Student Development

Helping Every Sand Shark Thrive at USCB and Beyond

Student Development is committed to the growth, development and achievement of USCB students. We work closely with academic colleagues to support students and to provide opportunities for students to explore interests beyond the classroom. 

Student Development includes: Advising & Academic Success, Campus Recreation & Student Life, Career Services, Counseling & Accessibility Services, New Student & Transition Programs, Housing & Student Conduct, and Test Proctoring & Placement.

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Student Development supports the holistic well-being of students by cultivating a sense of belonging, enhancing resilience and helping students pursue a life of purpose and meaning. Learn more about our approach to student well-being.

Our Student Success Center

 

Who We Are: Contact Us

Angela Simmons, EdD

Vice Chancellor for Student Development


843-208-8120
Angela Simmons, Ed.D.

Brandon J. Wright, PhD

Assistant Vice Chancellor for Student Development & Dean of Students


843-208-8280
Brandon J. Wright, PhD

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..

Departments

Candice Sutton

Advising and Academic Success, Director


843-208-8120
Candice Sutton

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.

Laura Bessent

New Student and Transition Programs, Director


843-208-8120
Laura Bessent, M.Ed.

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.

Teagan O'Connor

Career Services, Director


843-208-8263
Teagan O'Connor

Josh Josey, MS, NCC, LPC     

Counseling and Accessibility Services, Director


Office: 843-208-8390
Fax: 844-204-7997
Josh Josey, MS, NCC, LPC

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.

 

Justin Shelley

Housing & Student Conduct,  Director


843-208-8722
Justin Shelley, M.Ed.

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.

Lindsey Logue

Campus Recreation & Student Life, Director

843-208-8360
Lindsey Logue

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.

Leah Nixon         

Administrative Assistant


843-208-8120
Leah Nixon

Anna Ard-Roberts

Assistant to Student Development


843-521-4150
Anna Ard-Roberts

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.

 

Student Rights and Responsibilities

Every student at USCB has both rights and responsibilities that ensure that the university community is a safe, fair space where everyone can learn and grow. Students are responsible for reading the student code of conduct and living by its policies.

USCB STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT

Students, faculty and staff should also be aware of USCB's Title IX and Sexual Assault policies. Click on each term to learn more.