Quincy Spencer, director of New Student and Family Programs at the University of Arkansas, has been named president-elect of NODA-Association for Orientation, Transition, and Retention in Higher Education.

 "This is a great honor and I am excited to work for the association over the next 3 years in this role," Spencer said. "As a member of the executive committee, I have the opportunity to work with all facets of the organization to enhance our standing as the premier orientation, transition, and retention organization in higher education." 

NODA was chartered in 1976 and is an international association comprised of professional administrators, students, faculty and related organizations.  The mission of NODA is to provide education, leadership and professional development in the fields of college student orientation, transition and retention.  The association serves professionals at two-year, four-year, and graduate institutions.  As a member of the executive committee of the board of directors, the president-elect serves a one-year term prior to serving as president for one year, and serving as past-president for a one-year term.

"Being able to work with colleagues across the nation has been one of my greatest professional accomplishments and now I get to do this at a time when our association is expanding and strengthening our role as a member of the higher education professional association community," Spencer said. "Our membership stretches across every state and a few other countries, so serving in this executive leadership position really means a great deal to me."

Spencer has served in other leadership roles in the association over the past several years, and felt it was time to take the next step.  However, his love for orientation began after attending his university orientation program as a freshman.

"At that moment I knew I wanted to be one of those students helping others navigate campus and serving as a representative of my institution. Fast forward many years and I find myself as a professional in the field of higher education administration and still excited about working with new students and parents as they navigate the collegiate experience," Spencer said. "As an undergrad, I attended my first NODA regional conference in 2000 and instantly knew that this was something that I wanted to be a part of in the future."

The following year Spencer was given the opportunity to serve on a regional conference committee and he's been involved with NODA ever since.

"Quincy's engagement with NODA provides the opportunity to enhance the transfer of knowledge and best practices known across the nation to the U of A campus," said Lori Lander, associate dean of students. "This will help us better serve our first year students with their transition to college."

Spencer earned a bachelors degree in political science and masters degree in higher education administration, both from Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, Louisiana. He is currently pursuing a doctor of education degree in higher education administration here at the University of Arkansas. Spencer joined the UA Division of Student Affairs as the associate director of First Year Experience in July 2006. In July 2010 he was named director of the same department, now known as New Student and Family Programs.