Dukes named assistant vice president of Student Life and Engagement  

ShaRon Spry Dukes, EdD, has been named the inaugural assistant vice president of Student Life and Engagement in the Division of Enrollment and Student Affairs. Dukes has served Augusta University in various student engagement roles, most recently as the director of student engagement. She will assume her new role on April 21, 2025. 

With 15 years of experience in education, Dukes brings a passion for student affairs, a track record of creating student-centered spaces, organizing events with record-breaking attendance and fostering a sense of belonging and participation within the campus community.

“Student engagement is the bridge that connects students to a transformational college experience,” said Dukes. “It’s not just about attending events; it’s about cultivating purpose, community and pride in where you are. An engaged student is more likely to succeed, persist and graduate.”

Her career spans both secondary and higher education, beginning as an admissions counselor with AU and continuing on as a graduation coach at Cross Creek High School, an intervention specialist at Butler High School and then progressively senior positions within Augusta University’s Student Life and Engagement office. 

She earned a Bachelor of Arts from Paine College, then went on to earn both a Masters of Education in Higher Education and Student Affairs and a Doctorate of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of South Carolina. 

“As the assistant vice president of Student Life and Engagement, my goal is to continue building a vibrant and well-branded Jaguar experience that deeply connects students to Augusta University,” said Dukes. “I want students to feel a strong sense of belonging and pride, and that means creating consistent and meaningful engagement opportunities that reflect our values and celebrate the uniqueness of our campus community.” 

She will strategically lead and foster a dynamic student experience by evaluating and expanding programs that support campus involvement and community building and provide oversight to Fraternity and Sorority Life, Civic Engagement, Student Leadership, Student Organizations, the Jaguar Student Activities Center, the Student Programming Board and other campus student activities. 

“My top priorities include fostering a culture where students are not just attendees but advocates, creators and leaders of their Jaguar experience; increasing participation in leadership, service and involvement; and improving infrastructure and processes that support student organizations and campuswide initiatives,” said Dukes. 

Student Life and Engagement is housed under the leadership of Associate Vice President Garrett Green, EdD.   

“This is an exciting milestone, not only for Dr. Dukes but for our entire university,” said Green. “We’re incredibly grateful to President Russell T. Keen for his intentional investment in building our bench across the campus. This expansion to our student life offerings will truly bring us in line with larger universities.” 

The new assistant vice president role was made possible through Keen’s Build the Bench initiative, which aims to strengthen the university’s internal infrastructure and invest in its people. The funds will also support two new staff positions to establish an Office of Student Organizations and Leadership, including a director and a coordinator role. 

This strategic expansion marks the beginning of a long-term vision to add more student life opportunities for students that will allow them to connect and thrive throughout their time at Augusta University.