Britne Bacca-Haupt, Ed.D.
Director
bbacca@umsl.edu
314.516.6796
I joined the UMSL community in April of 2019 and am currently the Director of the Office of Student Enrichment & Achievement (SEA). Moving from California, where I grew up, I earned my undergraduate degree in Psychology & Human Services from Davis & Elkins College in WV. I then earned my master’s degree in Higher Education Administration from West Virginia University. In 2024, I earned my Ed.D. from UMSL. I enjoy working with colleagues who offer different perspectives and value having an opportunity to serve not only the Office of Student Enrichment & Achievement, the Student Outreach & Support unit, but the greater UMSL campus. I am a sports fan and love animals. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I value inclusivity and am passionate about treating people with respect.
Amy Bower, M.A.
Success Coach
abower@umsl.edu
314.516.4240
My college experience began at Emory University, where I studied Comparative Literature and Creative Writing. The most rewarding experience during my undergrad years was my time working one-on-one with students in the Writing Center, empowering students to become more confident writers. I continued to pursue my passion for working with students at Rice University, where I served as a teaching assistant for English courses and participated in an outreach program where I worked with local high schools. In 2022 I returned to my native St. Louis and joined the UMSL community as a Success Coach. As a Success Coach, I strive to create a supportive environment where students can grow their strengths and create actionable strategies to achieve their goals. My goal is that all students I work with will come away feeling more confident in their abilities. In my free time, I enjoy reading, figure skating, and playing my two cats, Lucy and Ronan.
Cole Prins, LMSW
Success Coach
cprins@umsl.edu
314.516.7031
My college experience began as a student athlete at Greenville University, where I balanced studying Social Work and competing in Cross Country and Track and Field. I completed my Bachelor of Science in Social Work degree in 2011. While enrolled, I served as an Academic Coach, providing students support in achieving their academic goals. I later joined the UMSL community as a graduate student, completing a Master of Social Work degree in 2021. I have a passion for empowering others to succeed and supporting students in achieving their goals. This passion led me to rejoin the UMSL community with the Office of Student Enrichment and Achievement as a Success Coach in November 2022. I believe we all have individual strengths that when recognized can be used to find solutions to barriers as we progress toward achieving our goals. When I am not supporting students, I enjoy spending time with my family, playing my video game, watching my sports teams, or enjoying a nice walk outside.
Chuck Bell
Graduate Peer Coach
cebzdb@umsystem.edu
314.516.5008
I was born and raised in Kansas City, Missouri, where I began my college journey at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. Here, I graduated in 2024 with my Bachelor’s in Psychology. Currently, I am working on my Master’s in Psychology-Brain and Psychological Sciences here at UMSL. College can be difficult to navigate, but I believe every student has what it takes to succeed, no matter their background. Outside of work and school, I love to do arts and crafts, read, write, and do puzzles. I also volunteer annually at a summer camp for young burn survivors. I am excited to get the opportunity to work with students to help them achieve their goals!
Ezra Levy
Office Support Assistant III
elevy@umsl.edu
314.516.5300
I began my college experience at Truman State University in 2017, where I studied Sociology and Women's & Gender Studies. Though I never got to finish my schooling, I've always remained passionate about Higher Education, as my goals were set to become a Counselor one day. After working as a manager at Ulta Beauty for 7.5 years, I found my way to the University of Missouri-St. Louis in September 2025 to work here in the Office of Student Enrichment and Achievement (SEA). Here, I am the bright and shining face you will see at the front desk as you walk into our office and will help you with scheduling appointments with Success Coaches, providing Campus Resources, assisting with SOS Workshops, or even just being someone to talk to. In my free time, you can find me watching lots of movies (especially horror movies), adding to my many tattoos, cuddling with my dog Beanie, or scouring the St. Louis area for new restaurants and coffee shops to try. Now that I am at UMSL, I hope to continue my education and eventually earn my Bachelor's Degree!
Phillip Klopfenstein, M.A.
Success Coach
klopfenstein@umsl.edu
314.516.4473
My connection to the University of Missouri goes back to my undergraduate degree in Geography from the University of Missouri – Columbia. I later went on to complete a master’s degree in Teaching English as a Second Language at Saint Cloud State University (Minnesota) in 2017 and then returned to my native St. Louis to work as an ESL teacher and tutor at St. Louis University and St. Louis Community College. The most rewarding part of my work in higher education has always been working with individual students towards achieving their academic and professional goals, and this passion ultimately led me to join the UMSL team in April 2021 as a Success Coach in the Office of Student Enrichment and Achievement. When I’m not supporting student success, I keep busy spending time with my wife and three young children, working on my second language and trying to find some spare time for reading.
Madison Swaringam, BSW
Success Coach
mswaringam@umsl.edu
314.516.4105
My time at the University of Missouri–St. Louis began in 2018 as a freshman student. During my academic career, I served as an Active Learning Assistant with the Center for Teaching and Learning and completed my practicum with Student Advocacy & Care here on campus. Both experiences helped me discover my passion for helping students succeed, all the while opening my eyes to the unique struggles that students face while pursuing a degree. I graduated with my Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work in December of 2021 and shortly after joined the Office of Student Enrichment and Achievement’s team as a Success Coach. I am incredibly excited to continue my journey at UMSL and am looking forward to supporting students! Outside of work, I love to laugh with friends and family and pick up the occasional book when I have time.
Nova-Lee Young
Graduate Peer Coach
nlhdyc@umsl.edu
314.516.5008
My journey with UMSL began while I was completing my Bachelor of Science in Psychology at Missouri S&T, another UM campus. I am now pursuing a master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling here at UMSL. I have always been passionate about helping others and creating safe, supportive environments where people can work toward their goals. My own college experiences have shown me that while everyone faces unique challenges, each person also has strengths they can draw on to achieve success.
In my free time, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, and my two cats. I also like creative hobbies such as crocheting and sketching, and when I’m not doing those, I enjoy relaxing with some of my favorite cozy video games.