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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:

  • Learning that prepares students for a lifetime of success and leadership; 
  • The pursuit of excellence without compromise; 
  • Achievement supported by a climate that celebrates each person's success; 
  • The shared mutuality between all students, their supporters, and our shared Augusta Community; 
  • A culture of respect for all members of our shared community – and a shared commitment to uplifting all members of our community. 
We demonstrate these values in the creation and implementation of all of our programs, events, and experiences as we strive to assure that each individual is able to learn and work in an atmosphere of dignity, equity and inclusion. We ask that all members of our shared Augusta University community be mindful of our responsibility and commitment to create an environment that is welcoming to all, where each person feels accepted, valued and safe.
 
Our Mission: We cultivate a comprehensive experience that ensures a transformative transition into our shared community.
 
Our Vision: We envision an experience that empowers change-makers, uplifts our visionaries, and promotes a community of life-long scholars.

Contact Us

The Office of New Student & Family Transitions

Summerville Campus

Jaguar Student Activities Center

706-737-1610

orientation@augusta.edu

SAC 102

@aug_newjags

Our Team

DIRECTOR: MARK MYERS (HE/HIM)

 

white man

ABOUT ME: Hey there! My name is Mark, and my pronouns are he/him/his. I am a native of Pennsylvania, and I have been in the southeast since 2019 working in higher education.

I am a graduate of Allegheny College, with a Bachelor of Arts in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, and have my Masters of Education in Higher Education Administration from Columbia College. I have lived in many different cities-big and small, including Toronto, Los Angeles, Pittsburgh, Tampa, Beaufort, SC, Meadville, PA, and a few others along the way! Most recently, my husband and I bought a home in Graniteville, SC. Augusta University is like no other that I have worked at, and am excited to work alongside a remarkable team of faculty, staff, and student leaders to welcome our new students!

PERSONAL STATEMENT: My approach to my work is pretty simple: to lead with kindness, always. 

FUN FACT: I like my coffee at room temp!

MEMBER OF NSFT SINCE: March 2022

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR: JENNA SIMS (SHE/HER)

woman smiling

ABOUT ME: Hello! My name is Jenna Sims, and I use she/her pronouns. I am originally from New Jersey, and I have lived in Virginia for the past several years. I received my B.S. in Biomedical Engineering from Virginia Tech in 2022, and will graduate in May of 2024 with my M.A.Ed in Higher Education and Student Affairs. At Virginia Tech, I served as a Graduate Teaching Assistant for the Center for the Enhancement of Engineering Diversity (CEED). In the summer of 2023, I also served as a NODA Intern for Parent and Family Programs at San Jose State University, which strengthened my passion for working in orientation, transition, and retention. I am beyond excited to work with new students and family members at Augusta University while supporting the growth and development of student leaders!

PERSONAL STATEMENT: I believe that each student brings unique strengths and perspectives to the Augusta community. I strive to support all students in embracing their authentic selves and achieving their goals.

FUN FACT: I have a twin sister!

MEMBER OF NSFT SINCE: July 2024

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT: PAMELA HALL (SHE/HER)

Administrative Assistant

ABOUT ME: Hello, and welcome to Augusta University! I’ve spent most of my life in different regions of South Carolina from the Clemson area near the mountains to the Charleston area near the sea. I now enjoy living with my family here in Augusta, where we can easily enjoy both the mountains and the coast. The beautiful setting of the Summerville Campus inspires me each day.

At the College of Charleston, I completed a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in English and minoring in education. I earned my Master of Library and Information Science degree from the University of South Carolina. My career background includes serving as an English teacher for grades 9 through 12, as a librarian for grades Pre-K through 12, as an administrative assistant, and as a stay-at-home mom. Working in the Office of New Student and Family Transitions allows me to combine all of my career experiences.

PERSONAL STATEMENT: I love working with students as they prepare for their futures and with colleagues who are enthusiastic about helping students achieve their goals.

FUN FACT: I can tap dance!

MEMBER OF NSFT SINCE: October 2023

Our Graduate Assistant/Intern Team

GRADUATE ASSISTANT: SAM REECE (SHE/HER)

white woman

ABOUT ME: Hey there, my name is Sam and I started at Augusta University in the fall of 2018. I graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Business, and was involved in Greek Life, the founder of Jag Elite (a student dance team), and served as an Orientation Leader for several semesters. Since my first moment with the Office of New Student & Family Transitions, I have been dedicated to the support of students through their transition into the university. Currently, I oversee the Office's social media, external communications, and oversight of our 2023 Orientation Leader Team. 

Personal Statement: I believe in the power of each student and their ability to navigate new challenges and obstacles. I view myself as an agent of change who is capable of guiding and leading students through their transitions, and inspiring tomorrow's leaders.   

“Togetherness for me, means teamwork” -Walt Disney

Fun Fact: I am the face behind our social media pages!

Member of NSFT Since: Over Two Years!

 

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