Academic Advocacy Team - Student Success Initiatives

About the Academic Advocacy team

Welcome to Academic Advocacy at the University of Central Florida! We are a dedicated team of professionals committed to fostering an environment of academic excellence and student success. As the backbone of our institution’s academic support system, the staff in Academic Advocacy plays a pivotal role in advocating for the diverse needs of our students.

With a passion for education and a deep understanding of the challenges that students may encounter, our team is here to provide guidance, resources, and support to ensure that every student can thrive in their academic journey. From navigating complex academic policies to offering personalized assistance, an Academic Advocate is a steadfast partner in empowering students to overcome obstacles and achieve their highest potential.

Meet the Team

Lucas Noboa, Ed.D.

Senior Director of Academic Advocacy

Dr. Noboa currently serves as the inaugural Senior Director for Academic Advocacy in the Student Success Initiatives unit within the Division of Student Success and Well-Being. In this role, he provides leadership to and manages a team of Academic Advocates and the PeerKnights program to monitor, support, and advocate for undergraduate students as part of a coordinated care management approach to student success.

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Julie Kephart

Assistant Director, Academic Advocacy

Julie Kephart currently serves as the Assistant Director for Academic Advocacy. In this role, she collaborates with various departments and colleges across the university to support student success initiatives and academic advancement. She also serves on various divisional and university committees.