Shannon Pugh Joins University College as University Advising and Exploratory Studies Director

The Division of Academic and Student Affairs and University College proudly announces Shannon Pugh as the director of University Advising and Exploratory Studies, effective Feb. 26. 

Pugh brings nearly 20 years of higher education experience, including academic advising, teaching and student enrollment services. She most recently directed North Carolina Central University’s (NCCU) University Testing Center, overseeing all daily operations, licensure, national center certifications, budget and faculty partnerships to enhance student engagement.

Pugh’s academic advising experience includes serving as interim associate dean for Academic Advising and Retention, Academic Advising Coordinator and an academic advisor at NCCU. She supervised a team of 20 professional academic advisors, provided leadership and oversight for 3,000 students and supported the implementation and maintenance of Navigate in the University College. 

During her tenure at NCCU, she restructured the academic advising process and programs and strengthened the campus partner liaison program. She also used retention, attrition and persistence data to identify and measure student success indicators. Additionally, she facilitated staff development and engaged in every aspect of academic advising. She did all this to ensure students had a meaningful experience in the University College and their eventual major.

“Shannon’s passion for students and expertise in supporting advisor development, training and well-being makes her the ideal candidate to lead us forward in our advising initiatives and priorities at NC State,” said Kesha Reed, associate vice chancellor and associate dean in the Division of Academic and Student Affairs. 

Pugh’s responsibilities will include supervising and leading University Advising and Exploratory Studies, with an advising team dedicated to supporting students and strengthening existing programs.

In addition to leading Exploratory Studies, Pugh will support the team that engages students in the Intercollege Transfer Program (ICT), international students and transfer students. She will also collaborate with each college and its advising teams to standardize advising practices and professional development to ensure that students have an impactful experience that will support their holistic development and success at NC State.