Tanya Willard is thrilled to join the SAAO team as the Director of First-Year Experience and New Student Belonging and Success. With extensive experience in Orientation, student transitions, and inclusive excellence, Tanya is committed to creating meaningful learning experiences and helping students thrive. She holds a Ph.D. in Student Affairs and Higher Education from Miami University, an M.S. in Higher Education Administration from Georgia State University, and a B.A. in Spanish from the University of Tennessee. In her spare time, she enjoys marveling at her houseplants, calligraphy, and taking long walks with her rambunctious beagle, Joey.