USCA graduate hired as the new assistant director of student life

USC Aiken graduate Aja Vaughn has returned to the university as the assistant student life director for diversity programs. Submitted photo.

Aja Vaughn was recently appointed as the new assistant director of student life for diversity initiatives at USC Aiken.

Vaughn, an Aiken native, is a former Pacer who attended USCA for two years before graduating from USC Columbia in 2003 with a degree in history.

While attending USCA, Vaughn served as a Pacesetter, member of the Dance Team, was a MAP mentee and mentor along with various other activities. After graduation, she attended N.C. State University and obtained a master's degree in higher education administration, while completing an assistantship in housing.

"We are extremely excited to have Aja on campus," said Ahmed Samaha, assistant vice chancellor for student life. "Her passion for promoting an inclusive environment will help make our campus an even better place for all of us to learn from our differences."

For the past five years, Vaughn had been a part of the Residence Life Department at George Mason University, serving as a residence director and housing services coordinator. She also has been actively involved in several professional organizations and programs, including LeaderShape and the American College Personnel Association.

Vaughn is impressed with the staff, faculty and students of USC Aiken since recently starting her new role. Everyone has been helpful and very interested in working together on diversity initiatives on campus, she said.

"After sending out our first diversity programming calendar for February, I was immediately contacted by a member of the staff and a student about collaborating on some events," she said. "That type of enthusiasm from members of the USCA community about what I have been charged to do is very exciting."

She also hopes to incorporate in future programming the NCAA's efforts in supporting diversity on campus.

"The USCA family seems to be very interested in exploring and expanding our diversity and inclusion programs," Vaughn said. "I am honored to be a part of this."