She is passionate about making sure students feel confident in establishing, and in achieving their own personal definitions of success during their time here at UMBC, and beyond. Tanay is truly dedicated to connecting with students and centering them fully in their academic experience as they begin their journeys. in Higher Education Administration at The University of Kansas. in Political Science with the concentration in International Relations from Lander University, and then her M.Ed. Originally from South Carolina, Tanay earned her B.S. Prior to joining the team, Tanay worked in the Office of Multicultural Affairs as an Academic Advisor, and in Libraries as the Dean’s Office Administrative Associate at The University of Kansas. Tanay joined the UMBC community in 2022 and currently serves as a First- and Second-Year Academic Advocate. Knapp has blended a career in higher education with off-road motorcycle racing, a sport she is passionate about, to help students, “stay on track.” As a first generation college student with a Ph.D., Dr. Knapp also works closely with the University’s Undergraduate Student Success Committee (UgSSC) and its standing committees to communicate, facilitate, coordinate, and lead strategies that serve as a comprehensive approach to improve undergraduate student persistence, progression, and degree completion in support of key strategic University goals and measures by removing barriers to academic success.

Knapp works collaboratively with the Vice Provost and Dean, Undergraduate Academic Affairs, providing leadership and vision in the areas of student retention, academic success, and graduation. Knapp is responsible for the management of the Academic Success Center, providing centralized support services to all undergraduate students at UMBC across three broad areas: Academic Learning Resources, Academic Standards and Policy Administration and Academic Advocacy. Knapp joined the UMBC community in May 2011 and currently serves as the Associate Vice Provost and Assistant Dean, Undergraduate Academic Affairs.

Tutored by Allison Whittenberg