CofC Welcomes New Staff

Introducing the College of Charleston’s newest staff members! These new Cougars bring a lot of experience, talent and enthusiasm to the community, and they are excited to share their skills with the CofC community and contribute to the success of the College!

Find out a little about these new colleagues below – and be sure to welcome them when you see them out and about!

Morgan Bowers
Project Management Analyst, Institutional Advancement

Background: I was previously a member of the advancement team at the South Carolina Aquarium. I held numerous positions and worked in the CRM database, on strategic projects and initiatives and as a corporate gift officer.

Interests: I’m a big music fan and love going to concerts. I’m a huge classic rock fan and have been fortunate enough to see the Rolling Stones twice! I’m a college football enthusiast and enjoy watching Ohio State games with local Buckeye fans.

Looking Forward: I’m really excited to learn how fundraising works in the higher education world, and I’m eager to learn about CofC’s programs and history!

David Arias Cruz
Customer Engagement Specialist, Campus Services HQ

Background: I am originally from the Harlingen, Texas, in the Rio Grande Valley, which is where my parents settled after emigrating from México. Our family moved to Columbia, South Carolina, in 2006 and I attended the College in 2011 while pursuing my degree in arts management. More recently, I completed my associate’s degree in cybersecurity at Trident Tech. Up until now, I have been working in telecommunications for about 10 years and have loved it, but decided it was time for a new challenge.

Interests: Outside of work, I love to make music and perform, thrifting and record store hunting, having game nights with friends, and hanging out with my dog, Gus, and my cat, Szechuan. I am liable to pick up a new hobby every other month, though!

Looking Forward: I am thrilled by the opportunity to give back to the College, which truly helped shape me into the person I am today. I am especially excited to contribute by helping students, my fellow staff members, faculty and other members of our community by enhancing the campus experience. Go Cougs!

Jessie Layton ’24
Student Services Associate, Office of the Registrar

Background: I’m from Arlington, Virginia, and I did my undergrad degree in English and international studies at the College of Charleston. I fell in love with Charleston, and decided to stay and work at the College.

Interests: I’m a big reader and writer – in general, a creative. I love crafting, painting, beading, journaling and spending time outside and at the beach. I love solo traveling, discovering new cafés in Charleston and visiting farmers markets.

Looking Forward: I’m looking forward to working with students, staff and being a part of this community!

Noah Thomas
Director of Special Events and Donor Relations, School of the Arts

Background: I was born and raised in the Lowcountry – about 40 minutes from downtown Charleston – so I am very familiar with the College. I graduated from the historic Claflin University, an HBCU in Orangeburg, South Carolina, where I obtained my bachelor of arts in African/African American studies. From multiple standpoints, I was transformed by the cultural enrichment that a historically Black university like Claflin was able to provide me, and attending a small liberal arts institution enabled me to grow in indelible ways. My professional experiences in higher education include serving as a writing consultant in the Claflin University Writing Center and as a student leadership facilitator for the university’s Alice Carson Tisdale Honors College. Additionally, I have served as a Mellon Research Fellow at both Emory University and Johns Hopkins University, as well as a public programming and outreach intern at the Avery Research Center for African American History and Culture at CofC. I also have experience as a substitute teacher in Berkeley County School District.

Interests: I am a passionate believer in God, so my faith is undoubtedly the most important thing in my life. Being around people is very important to me as well. I love watching movies, reading for pleasure and creative writing. Whether it’s a film or a novel, speculative genres like science fiction, fantasy and horror are my favorites. I’m a homebody, so spending time at home with my family makes me very happy. I also enjoy volunteering with local community organizations.

Looking Forward: I am most excited about providing a solid foundation for my career in higher education, as well as having the fortune to serve the College in such a people-oriented role. I love academic spaces, the arts and being extroverted, so I regard this opportunity as the perfect one!

Kendricks Williams
Assistant Director for Scholarship and Retention Success, Office of Financial Assistance and Veterans Affairs

Background: I am a native of Charleston, South Carolina. I attended Claflin University for my undergrad degree. I have worked in financial aid for 14+ years, and I really enjoy what I do. I also served in the United States Army for six years, but always seemed to come back home. I love my city!

Interests: Family is most important to me. I think that comes with being the oldest of all my siblings. I really enjoy sports, all sports. I also read a lot of books and love to work out.

Looking Forward: I am looking forward to working with a diverse population of students and employees.