Higher education · Student transitions · Project leadership
Hi, I'm Mark.
My work sits at the intersection of student experience, change, and practical problem-solving.
I lead work that helps new students and families begin well at Augusta University. My broader interests include facilitation, practical uses of AI, and the systems that help teams do thoughtful work.
On my desk
A few things I've taken on.
Augusta University
New Student & Family Transitions
I lead the planning, communication, and coordination for how new students and their families begin their university experience.
Leadership · Student experienceA personal build
Jarvis
Jarvis is a personal AI system I’m building with Golgi, its chief-of-staff agent. It helps me test where AI is useful and where human judgment needs to stay in charge.
AI · Knowledge managementFreestone Works LLC
Facilitation and project support
Through Freestone Works, I’ve supported teams as they clarify a problem, structure a useful conversation, and identify a practical next step.
Facilitation · Problem solvingHow I work
Here's what helps me do good work.
I first wrote a “How I Work” guide for my team because working relationships are easier when people name their expectations early. Here's the useful version.
Start with students
Student voices should shape the plan, not be added once the decision is already made. I also think about what the work asks of families and the staff responsible for carrying it out.
Make the context clear
I work best when I know why something matters, what good looks like, and where the decision stands. I don’t need every detail settled, but I don’t like surprise priorities.
Build it with people
Most good work crosses teams, so I’d rather bring people into the conversation than hand them a finished answer. I value direct feedback and conversations that end with a clear next step.
Stay open to change
Change doesn’t bother me when the purpose is clear and the people affected can help shape it. My dissertation focused on change management in higher education, and that lens stays with me.
An honest note
Fast ideas. Better with structure.
ADHD is part of how I work. It helps me make connections quickly, stay curious, and see different paths through a problem. Clear priorities, written next steps, and enough flexibility to do deep work later in the day help me turn those ideas into finished work.
- FeedbackDirect and collaborative, preferably in conversation. I want to understand the concern and work through it together.
- EnergyI can be outgoing and fully present in the room. After a people-heavy day, I need time to recharge.
- GrowthI’m working on better time estimates, stronger prioritization, and making sure my can-do instinct doesn’t become overcommitment.
Useful shorthand
No assessment tells the whole story, but these are good clues.
- CliftonStrengths
- futuristic. activator. woo. communication. positivity.
- True Colors
- Orange · energetic, adaptable, ready to move
- Work-style shorthand
- Otter · creative, playful, collaborative
The short version
Experience
My work has centered on helping students start well, building the systems behind that work, and making sure the people doing it have what they need.
2022–Present
Augusta University
Director of New Student & Family Transitions
Oct 2022–PresentI lead orientation, transition, and family work for more than 5,000 new students each year. I also created LEAP Week, expanded family programming, built community partnerships, and brought Slate CRM into orientation operations.
Adjunct Instructor
Aug 2022–PresentI teach undergraduate leadership courses with an emphasis on experience, reflection, and career readiness.
Coordinator of New Student & Family Transitions
Mar–Oct 2022I led transition programming, managed student leader teams, and helped build the university’s family programs.
2020–2022
University of South Carolina Aiken
First Year Academic Advisor
Sep 2020–Mar 2022I advised more than 200 students, primarily first-generation students, and developed early-alert and case-management practices to support retention.
2019–2020
Technical College of the Lowcountry
International Admissions Counselor
Aug 2019–Sep 2020I served as a Designated School Official, advised prospective international students, and managed New Student Orientation.
2016–2019
Allegheny College
New Student Orientation Coordinator
May 2016–May 2019I helped build the orientation program and recruited, trained, and supervised 60 orientation leaders.
MLK Jr. Mentoring Program Coordinator
Mar 2016–Mar 2018I led program operations, wrote grants, developed curriculum, and coordinated with school and state partners.
Learning
Education
2026
Doctor of Education in Educational Innovation
Augusta University
Dissertation research focused on change management in higher education.
2021
Master of Education in Higher Education Administration
Columbia College, South Carolina
Certificate in Trauma-Informed Practice.
2019
Bachelor’s degree
Allegheny College
Double major in Communication Arts and Women, Gender & Sexuality Studies.
A few highlights
Recognition + talks
2025
NODA Region VI Innovation in Transition Programs Award
Awarded for LEAP Week, which reached more than 3,000 student check-ins.
2024
Tourism Partner of the Year
Recognized by Destination Augusta for the community impact of orientation programming.
2024–25
Conference presenter
Presented practical work on mentorship, community partnerships, and student leader development at NODA and AHEPPP.
Get in touch
You're welcome to reach out.
If something here connects with work you're thinking about, I'd be glad to hear from you. A few plain sentences are plenty.
Email me mark@freestoneworks.com