Buies Creek, N.C.—Dr. Jennifer Latino has been selected to direct a new program at Campbell University designed to enhance the learning experience for freshmen students. Campbell’s “First-Year Experience” program focuses on ensuring the success of each new student by exposing them to informational seminars ranging in scope from how to develop good study habits to managing a budget.
A graduate of the University of North Carolina at Pembroke, Latino received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in 1999 and went on to obtain a Master of Education in higher education from North Carolina State University in 2001. She earned an Ed.D. in higher education from Florida State University in 2007.
Latino currently serves as associate director of the Office of University 101 programs at the University of South Carolina. As associate director, she assists in the direction of the nationally recognized first-year program, focusing on faculty development for over 150 instructors, coordination of the peer and graduate leader programs, assessment of learning outcomes and course success, coordination of the annual University 101 Scholarship and Outstanding Freshman Advocate awards and direction of the annual First-Year Reading Experience.
In addition, Latino has a breadth of experience working in various areas of student learning and support, including serving as graduate coordinator for leadership programs at Florida State University, as a counselor for Student Support Services at Johnston Community College and as a Residence Director for the Office of Residence Life at Meredith College. Additionally, Latin served as an adjunct faculty member in the College of Education at the University of South Carolina.
She is the co-author of several published works, including “Connections: An Insider’s Guide to College Success” and “Designing Successful Transitions: A Guide for Orienting Students to College.” Latino also wrote and edited “Transitions: Building a New Community,” the common textbook used in the first-year seminar at the University of South Carolina.
“I am impressed with the commitment that Campbell University has placed on first-year student success,” Latino said. “The creation of the First-Year experience program will bring excellence to the freshman year by providing a unique classroom experience that will allow students to explore the many resources and opportunities available to them as Campbell students while learning closely with a faculty member and a small group of peers. I am honored to have the opportunity to lead Cambell in this effort and am looking forward to what I expect will be challenging but rewarding work.”