Elizabeth Walsh is the new director of Miami University’s office of orientation and transition programs, effective March 1, 2021.

Walsh comes to the position after most recently serving as assistant director in the orientation and transition programs office for the past 5 years. Before that, she worked in the office of residence life as a graduate assistant then a full-time resident director.

The office of orientation and transition programs supports student transitions and equips students for success inside and outside the classroom. The office coordinates orientation programs throughout the summer and in January, aspects of the UNV 101 first-year transition course, and welcome weekend and the first 50 days.

As director, Walsh hopes to introduce additional peer mentorship opportunities, first-year skills series, and additional transition programs for new students.

“Orientation and transition work encompasses the magic of new beginnings and opportunities for curiosity and discovery — for students and their families, for staff, and for the university community,” said Walsh. “The five-and-a-half years I have spent as an orientation, transition, and retention professional have prepared me for strategic and creative decision-making at the director level.”

Walsh has a bachelor of arts degree from Western New England University in Massachusetts and a master of science in student affairs in higher education from Miami. She is a doctoral student in the student affairs in higher education at Miami.

“Liz has proven to be a forward-thinking, collaborative, and driven professional. She balances big picture understanding with the knowledge of intricate details needed to deliver a highly effective orientation process,” said Dr. Gwen Fears, assistant vice president for student life. “We’re thrilled to have her in this director role.”