AMERICUS — Laura D. Boren, Ph.D., has been chosen as Georgia Southwestern State University’s (GSW) new vice president for Student Engagement and Success (VPSES), effective July 1, 2018, concluding a nationwide search.
Boren comes to GSW from Tarleton State University, part of the Texas A&M University System, located in Stephenville, Texas, where she serves as vice president for Student Affairs. Previously, Boren served as vice president for Student Affairs at Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, Okla.
“I am elated to join Georgia Southwestern and have the opportunity to create meaningful student interactions and positively impact their lives,” said Boren. “I want to help students be successful from the time they step on campus to the time they graduate.”
The VPSES, formerly vice president of Student Affairs, is a newly formed role designed to combine the two functional areas of student life and enrollment management. The combination will provide a more holistic approach for students resulting in seamless service delivery — from application and acceptance to graduation and alumni development.
As the VPSES, Boren will be responsible for providing innovative and strategic leadership, as well as, administrative direction for student engagement and retention priorities across institutional lines. Reporting to GSW President Neal Weaver, she will serve as the chief student affairs and retention officer at the institution.
“I am excited to welcome Dr. Boren to GSW and the Americus community,” said Weaver. “She is a dynamic leader who brings a ‘can-do’ attitude that will support high levels of student achievement and success at the university. Her strategic approach to fostering student development will be the positive change agent we are seeking.”
In partnership with colleagues across campus, Boren will be responsible for the general well-being of the student population, including the development and implementation of student support services in alignment with the university’s mission, core values, and strategic plan.
She will serve as the senior administrator for student recruitment, enrollment management, admissions, records, registration, student success coaching and navigation, graduation, testing, services for veterans, international students, financial aid, campus health services and student life/activities.
Boren received her doctorate in higher education administration from Texas A&M University. Prior to this, she earned her bachelor of business administration in meetings and destination management and her master of science in college student personnel services from Northeastern State University.

Having served over 20 years in administrative leadership, Boren brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in student affairs to GSW. She began her career in higher education as director of Student Activities and Special Events at Northeastern State University in 1997.
Boren and her husband, Shane, have two children.