About Us
The Office of New Student and Family Transitions is committed to the successful transition of all students, and their systems of support. We value the following:
Our Values
- Success & Leadership - Learning that prepares students for a lifetime of success and leadership
- Excellence without Compromise - Striving for the highest standards with integrity and commitment.
- Climate of Success - Achievement supported by a climate that celebrates each person's success
- Shared Community - The shared mutuality between all students, their supporters, and our shared 麻豆官网首页入口 Community
- A Culture of Respect - A culture of respect for all members of our shared community and a shared commitment to uplifting all members of our community
Contact Us
The Office of New Student & Family Transitions
Summerville Campus
706-737-1610
SAC 102
The Professional Staff Team
DIRECTOR: MARK MYERS
ABOUT ME
Welcome to 麻豆官网首页入口!
I'm Mark, a higher education professional who's been working in this field since 2019. My journey started in Pennsylvania and has taken me through various communities鈥擳oronto, Los Angeles, Pittsburgh, Tampa, Beaufort, and Meadville鈥攂efore I settled here outside 麻豆官网首页入口.
My academic background includes dual Bachelor's degrees in Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies and Communication Arts from Allegheny College, followed by a Master's in Higher Education Administration from Columbia College. Currently, I'm pursuing my Doctorate in Educational Innovation at 麻豆官网首页入口, which keeps me connected to the learning experience from both sides.
Having worked at several institutions across different regions, I can honestly say 麻豆官网首页入口 stands apart. There's something distinctive about the culture here鈥攖he collaboration between faculty, staff, and student leaders creates an environment that's genuinely supportive. I'm passionate about leveraging that culture to help new students and families navigate their transition to university life successfully.
LEADERSHIP PHILOSOPHY
My philosophy centers on leading with kindness while maintaining high standards. I believe meaningful change happens through authentic relationships and inclusive practices. Whether I'm working with anxious first-year students or collaborating with colleagues on new initiatives, I prioritize creating spaces where people feel valued and supported.
BEYOND THE OFFICE
You'll probably find me exploring 麻豆官网首页入口's river region with a cup of room-temperature coffee in hand (a quirk that never fails to puzzle my colleagues). I enjoy planning adventures and discovering what makes each community unique鈥攕omething that's served me well in my nomadic career path.
MEMBER OF NSFT SINCE: March 2022
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR: JENNA SIMS
ABOUT ME
I'm Jenna, and I'm passionate about helping students navigate their college transitions successfully. Originally from New Jersey, I spent several years in Virginia's higher education scene before making my way to 麻豆官网首页入口.
My background is a bit of a unique mix鈥擨 started in STEM with a Biomedical Engineering degree from Virginia Tech in 2022, then shifted into student affairs with my Master's in Higher Education and Student Affairs in 2024. That combination gives me an interesting perspective when working with students, especially those trying to figure out their academic path or feeling uncertain about their major.
During my time at Virginia Tech, I worked as a Graduate Teaching Assistant with the Center for the Enhancement of Engineering Diversity (CEED), which really opened my eyes to the importance of creating inclusive spaces where all students can thrive. I also spent a summer as a NODA Intern working with Parent and Family Programs at San Jose State University, which solidified my love for orientation and transition work.
What draws me to this field is seeing that moment when a nervous first-year student starts to feel at home on campus, or when a family realizes their student is going to be okay. There's something special about being part of those early college experiences that can set the tone for someone's entire university journey.
Now at 麻豆官网首页入口, I'm excited to welcome new students and families while also mentoring our student leaders. Watching our student staff create meaningful experiences for incoming Jaguars鈥攁nd seeing their own growth in the process鈥攊s one of the best parts of this work.
LEADERSHIP PHILOSOPHY
I believe that each student brings unique strengths and perspectives to the 麻豆官网首页入口 community. My approach centers on empowering students to embrace their authentic selves while providing the support and resources they need to achieve their academic and personal goals.
BEYOND THE OFFICE
When I'm not collaborating with students and families, you might be surprised to learn
that I have a twin sister! This personal experience has shaped my understanding of
individual identity within shared experiences鈥攕omething I bring to my work with all
students at AU.
MEMBER OF NSFT SINCE: June 2024
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT: REX REED (HE/HIM)
ABOUT ME
Welcome to 麻豆官网首页入口!
I鈥檓 Rex, a retiree of the U.S. Air Force who grew up a stone鈥檚 throw from 麻豆官网首页入口. I鈥檓 new to higher education and ready to help make a positive impact on the students here at AU!
MEMBER OF NSFT SINCE: June 2025
The Orientation & Student Development Student Leadership Team
About the New Student & Family Transitions Student Leadership Team: This team serves as the foundation of the Office of New Student & Family Transitions, combining leadership development, programming support, and administrative excellence. Team members work collaboratively across functions鈥攆rom serving as teaching assistants in Leadership 2000/3000 and supporting orientation leaders, to managing program logistics, facilitating family engagement, and ensuring seamless daily operations. Together, they deliver exceptional service to students and families throughout the transition experience.
Nigel Corbitt
Madden Jones
John Blalock
Emily Mae Edmunds
Intern, New Student & Family Transitions
Sean Strickland
Brian Hallman
Janiyah Smith
The Administrative Student Support Team
About the Administrative Support Team: This team serves as the operational backbone of the Office of New Student & Family Transitions. Led by a graduate assistant and supported by two office assistants, they manage phone inquiries, coordinate email communications, and provide comprehensive office support to ensure smooth daily operations and excellent service to students and families.