Greek Village and Student Ticketing are among areas now under new leadership with the introduction of USC alumna Anna Edwards to her new position with Student Life.
At the beginning of this week, Edwards stepped into the role of interim associate vice president of student life for USC's Department of Student Life, replacing long-time administrator Jerry Brewer. The new role, which began with her working as Brewer's assistant, is a culmination of 12 years of work Edwards has dedicated to her department.
Edwards studied at Clemson University as an undergrad before receiving two postgraduate degrees, including a doctorate in educational administration, from USC. After working as a consultant for her sorority, Kappa Kappa Gamma, she joined Student Life as the assistant to the associate vice president for student affairs in 2005.
"Even though I never planned to stay here, I think you'll find that with other administrators who have been in a place for a while, the opportunities present themselves, and places become home," Edwards said. "And this has definitely become my home."
Under her new role as associate vice president, Edwards will oversee all operations of Department of Student Life. She now supervises Multicultural Student Affairs, Campus Recreation, Russell House and Student Government, in addition to the programs she oversaw as Director of Student Services, which included Fraternity and Sorority Life, Student Ticketing, Off-Campus Student Services and the Substance Abuse Prevention and Education program.
Brewer's new role will have him directing fundraising efforts and capital projects for new student life facilities, and identifying the needs of existing facilities. According to Edwards, he will be out of day-to-day operations of the department, but the two will still work closely together.
"He's a mentor of mine and somebody that I go to for advice, I go to for ideas and, you know, sometimes just to share thoughts and get some historical perspective because I've learned a great deal from him during my 12 years here," Edwards said.
Having served under Brewer during Brewer's time as associate vice president, student body president Ross Lordo said he is excited to see Brewer take on a new challenge for the department.
"I think it is exciting for both Jerry and the university to offer the university a chance to use Jerry's skills in a whole new way," Lordo said Monday. "I'm excited about the future that Dr. Edwards is going to take, not only advising the student government but for the entire Student Life department."
In the short-term, Edwards said her department needs to re-establish its purpose and help staff understand their purpose in the lives of students.
"That's a process," Edwards said. "That's not something that happens overnight."
But one idea Edwards has brought to her new position could help the department immensely in the years. Beginning this fall, Edwards plans to meet monthly with members of USC's Hall of Leaders to maintain an idea of the constantly-evolving state of on-campus affairs.
"I'm really excited about this opportunity and would welcome feedback from students or an opportunity to learn from students about their experience here and their experience within the department and how we can make it the best we can be," Edwards said.