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Dr. Dennis Negrón has served in three capacities during his tenure: as an associate dean of men for 14 years, as an associate professor of English for 7, and most recently as the vice president for Student Development for the last 10+ years. In 2020, he added the role of Title IX Coordinator to his responsibilities. Having earned an undergraduate degree from Southern College of Seventh-day Adventist, the name of Southern before its current one, he has devoted more than half his life to this institution.

Dennis is married Jennifer (Kneller) Negrón, also a graduate of Southern, and have two children. He is avid fan of the New York Mets but loves football and hockey as well. He loves the outdoors but can just as easily be found reading or listening to a book.

 Alexis Grentz, is Southern’s Director of Student Life and Activities. Originally from Orlando, Florida, she is a graduate of Union College with a BS in Business Administration, with emphases in Marketing and Small Business Management. Additionally, she has minors in accounting and Spanish. Alexis’s experience in planning and working social events began as early as her days at Georgia-Cumberland Academy. Most recently, Alexis worked at Union College, helping the residence halls with their spiritual programming and social activities. Alexis looks forward to helping students create relationships and community through fun and exciting events.  Alexis is married to Brandon Grentz, one of our mental health counselors at SAU. Together they enjoy traveling, watching movies, cooking, spending time with friends, and playing games. 

Lisa has worked in Residence Life since she came to Southern in 2004. While at Southern, she worked as a residence hall dean for 15 years before becoming Dean of Students and overseeing the Residence Hall program in its entirety. Lisa appreciates the variety that working with students brings and enjoys getting to know students regardless of the situation. Her greatest desire is to reflect Christ in all that she does as she interacts with students. In her spare time, she loves watching sports (especially tennis and football), reading, gardening and most important to her is spending time with family and friends.

Teri came to Southern in 2009, starting off first in the Chaplains office and then transitioning to Student Development in 2015. She is the person to speak to if you have any questions regarding Enrichment Credits, moving off-campus, or anything else related to Student Development. Talking with students, working out a plan for their success, and assisting in any way possible are some of the many things she enjoys. Outside of work, Teri enjoys reading, watching sports, and spending time with family and students. Stop in and say hi; she'd love to meet you. 

Joey is a graduate of Southern Adventist University. She completed her B.S. in Mass Communication, Broadcast Journalism in 2001 and M.A. in Religious Studies as well as her Tennessee State certification and denominational certification to teach Bible/Religion for grades 7-12 in 2007. Over the past 20+ years, she has spent much of her professional career as an educator and has taught middle school – college level courses that range from History According to the Bible, Ethics, and World Religions. She is the mother of two children, Lela and Charlie, and the wife of Southern Psychology Professor, Dr. Matthew Tolbert. Joey loves music (as a vocalist) and has performed in various groups and as a solo artist for more than 30 years. Thirteen of those years she sang with the women’s gospel quartet- Message of Mercy, has recorded 3 solo projects, and is currently in the Collegedale Community Concert Singers who sing with Gospel artist- David Phelps. She and her husband are worship coaches for the Renewal Service at Collegedale University Church, and she enjoys mentoring the college students who desire to use their talents to praise God.

Email: jtolbert@southern.edu 

Phone: 423.236.2070