University of Texas Selects Director for New Student Services

AUSTIN, Texas — Following a national search, The University of Texas at Austin has named Celena Mondie-Milner director of New Student Services (NSS). Part of the Division of Student Affairs, the office oversees and coordinates UT Orientation for nearly 10,000 freshman and transfer students each year. In collaboration with campus partners across the university, NSS provides an engaging and comprehensive orientation experience that ensures students successfully transition, both academically and socially, to the Forty Acres.

“Celena understands the importance of creating a welcoming and inclusive learning environment for our students at UT Orientation from the moment they register,” said Gage E. Paine, vice president for student affairs. “Her leadership will play a critical role in helping us achieve our goal of increasing four-year graduation rates.”

For the past eight years, Mondie-Milner has served as director of orientation and new student programs at Clayton State University in Morrow, Georgia. During that time, she maintained overall satisfaction ratings between 94 and 97 percent for student and family orientation programs.

“With more than 15 years of progressive leadership experience, Celena clearly understands the university’s mission, the department’s purpose and our new student initiative. She will be able hit the ground running with UT Orientation just around the corner,” added Soncia Reagins-Lilly, senior associate vice president for student affairs and dean of students.