UNIVERSITY TRANSITIONS
STAFF DIRECTORY
325 Tate Student Center, 45 Baxter Street
University of Georgia
Athens, GA 30602
(706) 542-7774
Biographical Info
Dr. Nicole McConnell is the Director of University (UT) where she leads a staff in the endeavor of supporting students during their key times of transition at UGA. The department of University works to connect students to on-campus resources that will help them learn strategies to effectively navigate their collegiate experience. The ST portfolio includes Dawg Camp, Welcome UGA, and transition leaders as various transition programming opportunities.
Joining the University of Georgia in 2017, Nicole worked as the Assistant Director of Student Activities which included overseeing student activities and the programming board, first-year and transfer student experience initiatives, and the homecoming committee. Over the course of her career, she has planned, executed, or consulted on tons of events including those with an attendance of nearly 7,000. Previously, she served three and a half years in Student Affairs at Virginia Commonwealth University, working in residential life and housing.
Nicole holds an Ed.D in Student Affairs Leadership from the University of Georgia, Master’s degree in Business Administration and a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial engineering Technology from Kennesaw State University (formerly Southern Polytechnic State University). Her research and professional interest areas include supervision, student involvement, biracial/multiracial student experience, and support of students in transition.
Biographical Info
As a Senior Coordinator for the Department of University Transitions, Taylor supports the Dawg Camp Extended Orientation program. Dawg Camp allows participants to meet other incoming students and connect with current campus leaders in the spirit of UGA’s history and traditions over the course of multiple days. Dawg Camp provides a foundation for a successful college experience by exposing participants to student life, exploring common transition topics, and engaging in fun and dynamic activities. Taylor also works to help support various office initiatives to advance the mission and goals of the Department of University Transitions.
Taylor received her B.A. in Communication Studies, with a minor in Psychology from UNC Charlotte, and her M.Ed. in Student Affairs from the University of West Georgia. One of my favorite parts of working at UGA is the relationships and support I am able to provide new and returning students. She is dedicated to student development, community building, and student success. She is looking forward to continue executing programs to best support students during their transitions. She loves Taylor Swift, spending time at the beach and going to visit family and friends in North Carolina!
Biographical Info
As Senior Coordinator for the Department of University Transitions, Mackenzie advises the Transition Leaders, a group of student leaders who are passionate about helping UGA students navigate their UGA journeys. She also coordinates the Dawg Pack cohort program, which gives incoming first-year and transfer students the opportunity to build community, learn about campus resources, and receive mentorship from Transition Leaders during their first semester at UGA. Mackenzie also oversees transfer student experience initiatives.
Mackenzie holds a B.S.F.C.S. in Human Development and Family Science and an M.Ed. in College Student Affairs Administration, both from the University of Georgia. She is committed to helping students find their community at UGA and creating an environment that fosters students’ learning and development. She loves finding new ways to meet students where they are and desires to help each student learn about the many ways UGA supports their college journey.