College of Charleston Welcomes New Staff

Whether they’re arriving in Charleston for the first time or returning to campus after years away, these new staff members are thrilled to be here – and the College of Charleston is thrilled to have them! Please welcome these new colleagues to the Cougar family!

Nicole Cockle
Office Manager, Department of Teacher Education

Background: I am originally from San Diego, California. Prior to joining the College of Charleston, I worked as a study abroad advisor for Barcelona programs at the American College of the Mediterranean – Institute for American Universities. While in San Diego, I also attended the University of San Diego and obtained my Bachelor of Business Administration in Business Economics with a double-minor in Spanish and Law & Ethics.

Interests: My faith, family and friends are very important to me. In my spare time, I enjoy cooking, traveling, spending time at the beach, trying new restaurants, exploring farmers markets and going for walks outside.

Looking Forward: I am looking forward to immersing myself in the CofC community. I love working for the Department of Teacher Education and am excited to continue making new connections and growing professionally in this role.

Rori Mae Condon
Program Coordinator, Joseph P. Riley Jr. Center for Livable Communities

Background: I am originally from Goose Creek, South Carolina. In 2025, I graduated from Clemson University with a Bachelor of Science in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management. That fall, I began pursuing my Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.) at the College of Charleston while serving as a graduate assistant with the M.P.A. program. I later transitioned to the Joseph P. Riley Jr. Center for Livable Communities as a graduate assistant, where I am excited to now serve full time as the program coordinator.

Interests: Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family. Whether it’s with my parents, my sisters or my niece, they truly fill my bucket and are my favorite people to be around. I also love spending time with friends and am always looking forward to our next adventure. In my free time, you’ll rarely find me turning down a round of golf or a trip to the beach. I’m also a huge fan of Dollywood and love visiting whenever I get the chance! As a proud Clemson University alumna and football season ticket holder, Saturdays in the fall are reserved for cheering on the Tigers in Death Valley. Go Tigers!

Looking Forward: I am excited to continue serving the community that has been home my entire life. It is incredibly rewarding to work at the Joseph P. Riley Jr. Center for Livable Communities, where we have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on local government professionals and communities across South Carolina. I’m also grateful to be part of the College of Charleston, an institution that is so deeply connected to the Charleston community. Being able to work in such a beautiful city while helping strengthen local government across the state is an opportunity I don’t take for granted. I look forward to building on the center’s strong legacy, contributing to its mission and making a positive impact through the programs and relationships we foster.

Ashlyn Johnson ’26 (MBA)
Student Success and Engaged Learning Administrative and Budget Coordinator, Office for Student Success

Background: I’m originally from Evansville, Indiana, and moved to Charleston to pursue the one-year MBA program at the College of Charleston after earning my bachelor’s degree in marketing from Western Kentucky University. During graduate school, I had the opportunity to gain hands-on experience through internships, leadership roles and campus involvement, all of which strengthened my passion for supporting others and solving problems. After completing my MBA, I’m excited to begin my professional career here at the College and give back to the community that has already given me so much.

Interests: The people in my life are what matter most to me, so I enjoy spending as much time as I can with family and friends. Outside of work, I love staying active through workout classes, spending time outdoors, relaxing at the beach and traveling. I’m also a huge sports fan, football being my favorite, and enjoy unwinding with a good book or a creative craft project.

Looking Forward: I’m most looking forward to supporting students and being part of a community that made such a positive impact on my own experience. As a recent MBA graduate, I know how much the people at CofC care about helping students succeed, and I’m excited to now contribute behind the scenes. I’m also looking forward to building relationships across campus, learning from my colleagues and continuing to grow both personally and professionally.

Shivam Patel
Administrative Operations Manager, Department of Studio Art

Background: I am an actor originally from Rock Hill, South Carolina. I traveled for work but ended up in Charleston in 2020. I am a teaching artist as well, and for the past three years, I have been working at PURE Theatre as their director of education.

Interests: I enjoy the arts and spending time in artistic spaces such as theaters or art galleries. I also value quality time with good people like close friends and family. When I have the time I like to play video games, watch movies and practice photography.

Looking Forward: I look forward to helping faculty and students actualize their goals.

Garrett Ralston
Therapist, Counseling Center

Background: I am from Mount Pleasant and worked in a therapy private practice and was a school-based counselor for the Charleston Dorchester Mental Health Clinic.

Interests: I enjoy playing video games, hiking, eating good food, spending time with family and working out.

Looking Forward: I’m excited to be working with young people and in a positive environment that fosters growth and learning.

Amanda Spaulding
Administrative Specialist, Student Health Services

Background: I am from Buffalo, New York. I originally moved to South Carolina to go to CofC, but I moved apart from the school for a while. I am now starting school again to finish my bachelor’s degree. I was a retail manager at Edisto Beach State Park beforehand.

Interests: I like to spend time with my dog, best friend and boyfriend.

Looking Forward: I’m looking forward to the environment on campus.

Robert Isaac Williams
Academic Advisor, School of Business

Background: I graduated from The Citadel in 2026, interned with U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives, and taught and worked in special needs children and K-6 students.

Interests: I read, write, sew and cook.

Looking Forward: I look forward to helping students, alleviating stress and finding paths to the future.