The College of Charleston is excited to welcome its newest staff members to the Cougar family! Although they come from near and far with a variety of backgrounds, these new employees have a lot in common: Many of them enjoy reading, being outdoors and spending time with their families – and they all are excited to join the College and its efforts in making CofC the best place to be! Please welcome these new colleagues (listed alphabetically below) to campus!
Mary Catherine “MC” Avey
Assistant Athletic Trainer for Men’s Soccer, Department of Athletics
Background: I am originally from Charlotte, North Carolina. I graduated in 2019 from UNC Wilmington with a B.A in athletic training, then graduated with a master’s degree in advanced athletic training from the University of South Carolina in 2021. While I was there I worked as a graduate assistant athletic trainer – my first year with USC Campus Recreation, and my second year with SC State University’s volleyball and softball teams.
Interests: I love to be outside and work out! I also love going to local coffee shops! My goal is to try every single one in Charleston!
Looking Forward: I am most excited to work with the amazing staff and team. Everyone has been so welcoming and made the transition to Charleston really great!
Zachary Chestnut
Public Safety Officer, Department of Public Safety
Background: I’m from Georgetown, South Carolina. In 2017 I graduated from Coastal Carolina University with a degree in intelligence and national security studies. Prior to coming to the College of Charleston I served as a police officer with the City of Myrtle Beach.
Interests: I enjoy spending time with family and friends, watching football and playing disc golf!
Looking Forward: I am looking forward to getting to meet and work with new people. I’m also excited to learn more about the area.
Kennede Duncan
Administrative Assistant, Department of Residence Life
Background: I am a born and raised Charleston native. Prior to coming to the College, I was a social worker at a nursing home.
Interests: I love to cook, explore the outdoors, read my Bible/do devotionals and spend quality time.
Looking Forward: I’m looking forward to being a part of student success!
Brian Erb
Data Coordinator, Academic Advising and Planning Center
Background: I have a degree in business with a concentration in management information systems from the New Jersey Institute of Technology in Newark. I moved down to Charleston with family. Before employment with CofC, I was working as a substitute teacher in the Charleston County school system.
Interests: I enjoy strategy games, baking, Dungeons & Dragons and martial arts of all sorts.
Looking Forward: It will be the first chance I’ve had to put my degree to use and sink my teeth into the technical aspects of the day-to-day application of software to organizational practices.
Hannah Gamsby
Athletic Trainer, Department of Athletics
Background: I am from Vermont. I majored in athletic training at Norwich University.
Interests: I love to run, be on the water, be outside, be in the mountains, and I love to be with my family.
Looking Forward: I am looking forward to meeting new people. I also am looking forward to a successful year in athletic training with my staff and softball team.
Kendra Reams Kimbro
Freshman Cohort Support Coordinator, REACH Program
Background: I am originally from Nashville, Tennessee, but moved to Charleston with my husband from Indianapolis, Indiana. While in Indiana, I worked with individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities as a recreation therapist and behavior consultant through the Indiana Medicaid Waiver. Throughout my career, I have also worked with early intervention, mental health and higher education.
Interests: In my spare time, I enjoy crafting and DIY projects. I also enjoy reading, puzzles, traveling, working out at Orange Theory and spending time with my friends, family, husband and our two dogs.
Adam Kirchenbauer
Public Safety Officer, Department of Public Safety
Background: I am from Baltimore, Maryland, and am currently living in Goose Creek. I am coming from the safety and security department at the Medical University of South Carolina.
Interests: I like lifting weights, touring local breweries and reading.
Looking Forward: I look forward to assisting the faculty and students and keeping them safe.
Shane Pantone
Laboratory Assistant, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
Background: I graduated from the University of South Carolina with a degree in chemical engineering in 2019.
Interests: Film photography and watching shows.
Looking Forward: I am looking forward to learning more about lab procedures and equipment.
Kari Paschetto
Academic Advisor, Academic Advising and Planning Center
Background: I’m originally from south central Kentucky – near Ft. Knox. I earned my bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Western Kentucky University, where I also started my career in higher education. I have had the opportunity to work with several different student populations at various institutions. I have worked in international education and programming, athletics academic support, student activities, as well as with specialized student support services programs for underserved populations like former foster youth and students with disabilities.
Interests: I love to read, bake and relax with my family. I like spending time outdoors when I can – jogging, golfing, catching a football game or just enjoying time on the beach.
Madison Renollet
Assistant Athletic Trainer, Department of Athletics
Background: I am from Bowling Green, Ohio. I worked at New Mexico State University in Las Cruces, New Mexico, the past five years – the first two years as a graduate assistant athletic trainer with football/women’s tennis, the last three years as a full-time assistant athletic trainer with women’s basketball/swimming.
Interests: I like to run, read, hike and try different restaurants.
Looking Forward: I look forward to meeting so many new people!
Tylisha Story
Associate Registrar for Registration and Scheduling, Office of the Registrar
Background: I am from Queens, New York. I worked for the City University of New York (CUNY) for 13 years before moving to South Carolina. During my tenure at CUNY, I worked in the Admissions Office (processing center) for seven years located at the central university. From 2015–21, I held several positions at the largest community college in New York City, the Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC). My roles included assistant registrar, assistant director and senior academic advisor. In those positions I provided holistic guidance to underrepresented students in their pursuit for college success.
Interests: I am currently a doctoral candidate at Northeastern University in Boston. Most of my spare time is dedicated to dissertation writing. Although, I do enjoy a good movie or docuseries on Netflix from time to time.
Looking Forward: I am looking forward to my new role as associate registrar, which will allow me to redefine and hone my skills as an educator. I am most excited about meeting new people and working with a great team of professionals as we continue to develop/maintain policies and procedures in accordance to the College’s regulations. Most importantly, I am looking forward to working with the College in continuance with the school’s mission to prepare open-minded, innovative leaders for college and career readiness.