Student Development

I’m Angela Simmons, and I’m honored to serve as your Vice Chancellor for Student Development. I’m a proud first-generation college graduate with a doctorate in Higher Education from Florida State University, and I earned my master’s in Counselor Education and bachelor’s in Educational Psychology from Mississippi State.

Being the first in my family to go to college, I know how overwhelming college life can feel at times. That’s why I love my work—I get to support students as they find their way, tackle challenges, and celebrate the amazing moments.

My husband and I live in beautiful Beaufort with our cat, who thinks he runs the place. When I’m not working, you’ll usually find me reading a book, planning my next adventure, laughing with friends, or soaking up sunshine at the beach.

One of my favorite quotes is by Eleanor Roosevelt: “You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You must do the thing you think you cannot do.” I carry that with me every day—and I hope you will too. You've got this, and I'm cheering you on every step of the way.

My name is Dr. Brandon J. Wright, and I serve as the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Student Development and Dean of Students at the University of South Carolina Beaufort (USCB). I also have the honor of serving as the university’s Civil Rights and Title IX Coordinator. As a proud son and native of South Carolina’s Lowcountry, I bring a deep sense of connection and commitment to the students and communities we serve.

I hold a Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Leadership from Mercer University (2022), a Master of Arts in Mental Health and Rehabilitation Counseling from the University of South Carolina School of Medicine (2024), and a Master of Education in Higher Education Administration from Columbia College (2015).

My philosophy is rooted in the belief that as students grow and evolve, so must I. I strive to meet students where they are and support them holistically. Every student’s journey is unique, and I’m passionate about creating an environment where they feel seen, heard, and empowered to succeed.

Outside of my professional work, I enjoy cooking, reading (especially fantasy and science fiction), traveling, singing at my local church, and spending time with my closest friends and family.

I began working at USCB in 2013 first starting as a Residence Life Coordinator, and later transitioning to Academic Advising in 2017, serving now as the Director of Advising and Academic Success. Originally from a small town, Waterford Wisconsin, I enjoy life as a Bluffton resident basking in a snow-free lifestyle and embracing the beach as a Midwesterner living in the south. I share my home with my husband, dog (Milo), and cat (Callaway). A travel enthusiast, I combine my love of exploring new places with my passion for the ocean as an avid cruiser!

As a First-Generation college student, I strive to provide a welcoming and supportive environment for all students seeking additional guidance during their transition into college, including those who are First Generation college students themselves.

I am the Director of New Student and Transition Programs at USCB. I hold a Master of Education in Higher Education and Student Affairs from the University of South Carolina (Columbia campus). I am a firm believer in the power of education to lift families out of generational poverty, and I am passionate about supporting students from marginalized backgrounds.

In my role, I oversee the New Student Orientation process, coordinate the University 101 program, and plan USCB’s family programming. I believe that creating a strong foundation for first-year students is integral to their ability to thrive at USCB. Inclusivity, integrity, and positivity are the core values that guide the Office of New Student and Transition Programs.

I'm the Director of Counseling & Accessibility Services at the University of South Carolina Beaufort and a proud USCB alumnus. I earned my B.A. in Psychology here and completed a life-changing counseling internship on campus that inspired my career path. I went on to earn an M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and became a Licensed Professional Counselor. Currently, I’m pursuing a Doctorate in Psychology. I started my career with the Department of Mental Health, where I later served as Director of Community Programs. I’ve also worked privately as a life coach, using Solution-Focused Therapy and Positive Psychology to help others create lasting change. At USCB, I lead efforts to support student well-being and accessibility, and I serve on the NAMI Lowcountry and NAMI SC boards.

I’m the Director of Housing and Student Conduct at the University of South Carolina Beaufort. I earned a bachelor’s degree in Sport Management from Old Dominion University and a master’s degree in College Student Personnel from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. I’ve worked in student affairs for over 10 years, focusing on residential life, student conduct, and leadership development. I’m passionate about creating safe, engaging communities where students can thrive throughout their residential experience. I also enjoy mentoring students outside of the classroom through the USCB Student Success Coach program and by serving as an advisor for our Beaufort Area Council student organization. Outside of work, I love playing golf, watching football (Go Vols and Ravens!), and spending time at the beach.

I serve as the Director of Campus Recreation and Student Life at the University of South Carolina Beaufort (USCB), where I’ve had the privilege of working for the past 15 years. I hold a bachelor’s degree in Human Development from Virginia Tech and a master’s degree in Counseling and Human Development from Radford University.
I love the close-knit atmosphere at USCB and the opportunity it gives me to truly connect with our students. I’m passionate about all things sports and enjoy creating opportunities for students to stay active, build community, and have fun. Whether it’s on the court, in the gym, or around campus, I’m always excited to support students throughout their college journey.

Hi, I’m Leah Nixon! I graduated from USCB in 2020 with a degree in English and a minor in Theater. Along with supporting Student Development, I also serve as the Writing Center Director and a Student Success Coach. My interests center on helping students strengthen academic strategies and build soft skills that support their learning and growth.

Outside of work, I’m a bit of a hobbyist—I love gardening, writing, and collecting more art projects than I probably should. If you really want to get me talking, just bring up D&D, fantasy worlds, or the latest single-player RPG.

Hi, I’m Anna Ard-Roberts, and I’ve been part of the USCB community for over 10 years. In my role, I support several areas across Academic Affairs, Student Development, Interdisciplinary Studies, the Institute for the Study of the Reconstruction Era, Institutional Effectiveness and Research, and Human Services and Public Health programs. I also serve as a Student Success Coach and Human Resources Liaison, helping to make sure things run smoothly behind the scenes.

My background is in Early Childhood Education, which shaped my approach to communication, empathy, and relationship-building. I genuinely enjoy working with people and creating a sense of connection and community across campus—whether that’s helping a student find their footing or collaborating with faculty and staff to support our shared goals.