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Student Affairs and Academic Support

Onboarding Champions

The Division of Student Affairs and Academic Support aims to provide meaningful connections to new employees in the division by having them meet with Onboarding Champions. Onboading Champions are established employees who ensure new employees are connected to various departments to learn about the division holisically. 

Meet with an Onboarding Champion

Schedule a meeting with an onboarding champion today. During the meeting, you'll learn about their departments mission, vision, and goals, as well as what units report to the department, key takeaways for new employees to know about each unit, and how your role might interact with the units.

Dean of Students Representatives:

Lindsey Bonk Headshot

Lindsey Bonk 

Administrative Coordinator for the Office of Student Conduct and Academic Integrity 

Favorite Thing about Working at USC: "I love the people the most! Everyone is always willing to help whenever needed."

Favorite Thing about Columbia, SC: "Columbia is perfectly located for a quick trip to the beach or the mountains!"

Albert Gardner Headshot

Albert Gardner

Coordinator of Fraternity and Sorority Life for Fraternity and Sorority Life

Favorite Thing about Working at USC: "Shaping the student experience. Every day brings new opportunities to help students thrive academically, personally, and as leaders within their organizations."

Favorite Thing about Columbia, SC: "The parks. Columbia offers a wide range of parks for every adventure – family friendly, trails, scenic!"

Logan Ingram

Strategic Program Coordinator for University Housing

Favorite Thing about Working at USC: "It’s my alma mater, which makes working here as a full-time staff member incredibly meaningful. I get to carry forward the same pride and excitement I felt as a student and share it with our new staff. Helping them experience campus traditions for the first time—like seeing the Cocky statue—reminds me why this place is special. Watching their own Gamecock pride grow over time is one of the most rewarding parts of my job."

Favorite Thing about Columbia, SC: "Columbia offers a completely different experience depending on where you go, and everything feels amazingly close. Within ten minutes of the city, you can see a Sumatran tiger at Riverbanks Zoo, take a peaceful walk through wooded trails, float down the Congaree River, browse the shops at the mall, catch a concert at Colonial Life Arena, visit one of the many wonderful churches around town, or even join a recreational sport through an Everplay league. It’s a city with endless variety, all packed into a surprisingly accessible area, and constantly growing in structure and improvements for its residents."

 

Shared Services Representatives:

Lauren Brown Headshot

Lauren Brown

Director of Professional Development for the Division of Student Affairs and Academic Support

Favorite Thing about Working at USC: "The colleagues that I interact with on a daily basis truly want to make USC a great place to work, which ultimately means a better experience for our students. I'm truly proud to be a part of this community."

Favorite Thing about Columbia, SC: "Seeing the growth in the city of Columbia and its surrounding suburbs over the years has been cool to witness. I've also loved getting involved with Everyplay Sports and visiting the Soda City Market on Saturday mornings."

Delandous Haynes Headshot

Delandous Haynes

Director of Marketing and Creating Services for the Division of Student Affairs and Academic Support

Favorite Thing about Working at USC: "Every day is different. The work is always changing, and I often think of it like working in a newsroom, you never really know what you’re going to walk into each day. I also love getting to work with so many different people and personalities, which keeps things interesting and makes the job even more enjoyable."

Favorite Thing about Columbia, SC: "The food scene. I love trying new local restaurants and getting to know the spots around town. One of the best things about the city is its location, you’re about two hours from the beach and just a short drive from cities like Charleston, Greenville, and Charlotte, which makes it really easy to plan fun day trips."

Sully Hutto

High Impact Student Employment Coordinator for the Division of Student Affairs and Academic Support

Favorite Thing about Working at USC: "Absolutely the people! Gamecocks—students, staff, alumni, and friends alike—are kind, hospitable, driven, spirited, and community-oriented, and those values shine through in everything happening on campus and make it feel like home!"

Favorite Thing about Columbia, SC: "We are super conveniently located to so many fun day trips and Columbia has the perfect balance of enough to do to stay busy and small enough that you see someone you know everywhere you go!"

 

Student Health & Well-Being Representatives:

Nikki Prude

Associate Director of Alcohol and Other Drugs Education

Favorite Thing about Working at USC: "I genuinely love working with students. They keep me young and hip and incredibly humble by constantly reminding me that I am neither of those things. As a firm believer in any and all education, my role interacting with students here at USC means the learning process gets to flow both ways. I get as much from them as they hopefully get from me, and it is amazing to watch them growth into our future leaders."

Favorite Thing about Columbia, SC: "It’s proximity to everything else. Being located in the middle of the state means you are rarely more than 3 hours from a quick adventure or change of pace."

 

Student Life Representatives:

Ryan Gross

Associate Director for the Russell House

Favorite Thing about Working at USC: "The spirit of collaboration runs deep through every division on campus. The way USC staff comes together to support our students is truly an inspiration."

Favorite Thing about Columbia, SC: "Whatever you’re into, Columbia has it. Check out the international grocery stores on Decker Boulevard or have a plate of ribs at City Limits. Head over to the Farmers Market on Saturday or simply take your dog on a stroll through Riverfront Park."

Derenzo Thomas Headshot

Derenzo Thomas

Assistant Director for Community Engagement for the Leadership and Service Center

Favorite Thing about Working at USC: "Developing programs for our student population in the Columbia area that foster community, academic growth, and professional development."

Favorite Thing about Columbia, SC: "Watching Columbia continue to grow—especially with new eateries and fun activities popping up around the city."

 

Student Success Representatives:

Jessica Gibson

Jessica Gibson

Associate Director of Career Development for the Career Center

Favorite Thing about Working at USC: "The impact we have on students’ development, the opportunities to see them learn and grow, and the ways I continue to learn from students."

Favorite Thing about Columbia, SC: "The variety of restaurants and breweries, the river front, and having access to zoos, museums, and events."

Sandy Greene Headshot

Sandy Greene

Associate Director for Peer Leadership and Partnerships for University 101 Programs

Favorite Thing about Working at USC: "I love how collaborative and student-centered everyone is!  It truly feels like we’re one big team!"

Favorite Thing about Columbia, SC: "It’s hard to pick one favorite thing! I love the riverwalk, the farmers market, the festivals, and the food scene! Columbia also has some amazing state parks and national parks nearby!"

Carrie Van Haren Headshot

Carrie Van Haren

Director of Assessment and Quality Improvement for the Student Success Department

Favorite Thing about Working at USC: "The meaningful relationships I’ve built over the years. From long-standing colleagues to new, developing connections, I’ve always appreciated how willing people are to support one another. There’s a shared commitment to making this a great place for people to work and for students to learn, grow, and succeed. Being part of that community is incredibly rewarding."

Favorite Thing about Columbia, SC: "The variety of communities within it. Many of us who work downtown but live in neighboring towns feel connected not only to our colleagues, the USC campus, and the places around the university, but also to the communities we call home. I live in a small town outside the city, and I enjoy the balance of being a part of a vibrant downtown work community during the day and a quieter, slower-pace home community in the evenings and on weekends. Feeling at home in more than one place—and experiencing that same sense of community wherever I am — is my favorite thing about Columbia."

 


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