Learning Specialists

The Learning Enhancement team assists KCU students with the development and strengthening of skills to promote confidence and self-directed learning. Students are encouraged to set goals and work toward accomplishing them through a mixture of individual coaching, identification and utilization of resources, and targeted action planning. Learning specialists work with students on any topic related to being successful academically, including study skills, time management, organizational skills and test taking.

Ray Elliott, BS

Learning Specialist - Student Services - Kansas City
Leonard Smith Hall, Room 322
relliott@kansascity.edu
816-654-7217

Credentials 

• Bachelor of science in biology, University of Missouri-Kansas City
• Bachelor of science in Chemistry, University of Missouri-Kansas City

Experience

Ray has been working in medical education for more than 30 years, providing medical students with guidance in the pursuit of reaching their goal of becoming a physician. In his early career, he worked in the only board preparation program in the city. He has been employed at the University of Kansas School of Medicine and the University of Missouri Kansas City School of Medicine, finally settling at KCU. He has a wealth of knowledge on how to succeed.

Sherbert Harvey, MPH

Learning Specialist - Student Services - Kansas City
Leonard Smith Hall, Room 200A
sharvey@kansascity.edu
816-654-7226

Credentials

• Master of Public Health, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center
• Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Southern University A&M College
• Elementary Education Certification (Kansas), Ottawa University
• Adult/Basic Education Certification (Missouri), Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

Experience

Sherbert’s career began in public health where he served as an Administrative Officer/Health Educator for the City of Kansas City, Missouri Health Department.  For nearly 21 years, Sherbert collaborated with Kansas City residents and health professionals on designing, implementing, and evaluating cardiovascular and other chronic disease initiatives.  As part of his role as an Administrative Officer, he also provided oversight for the Division of Health Education & Health Communication’s contracts and budgets.  After his journey in public health, Sherbert taught fourth grade and adult basic education for approximately two years.  In the fall of 2015, he joined Saint Luke’s Hospital of Kansas City where he functioned as a Clinical Trials Research Budgets/Contracts Analyst for the Office of Research Services.  Sherbert’s passion is quite simple:  to help others achieve their goals.  Outside of work, Sherbert enjoys listening to music and spending time with his family and friends. 

Leslie Burgess, MA

Learning Specialist - Student Services - Kansas City
Leonard Smith Hall, Room 307
lburgess@kansascity.edu
816-654-7227

Credentials

• Master’s in higher education administration, University of Missouri-Kansas City
• Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, University of Missouri-Kansas City

Experience

Leslie’s career in higher education began fifteen years ago working as a student support assistant and test coordinator in the Counseling and Testing Center at UMKC. Her areas of expertise stem from experiences working in academic advising, research services, international programs, and student affairs. This background helps her provide strong support to students during times of transition while helping them navigate their academic journeys. She finds great fulfillment in student growth and success. When she’s off campus, her preschool daughter and husband keep her busy, enjoying Kansas City and its many cultural and culinary offerings.

Ashley Voyles, MA

Assistant Director of Advising and Learning Enhancement – Student Services – Kansas City
Leonard Smith Hall, Room 326
abeason@kansascity.edu
816-654-7216

Credentials:
• Bachelor of Arts in Education, Arizona State University
• Master of Arts in Communication with an Emphasis in Education, Grand Canyon University

Experience

Ashley’s experience in higher education includes many roles such as instructor, director of education and state compliance administrator. These opportunities have allowed Ashley to understand the complexities and inner-working of the higher education setting. Her time working with students one-on-one has solidified her love for the field, and provided her with many approaches to student success and achievement. She is passionate about working with students, as well as overseeing projects which enhance student’s educational journey. When she is not at work, she enjoys staying home with her fiancé, two cats and two dogs.