Staff Contacts
Melissa Knouse, M.S.
Academic Success for Student Athletes
Coordinator
Davis House
Phone: 717-477-1699
Fax: 717-477-4034
maknouse@ship.edu
Ms. Knouse is responsible for providing academic advisement, monitoring academic progress, counseling and referral, and assisting graduating student-athletes in researching and pursuing employment and/or opportunities for graduate education. In addition, she directs the Study Table Program, Laptop Loan Program, and facilitates programming associated with the CHAMPS/Life Skills Program.
During her graduate studies, Ms. Knouse completed her practical counseling experiences at Shippensburg University’s Office of Academic Support for Student-Athletes and at Harrisburg Area Community College, Gettysburg Campus. She received a Master of Science in College Student Personnel from Shippensburg University.
She has worked at Shippensburg two years prior as a graduate assistant for the Foundations of Business course in the John L. Grove College of Business. Prior to her career in Shippensburg, she worked for Adams Hanover Counseling Services, Inc. for 3 years where she worked with children with disabilities and also coordinated an after school program at the Gettysburg Middle School. Ms. Knouse lives in Gardners with her husband.
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Ms. Nikola Grafnetterova, BS
Graduate Assistant
saacademicsupport@ship.edu
Nikola Grafnetterova graduated from Wilson College in May 2010 with a Bachelor’s degree in Sport Management and Psychology. As an undergraduate student, she was a member and officer of various school clubs, including Athletic Association and the Billboard Newspaper. She also served on the Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC).
Nikola was a four year varsity field hockey player, also participating in lacrosse, basketball, and softball.
At Shippensburg University, Nikola is working towards getting a Master’s Degree in Business Administration while she also serves as an assistant volunteer field hockey coach.
As the Student Athlete Academic Support Graduate Assistant, Nikola will provide necessary aid and resources to enable student athletes to achieve their academic goals. She will also oversee the Study Table and Probation programs throughout the academic year.