by Grace Dobson

Pride Leaders are a group of students employed by Greensboro College that work to welcome incoming students to campus. These student leaders cover different aspects of the Greensboro College community with diverse backgrounds that help to best represent the school. These students have a variety of majors, from theatre and biology to criminal justice majors, with many involved in GC’s athletics, and some also being international students.   

Pride Leaders participate in PAWS—preparing, advising and welcoming students—and the event set-up for the full day of readying incoming students for college life with advising periods. Other events include welcome week events such as “The Drop,” a money winning game show, tie dye activities and more that help to engage students on campus. The goal of the summer for the team was to create a safe and inclusive environment through racial diversity, LGBTQIA+ inclusion and transparency to welcome incoming students.  

The Collegian had the chance to interview several of the current Pride Leaders, as well as the directors of academics administration and first-year experience program.  

Jenna Avent: Director of Academics Administration

What has been your experience? 

“I started at Greensboro College back in 2013. I started as the assistant director and not doing orientation, rather, doing GCS (Greensboro college seminar) stuff and career services. In March of 2014 Greensboro College restructured and gave me an orientation position and I was nervous because of the experience. I created the head Pride Leading role, so that we could work together. I hired a returner to help guide me. Since then, I have been trying to perfect the PAWS program to adjust to the needs of the campus and students by building the Pride Leading role into what students thought was valuable, working with me and an intern. I also helped the GCS program grow and created the pyramid course so that upperclassmen could mentor first year students.” 

How do you feel stepping into a new role? 

“I am excited to focus on the academic side of Greensboro to bring efficiency. The new role is the Director of Academic Administration, which will help with advising programs for students and behind the scenes that are related to academics. I am excited as well to see where Devin takes things with the program and PAWS, since she brings a new perspective. I will miss working with Pride Leaders.” 

Favorite Memory This Summer?  

“I just have always loved the wrap ups that take place after a long day of PAWS—we are all exhausted and come together as a community to share moments when we laughed about what happened during PAWS. I will always remember the amount of laughter. I like talking to them—Pride Leaders—with everyone and acknowledging the good things.”

Sean Pullin: Pride Leader 

What made you take this position? 

“I initially became a Pride Leader as I wanted something to do over the summer that would allow me to make an impact on future students, as well as give me the chance to take a leadership role.” 

What was a big takeaway from this opportunity? 

“The biggest takeaway were the friends I made that I never would have met before being a Pride Leader. I got the chance to meet people with different backgrounds and majors that I would have never crossed paths with.” 

What was your favorite moment this summer? 

“My favorite moment had to be after PAWS days, when the Pride Leaders got together to wrap up the day and share our favorite moments of the day. I enjoyed the funny moments I had, and I enjoyed hearing the funny moments my fellow Pride Leaders had.” 

What piece of advice would you give to other Pride Leaders, or advice you wished you had heard sooner? 

“A piece of advice I would like to give to anyone wanting to be a Pride Leader is not to worry—you got this! No matter what, you have your fellow Pride Leaders there to help you.” 

Marcel Bailey: Pride Leader 

What made you take this position? 

“I took the position because I remember on my PAWS day, I had the best Pride Leader, which inspired me to do the same for a new incoming class.” 

What was a big takeaway from this opportunity? 

“A big takeaway from being a Pride Leader is that it is important to set a great first impression, especially if you are representing something larger than you—in this case Greensboro College.” 

What was your favorite moment this summer? 

“My favorite moment this summer was welcome week, seeing all the people I met previously.  

A piece of advice I would give is to be comfortable with interacting with others despite how different they are from you, or who you usually hang out with.” 

Devin D’Agostin: New Director of First-Year Experience  

What goals have you set or thought about for the First-Year Experience program and orientation leading as well?  
“In my first year as Director of First-Year Experience, I am focused on building relationships across campus with students, faculty and staff. I believe that is one of the biggest ways I can serve the Greensboro College community and create buy-in for First-Year Experience initiatives. Heading into this academic year, I am also excited to recruit Pride Leaders and build upon existing programs. “ 

What is your prior experience that will help you with this new field?   
“Although this position is new for me, my knowledge of Greensboro College and work in higher education is not. Since graduating from Greensboro College in 2020, I received my master’s degree in Student Affairs Administration in Higher Education from UNC Greensboro. While there, I was a graduate assistant in Campus Activities and Programs, overseeing large campus events and co-advising the programming board. After finishing my grad program, I accepted a position in Student Life at Elon University where I focused on building community engagement opportunities through dining experiences. These experiences have prepared me for this position, and I am so excited to be back at GC!” 

What is your connection to GC that will offer you a new outlook on incoming students? 
“Being a Greensboro College Alumna allows me to better understand and support students. I was an involved student and member of the women’s soccer team, so I am fully aware of the benefits that a small, liberal arts education can provide. I hope my experiences encourage current students to get involved, ask questions and make the most out of their time at GC.” 

What is the new direction that you will take to engage students? 
“I would not say I have a “new direction” in engaging with students, however, it is important to me that I create a welcoming environment for students to feel comfortable participating and being themselves. In many cases, I learn from students just as they learn from me. I hope this approach in engaging with students builds community and drives excitement for getting involved—hopefully with First-Year Experience!”