AU’s Student Life and Engagement is in ‘good hands’ with new director, ShaRon Dukes

ShaRon Dukes, an Augusta native, now serves as the director of Student Life and Engagement at AU. (photo provided by ShaRon Dukes)

By Rakiyah Lenon | Editor in chief

There is much excitement surrounding Augusta University’s new director of the Student Life and Engagement, ShaRon Dukes.

Dukes was born and raised in Augusta. She graduated from Paine College with a bachelor’s degree in English and later attended the University of South Carolina to obtain her master’s and doctoral degrees.

Dukes worked with AU’s admissions office 2010 and then later worked in K-12 education. In 2019, she began working with The CREW at AU to help organize events.

Dukes said that she was largely influenced by her in-college experience as a student. According to Dukes, she became involved in various areas of student life at Paine starting her freshman year.

“In college, I was a part of student government, I was a resident assistant, I pledged a sorority, I was on orientation team, dance team, and I was Miss Paine College my junior year,” she said. “I just fell in love with the whole environment.”

Roberto Aragon, assistant director of SLE and leadership for AU’s fraternity and sorority life, said that Dukes is a much needed part of the team.

“Dr. Dukes is great; she’s an awesome advocate for student involvement as well,” said Aragon. “She’s made really meaningful changes. I’m very excited about her being in this new role as director of Student Life and Engagement.”

According to Aragon, Dukes will oversee each aspect of SLE from the Jaguar Student Activities Center operations to various campus traditions. She will also supervise nearly 200 student organizations at AU.

“ShaRon oversees a lot,” he said. “We’re really making sure that we’re doing the best for our students.”

Aragon said that Dukes’ work helps students to make the best of their college experience. He mentioned that during the pandemic, though SLE was limited to what activities they could provide for students, Dukes had many ideas that propelled them forward.

“She would always give positive feedback on what to do here, on what to do there,” said Aragon.

Dukes said that during the pandemic, creative thinking was key to providing aspects of interaction with students.

“At first when we came back from quarantine, it was definitely a challenge because we had to adjust to the new in-person event guidelines,” she said.

Despite the challenges, Dukes said that by maintaining a campus presence, AU was one-step ahead compared to other institutions.

“We were trying to still have events and have a sense of community,” she said. “It really just brought out the creativity for us.”

Aragon said students can expect a continuation of campus involvement and interaction as Dukes helps to build an increased social media presence among SLE.

 “I think there’s going to be more opportunities for involvement,” he said. “You’re going to see the growth happening in a lot of our involvement areas.”

In the future, SLE hopes to broaden its reach among students to further include graduate and non-traditional students in activities.

Dukes said that student interaction is makes is one the parts she most enjoys about her work.

“My favorite part is just being able to fellowship with the students,” she said. “That’s how we get our ideas and our thoughts of what we can deliver for students.”

Dukes added, “When we all get to sit around and reflect on how the year is going and just talk, those are the parts I really like.”

She hopes that students feel like they can call Augusta home.

“I hope that students take away a strong sense of belonging,” said Dukes.

Dukes said that she hopes to be a part of AU’s future in her role as director.

“I’m looking forward to creating this experience for students that’s iconic for our office and our university,” she said. “I’m really excited to do different things.”

Aragon said that Dukes’ leadership will be beneficial for SLE.

“I know Student Life and Engagement is in good hands with Dr. Sharon Dukes,” he said.

Contact Rakiyah Lenon at rlenon@augusta.edu.

AU’s SLE events add to the college experience and create a sense of a community. (photo provided by ShaRon Dukes)