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Academic Success Center Staff

Contact Our Staff

 

Beth Jacobson, Executive Director of Academic Support Services

Beth Jacobson - Executive Director of Academic Support Services

Icon_Phone Created with Sketch. 402.826.8329

Gwendolyn Lopez, Director of Disability Services

Gwendolyn Lopez - Director of Disability Services

Icon_Phone Created with Sketch. 402.826.9059

Blake Tobey, Assistant Director of the Academic Success Center

Blake Tobey - Assistant Director of the Academic Success Center

Icon_Phone Created with Sketch. 402.826.8205

Jeremy Caldwell, Writing Center Director

Jeremy Caldwell - Writing Center Director

Icon_Phone Created with Sketch. 402.826.8262

Jandrea Swiney, Academic Specialist

Jandrea Swiney - Academic Specialist

Icon_Phone Created with Sketch. 402.826.2161

Brooke Sullivan, Academic Support Coordinator

Brooke Sullivan - Academic Support Coordinator

Icon_Phone Created with Sketch. 402.466.4774

Tillie Stanton, Trio SSS Academic Specialist

Tillie Stanton - Trio SSS Academic Specialist

Icon_Phone Created with Sketch. 402.826.8507

Georgie the Therapy Dog

Georgie Tobey - Comfort Dog

Department: Academic Success Center

Office: 177

Primary Campus: Crete

Credentials: Adult Training I, Adult Training II, PhD* (*Pretty helpful Dog)

 

Professional Bio:

Meet Georgie Tobey, Doane University's beloved comfort dog and a Very Good Boy. This hypoallergenic pup has dedicated his life to supporting the emotional well-being of the campus community. As a professional comfort specialist, Georgie excels in providing warm greetings, expert-level snuggles, and serving as a living weighted blanket for those seeking extra comfort. Students frequently seek out Georgie's calming presence before and after challenging assignments or whenever they need an emotional boost. His natural ability to ease stress and brighten days has earned him campus-wide recognition, including the prestigious "Best Pet" award from the Alpha Psi Omega Honor Society in 2025. Find Georgie in the Academic Success Center, ready to off er unconditional support and a friendly paw to all who visit.

Educational Background:

  • Adult Level I
  • Adult Level II
  • PhD (Pretty helpful Dog)

Personal Background:

This Iowa-born charmer found his forever family with the Tobeys and hasn't looked back since (except to make sure his human Blake is still within eyesight – someone's got a case of the clingies!). When he's not being a professional good boy at the office, Georgie's living his best life as a self-appointed garden security guard, keeping those pesky squirrels, rabbits, and birds in check. This four-sibling having, food-sneaking opportunist has mastered the art of the puppy eyes under the dinner table. A certified movie critic with a soft spot for canine cinema, Georgie's also a fan of road trips across Nebraska. Just don’t expect him to share his car snacks–this social butterfly has priorities.

Strengths: Empawthy | Includer | Pawsitivity |Harmony | Woo(f)

Therapy Dog

Gojo Heyen - Therapy Dog

Department: Academic Success Center & Doane Business Office

Primary Campus: Crete

Credentials: Canine Good Citizen (CGC), Advanced Canine Good Citizen (CGCA), Registered Therapy Dog (Domesti-PUPS)

 

Professional Bio: 

Gojo is a beloved therapy dog at Doane University, known for his calm demeanor and unwavering affection. With a simple yet profound philosophy – he’s "just here for the pets" – Gojo's primary role is to bring comfort and joy to the Doane community.

Whether he's offering a comforting presence during stressful exam periods, brightening a student's day with his enthusiastic wiggles and joyful demeanor, or simply providing a soft head to scratch, Gojo is a constant source of unconditional support. His quiet presence and gentle nature make him an invaluable member of the Doane family, always ready to share a moment of peace and a whole lot of pet-induced happiness.

 

Educational Background:

  • Canine Good Citizen (CGC) - March, 2023
  • Advanced Canine Good Citizen (CGCA) - June, 2023
  • Registered Therapy dog through Domesti-PUPS since June, 2023

 

Personal Background: 

Gojo is a distinguished 3-year-old, AKC registered Miniature Australian Shepherd, though his unique personality defies typical breed expectations. Gojo is the most relaxed Aussie you’ll find. We picked him for being the “laziest” puppy in the litter and that disposition that continues to define him today. Far from the high-drive working dog often associated with his breed, Gojo is a testament to the fact that every dog is an individual.

Gojo enjoys walks with Mom and Dad, playing hide and seek, chasing squirrels and snacking on ice cubes. In his spare time, he likes to visit memory care units at various Lincoln facilities. His professional life is dedicated to bringing comfort and quiet joy. Gojo’s calm demeanor and unwavering patience offer invaluable companionship, a soft touch, and a source of smiles. His true talent lies in connecting with people on a fundamental level, simply by being “here for the pets.”

 

Strengths: Empathy | Connectedness | Adaptability | Harmony