Longtime AU educator leaves legacy of love and light

The Office of First- and Second-Year Experiences, located in what is fondly referred to as the Treehouse, is home to connection, encouragement and a deep commitment to helping Augusta University students create shared experiences and lasting memories. For Director Elizabeth “Beth” Whittaker Huggins, EdD, that sense of family and belonging guided her work. Whether supporting a student, encouraging a colleague or bringing friends together, she shaped the spirit of the Treehouse and the community that branched far beyond its walls.  

Huggins passed away unexpectedly on Sept. 20, leaving behind a legacy that will continue through the students, faculty, staff, family and friends whose lives she touched, as well as the countless others that witnessed her smile and laughter. 

“Over the past few days, Karen and I have been with many faculty, staff, and students who are grieving Beth’s passing,” said Augusta University President Russell T. Keen. “Many have shared stories of the tremendous impact she had on them. One sentiment was shared again and again: Beth was a light. She wasn’t the kind of light that drew attention to herself but rather the kind that helped others find their way, encouraged those around her, and revealed the potential for greatness in every colleague and student she encountered. She was beloved. Karen and I join the entire AU family in giving thanks for her life and the impact she had on each of us individually and collectively. Our thoughts and prayers are with Charles, Catherine, Caroline, and the entire Huggins family during this difficult time.” 

As a veteran educator with 26 years of experience, Huggins began teaching first-year students in 2000 and carried with her the belief that every student mattered. She became the first director of the Office of First- and Second-Year Experiences in 2013, as a result of her dedication to students’ engagement. Her passion was especially noticeable during Freshman Convocation, when first-year students kick-start their academic journeys at Augusta University.  

“For Beth, every student mattered,” said Maggy G. Tomova, PhD, executive vice president for academic affairs and provost. “She was deeply committed to helping students find their place at Augusta University and making sure they knew that someone believed in them. Beth’s legacy will live on through the many lives she has touched and the lasting impact she made on our university. Her dedication to students and her unwavering belief in their potential will continue to inspire the Augusta University community for years to come.” 

Her commitment to hard work and high impact student-centered programming never went unnoticed. In 2023, she was awarded the Outstanding First-Year Student Advocate Award by the National Resource Center and Penguin Random House annual campaign, where she was selected as one of 10 student advocates across the nation.  

While Huggins was an outstanding director, she was more than just a title. She was a mentor, leader, colleague and friend. Angelica Hill, coordinator of First- and Second-Year Experiences, knows she will always be remembered as the “campus mom” who welcomed everyone into the Treehouse as family.  

“Dr. Huggins was a light to the AU campus,” said Hill.  “I admired her drive to help all students succeed. She embodied what it meant to be a student advocate. She was not only a listening ear but dedicated her time to help students recognize the potential within themselves.” 

Julie Goley, director of Career Services, can also attest to Huggins’ lasting impact after more than two decades of friendship.  

“In my 20-plus years of working with Beth, she was a master of many things, but I truly respected her ability to take any obstacle in her work to be resilient and find a way to make something work, make it better, and put her own creative spin to it,” said Goley.  “I’m going to miss her sending me a text, Teams message or popping in my office with ‘I have an idea.’ Her enthusiasm, optimism, creativity, and way-making impacted this entire campus.  As my colleague and, more importantly, my dear friend, if we all find our way to carry a ‘Beth’ trait into our lives moving forward, it’s the best way to honor her legacy. Be a Beth!” 

Huggins’ innovation knew no bounds. She orchestrated many events, including the Southern Cities Swing Tour, which gave students the opportunity to visit cities across the Southeast and learn about potential places where they might build their lives after graduation. She was constantly thinking outside the box, opening doors to experiences that students may not otherwise have had access to.  

Mark Thompson, PhD, who has spent time with Huggins over the years in the classroom, in the Treehouse and on multiple Study Abroad trips says he is feeling a full range of emotions following the loss of Huggins.

“I have no words. She was loved by many and loving to so many more,” said Thompson. “She was always a joy to talk to and always had a smile on her face. She always made time for people – always advocated for our students … always! She taught me how to be a better teacher, mentor, friend, and parent.” 

She will remain a guiding influence for all who knew her, especially Mark Myers, EdD, director of New Student and Family Transitions.  

“Beth never met a stranger,” said Myers. “She taught me everything I know about hosting, welcoming people, and celebrating even the smallest things, and so much of how I show up for our students started with her. Generations of students, colleagues, and families are better for having known her, and so am I.” 

Lydia Utomwen, a spring 2026 Jags On-Campus intern, spent the semester interning for Huggins in the Treehouse.

“There will never be enough words in the world to describe the impact Dr. Huggins made on my life. She was one of a kind. In moments of celebration, she never missed the chance to say ‘I’m so proud of you’ followed by 20 exclamation marks,” remembered Utomwen. “In times of struggle, she never got tired of being the shoulder I cried on. It is one of my greatest blessings and honors to have known her, laughed with her, be mentored by her, and be embraced by her. Whether someone met her for five seconds or had known her for seven years, she always made the conscious effort to ensure everyone was loved, supported, and of course, fed. She was our campus mom. I saw her model a Christ-like love and strength with such grace that one couldn’t help but be drawn to her light. Her impact and legacy is world-changing and will always live on for generations to come. To be embraced by her warmth one more time is something I can’t wait to do once I’m on the other side of glory.”

Huggins embodied the true sense of being an educator. Her memory will live on for generations to come, and in keeping with her lifelong commitment to service, a scholarship fund has been established to support students. 

To honor her legacy, dedication to students and unwavering belief in their potential, contributions can be made to the Dr. Elizabeth “Beth” Huggins FYE/SYE Student Support Fund.