College establishes new Office of Student Success

Woman in safety jacketThe University of Georgia College of Engineering today announced the creation of the Office of Student Success to support the academic success, enrichment and professional preparedness of its students. Effective Fall semester, the new office will also oversee the college’s experiential learning, student life, and outreach activities.

Stephan Durham, Assistant Dean for Student Success and Outreach and Professor, will lead the new office. Durham, who has served as an assistant dean since 2016, will be supported by Lauren Anglin, Director of Experiential Learning and Outreach, Amber Juncker, Associate Director for Outreach and Engagement, and Beth Brewer, Administrative Associate.

“The creation of the Office of Student Success will serve our college well by working to enhance the student experience through the creation, implementation, and promotion of professional development, experiential learning, and student engagement opportunities,” said Donald Leo, Dean of the College of Engineering. “These initiative uniquely differentiate UGA engineering students from all others.”

In his newly expanded role, Durham will lead coordinated programs and initiatives designed to support student success inside and outside the classroom.

The Office of Student Success will provide administrative oversight for the college’s Student Success Center, which was established in Fall 2019 and supports academic advising, student success programing for enrollment, retention, and degree completion and the college’s Emerging Engineers Leadership Development program.

Additional functions of the office, led by Anglin, include managing the college’s Capstone Design program, facilitating experiential learning opportunities and supporting students’ career development. Juncker coordinates new and transfer student orientation, student life and engagement, and outreach activities. Brewer serves the office by welcoming guests and directing students to the appropriate individuals and resources.

The office will organize recruitment efforts and serve as the information hub for prospective students and families wanting to learn more about the college.

“I’m excited to work with an amazing team to support our students and maximize their successes while at UGA and in our engineering programs,” Durham said.  “Our goal is to ensure students feel supported in their academic career and are afforded opportunities to grow professionally and engage in experiences outside of the classroom that ultimately lead to their success as a future engineer.”

Leo expects the new office to advance the college as a thought leader in the area of engineering ethics, entrepreneurship, and leadership.

The first major event organized by the Office of Student Success will be Welcome Week, August 20th – 27th.  Over the course of the week, students will have opportunities to virtually meet academic advisors, learn how to navigate virtual employer events, explore experiential learning opportunities such as CURO and co-op programs, and connect with campus partners such as the Office of Student Care and Outreach and Division of Academic Enhancement.  Each student in the college will receive a welcome bag with materials to promote health and safety on campus. For more detailed information visit Engineering Welcome Week Events.



Join a cutting-edge engineering program at a time-honored university

Apply Today Make A Gift