m here to help you make a smooth and successful transition to college—and have an amazing first year at NSU! We’ll plan to meet at least once a month to talk about your goals, tackle any challenges, and make sure you stay on track. I’ll also send you helpful texts and emails with reminders about important deadlines, campus events, and tips for success. Best of all—there’s no cost to you! Thanks to OK GEAR UP, a federally funded grant, you get this support completely free. College is an exciting time, and I’m so excited to be part of your NSU journey.
Book an appointment with Zech: Book a meeting HERE!
Sally Steelmon
GEAR UP Director
My name is Sally Steelmon and I am the NSU GEAR UP Director. I have a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and master’s degree in Special Education. I am currently studying School Psychometry/School Psychology online at SWOSU. I consider myself a life-long learner. I believe it is important to find your place and people during your college years. This is a great time to connect with people who have similar interests and lifelong goals. I hope you “gather here, go far” and I can’t wait to see what you will accomplish.
Book an appointment with Sally: https://calendly.com/steelmos-nsuok/30min