NOTE: Tara is currently out of the office until at least June 2026. Please schedule with another academic advisor.
About me:
After stumbling in and out of college at multiple schools, I decided to give higher education one more try as a student at TMCC in the spring of 2003, when I accepted a peer advisor position in Counseling & Academic Advisement. As a double-dose first-generation college student, I changed my major seven times, searching for the perfect major and career, but I had already found it as an advisor. I enjoyed working with my fellow college students so much that I changed my educational goals to prepare me to become a professional Academic Advisor. After completing my Associate of Arts at TMCC, I went on to graduate with a Bachelor of General Studies with an emphasis in Biology & Theatre and a minor in English writing (in case I ever want to write plays about amoebas), a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership, and a Master of Education in Learning and Technology. Now I'm back in school working on my doctorate.
As a Senior Advisor, I try to create a welcoming and inclusive space. I am here to support all students as they explore and pursue their educational goals, especially those dealing with uncertainty who are perhaps taking the scenic route through college, as I once did. In addition to general advising, I coordinate athletics advising, working closely with our student-athletes as they pursue success in the classroom, in competition, and beyond. I also advise international students on an F-1 visa who have come to TMCC from all around the world. Additionally, I am the Business FastTrack Support and Outreach Specialist, working closely with all students who are in or interested in joining our innovative Business FastTrack program. If you have questions, I'm here to help you find answers. Thank you for allowing me to support you on your educational journey!
Outside of work, I do oh-so-much homework in my doctoral program, and enjoy snuggles with my dog, paddle boarding, yoga, pilates, meditation, hiking, time in nature, and reading books from my ever-growing to-be-read list.
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Contact information
My email: tconnolly@tmcc.edu | Advising phone: 775-673-7062 | Advising contact: contactadvising.tmcc.edu
Spring/Summer 2026 Advising Hours:
- Dandini (RDMT 111) In-Person appointments: on hold at this time
- Meadowood (MDWS 318) In-Person appointments: on hold at this time
- Virtual - Any appointment may be completed via Zoom: on hold at this time
- NOTE: If you have scheduled an in-person appointment and are not feeling well, please log in to Zoom (link in appointment reminder email) at your scheduled time to meet virtually or reschedule and feel better soon!
Cancellation / Late Policy:
A minimum of 24 hours advance notice is requested for cancellations, please. If you are late for an appointment, you may be encouraged to schedule a follow-up appointment as we may not have time to review everything. We'll do our best, though.