Meet the Staff

Nic Laconico, M.Ed.

Director for New Student Orientation

 

Nic, a Macon, GA native, serves as the Director for New Student Orientation. Nic has previously worked at UGA as the Student & Career Services Coordinator in the Warnell School of Forestry & Natural Resources and as the Graduate Assistant for New Student Orientation. Nic earned his Master of Education in College Student Affairs Administration here at UGA in 2020. Nic also attended Georgia Tech (‘18) to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration-Information Technology Management and a minor in Leadership Studies. He was involved with a variety of different student organizations – student government, alternative service breaks, tour guides, Greek life, and ultimately new student orientation. It was through these involvements that Nic found his passion for developing students and helping them in their various transitions of college life, and he is excited to do that work at UGA. He loves the downtown Athens environment, the close-knit UGA community, and the amazing students he gets to work with daily. You can usually find Nic at Trader Joe’s, at Cali n Tito’s eating a chicken cubano, or walking around town!

 

Jansen Rouillard, M.S.

Assistant Director for New Student Orientation

 

Jansen is a native of Oklahoma, but calls Wichita Falls (TX) and Kansas City (MO) home. Jansen currently serves as Assistant Director for New Student Orientation, but also previously served as a graduate intern for New Student Orientation in 2021. Jansen earned his bachelor’s degrees in Psychology, Communication, and Theology & Religious Studies from Rockhurst University (Kansas City, MO) in 2020 and his master’s degree in Educational Leadership Studies from Oklahoma State University (Stillwater, OK) in 2022. As a heavily involved student leader, former collegiate athlete, campus ambassador, student government executive, member of Greek life, and orientation leader, Jansen learned the value of balance through experience, and encourages students to develop a well-rounded collegiate experience while preserving their well-being. As a lifelong leadership learner and educator, he is extremely passionate about developing young leaders and equipping them with the skills and capacities they need to make meaning of their experiences and make their voices heard. To Jansen, UGA is a place of new beginnings and exciting opportunities, and he looks forward to positively shaping the experiences of all UGA students. When he is not busy welcoming new students to UGA, Jansen enjoys practicing and teaching yoga, walking his labradoodle Tucker, watching/playing tennis and soccer, and making weekend road trips.

Liv Coppola

Graduate Assistant for Student Staff Development

Liv Coppola

Liv graduated from the University of South Carolina with a Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Criminal Justice with a minor in Social Work in 2023. She was heavily involved in her undergraduate experience as an orientation leader, team member, resident assistant, and peer leader. These involvements sparked her passion for students and working with student leaders. She is working towards her M.Ed. in College Student Affairs Administration here at UGA. Liv will be serving as the Graduate Assistant for Student Staff Development within our office, and she is excited to connect with future student leaders and incoming Dawgs!

Joey Tinghitella

Graduate Assistant for Family Programs & Special Projects

Joey Tinghitella

Joey graduated in 2022 from the University of Florida with a degree in political science, and minors in innovation and leadership. From the jump, Joey got heavily involved on-campus through his roles as a resident assistant, student recreation center supervisor, orientation leader, and Signing Gator. After realizing his passion for connecting with college level students, he decided to pursue a career in higher education by first working towards an M. Ed in College Student Affairs Administration. Joey serves as the Graduate Assistant for Student Staff Development in our office. He’s most looking forward to connecting with new people around the Athens community and rooting for the Dawgs!