Dr. James E. Allen Jr. is the Assistant Dean of Students and Director of New Student & Transition Programs. Dr. Allen Jr. began in the NSTP office in February 2020, having served as NSTP’s Coordinator of the Wreck Camp Extended Orientation Program, Assistant Director of the FASET Orientation Program, and Interim Director of the NSTP office before assuming his new role of Assistant Dean in January 2025.

Dr. Allen Jr. received his Bachelor’s degree from New Mexico State University in Elementary Education, a Master’s degree from Stephen F. Austin State University in Student Affairs and Higher Education, and a Doctorate degree from the University of West Georgia with a focus on Higher Education Administration. Dr. Allen Jr. has been in higher education for almost 10 years, serving in various roles within Housing and Residence Life and Orientation.

To reach Dr. Allen Jr. directly, please email him at jallen352@gatech.edu. 

Drew works as a Coordinator in the New Student and Transitions Program office. Drew oversees the Wreck Camp extended orientation program and assists in the Parent and Guest portions of FASET. He started in May of 2023.

Drew received his bachelor's in public relations and master's in student development and higher education from Taylor University in Upland, Indiana. Drew has worked professionally in Higher Education for over 8 years in the areas of Housing and Residence Life, Student Activities, and now Orientation. He most recently worked in Long Island, NY at SUNY Old Westbury but has had stops all over the country including Alabama, Colorado, and now Georgia. He is excited to work at Georgia Tech and contribute to the high standard of excellence already in place.

R. Clark Myers, M.Ed., serves as the Assistant Director of New Student & Transition Programs within the division of Student Life. Though he is not new to the University System of Georgia, Clark began his time at Georgia Tech in April of 2025. In his role as Assistant Director, he is responsible for overseeing the planning, execution, and advancement of the FASET Sessions by working closely with the FASET Program Coordinator and NODA Summer Interns.

Clark earned both of his degrees from Mercer University located in Macon, Georgia, earning him the title of a “Double Bear”. For his undergraduate degree, Clark received a Bachelor of Science in Biology, with minors in Chemistry and Christianity, before returning for his Master of Education in Higher Education Leadership. Clark is passionate about supporting incoming students, both in their academics and their mental health. His time as a Graduate Assistant for Mercer University’s Counseling & Psychological Services instilled the importance of student mental health and wellbeing, leading him to complete a Professional Certification in College Student Wellbeing, Trauma, and Resilience from Florida State University in June of 2024. Prior to his time in Higher Education, Clark’s professional background is in Healthcare Administration.

Although Clark has spent the last decade in the Middle Georgia area, he is a Kennesaw, Georgia native and calls Atlanta home. He loves the vibrance of the city and how much green space there is to go explore. Clark truly believes Atlantans are the best drivers in the nation and that the traffic “isn’t that bad”. Outside of work, Clark loves to hike, explore national parks, discover new places in the city, and do photography.

Anna Gooding, M.Ed., is a Program Coordinator in the Office of New Student & Transition Programs. Anna works with the Assistant Director to oversee the implementation of the FASET New Student Orientation Sessions as well as advising the First-Year Leadership Organization, Connect. She started in June of 2025.

In 2023, Anna received her Bachelor's in Secondary Education and English from Clemson University in Clemson, South Carolina. She obtained her Master's of Education in College Student Affairs Administration from the University of Georgia in May of 2025. During the summer of 2024, Anna was the NODA Summer Intern within the Office of New Student and Transitions Programs. Anna is from Hampton, South Carolina. She has experience within Fraternity and Sorority Life, Housing and Residence Life, Study Abroad, Student Leadership, Athletic Management, and New Student Orientation & Transition Programs.

Lakesha works as the Administrative Professional Sr. of New Student & Transition Programs. Lakesha supports new and continuing student success in the Georgia Tech community through a wide range of programs. In her role with NSTP, Lakesha will provide a high level of specialized administrative services like coordinating calendars, meetings, and events, budget administration, procurement and report preparation. Lakesha is a certified notary public and has a degree in Business Administration.

Abbey Ottaway is a graduate intern in the Office of New Student & Transition Programs. She is currently pursuing her MS in Management at Georgia Tech after completing her BBA in Marketing from Georgia College & State University. In her role, she supports various aspects of the office including administrative and logistical tasks. Abbey is a Georgia native who brings an extensive background in student leadership to the institution.