Meet the Team


Meet the ACU Speaking Center Team!

 

 

Dr. Kholo Theledi

Director

Hi! I am the Director of the Speaking Center here at Abilene Christian University. I have served in this role for two years. I am an Assistant Professor of Rhetoric and Critical/Cultural Studies in the Department of Sociology & Communication Studies.

I love live music, hiking, animated shows, and being with friends and family.

The best tip I can give you as a speaker is this: remember to center your audience throughout your speech preparation process – from the moment you select your topic until the moment you leave the stage.

Make your audience glad that they came to hear you!

 

Lillian Roark

Assistant Director

Hi! I’m Lillian Roark, the Assistant Director of the Speaking Center at Abilene Christian University. I earned my undergraduate degree in Business Management and am currently pursuing my M.A. in Communication at ACU. I love helping students become more confident and intentional communicators.

I’m originally from Tulsa, Oklahoma, and outside of the Speaking Center, I enjoy spending time with friends and family, going on walks, and hanging out with my cat, Nugget.

My biggest tip for public speaking is to find your voice and use it. We all have experiences, ideas, and stories worth sharing with others. Public speaking allows us to find and develop our own voice, grow in confidence, and connect with the people around us. Don’t be afraid to share what you have to say!

 

Consultants

Seth O’Quinn

Study Abroad Specialist

Hi! I’m a junior at ACU, majoring in Finance and minoring in Music. I’m originally from Keller, Texas, and I’ve been working at the Speaking Center since January 2025.

I enjoy music, and I play the drum set in the ACU Jazz Band. I also love spending time outdoors whenever I can.

Working at the Speaking Center has been a great experience. I enjoy helping people become more confident in their public speaking and watching them grow in their communication skills.
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Carly Coleman

Summer Consultant

My name is Carly Coleman! I am from Mansfield, TX and am a senior music major specializing in oboe. Outside of classical music, I enjoy crafting, antiquing, and cooking for my loved ones in my free time.

Helping others gain confidence going into their speeches is such a joy! I seek to enable others to convey what is meaningful to them in a compelling way. I hope to connect with anyone who has an appointment with me!

Joshua Fleitas
Summer Consultant

Study Abroad Specialist

Hey, my name is Joshua Fleitas, and I’m a sophomore Applied Mathematics major.

I love to play piano and I love stories. This is my second semester working with Speaking Center, and I’ve enjoyed every second of it. It’s a very engaging job, compared to your typical office job. I’m able to meet new people everyday, help said people with their confidence, and encourage them to be the best version of themselves.

As for a tip for anyone coming to visit the Speaking Center, remember that how you do anything is how you do everything. Give it your all!

Imogen Long

Imogen is a sophomore Musical Theatre major from Newberg, Oregon. She loves to watch movies and crochet in her free time. Working at the Speaking Center gives her so much joy, and she wants people to know public speaking is not as difficult as it may seem.

Tips: Take a moment to breathe and collect yourself if you’re struggling, when you have a clear head, everything will seem way different!.

Karissa Logan

Summer Consultant

My name is Karissa and I’m a junior majoring in English and minoring in Bible. In my free time, I love to read and write, as well as cook for my family and loved ones. I’m so excited to be here at the Speaking Center! I love helping others grow in confidence with public speaking and performance and I’m so happy to have the chance to learn alongside those I will meet!

 

Interested in working with us?

Apply via the ACU HR portal.