Alison Leach Hughes, director of the office of new student orientation, was recently elected to serve as president of the Association for Orientation, Transition and Retention in Higher Education (NODA).

Why it matters

The organization enhances professional development opportunities, fosters connections and provides relevant resources to help student matriculation and transition professionals successfully support students in their higher education journey.

Hughes’s selection is an honor both for her and for the university, recognizing the University of South Carolina’s excellent work in this space.

The position

Hughes begins her three-year term in January 2025, working alongside the organization’s leadership to advance its goals to define and enrich the fields of orientation, transition and retention through community, innovative programs, professional development and scholarly knowledge. 

What she’s saying

“It is an incredible honor to represent the University of South Carolina in this role. NODA is a strong community of practitioners and scholars who strive to help students acclimate to campus and cultivate a sense of belonging. This work is more imperative than ever before as we aim to meet the changing needs of today’s students.” –Alison Leach Hughes, director of new student orientation

About Hughes

Hughes has been the director of new student orientation at the University of South Carolina for three years, leading a team in charge of hosting 28 orientation sessions attended by over 16,000 students and guests annually.

She has 15 years of experience working in higher education, focusing on the successful transition and acclimation of students, their families and their supporters to the university environment.