DeLaine Priest

In her current role, Dr. Priest provides leadership and administration to 11 UCF units, over 140 employees, and a budget of over 18 million dollars. These units focus on the transition, retention, and graduation of UCF students. The units also provide transitional support services such as orientation, academic advising, career services, and learning support opportunities that empower students to succeed. Under her leadership SDES has been recognized nationally for the following awards and recognitions: NACADA Outstanding Institutional Advising Program, NACADA Outstanding Electronic Publication Award, NCLCA/LSCHE Website Excellence Award, NASPA Exemplary Program Award, and the Noel-Levitz Retention Excellence Award. Further, she was selected for the HERS Women’s Leadership Institute and the National Resource Centers’ Outstanding First-Year Student Advocate Award. In addition, she is the principal investigator for the Department of Education, Student Support Services grants. These grants, totaling over 2 million dollars, and were awarded by the department of education to provide opportunities and resources to low-income and first-generation students. Dr. Priest is a strong advocate for student success and works diligently in assisting students to reach their full potential.