Clemson University Honors College student Lanier Ashley received the 2026 Orientation Team Leader of the Year award on August 28, 2026, for her contributions to the university community and its incoming students. Ashley, a criminal justice major, was recognized for her dedication to fostering connections and a sense of belonging among new students.
Ashley’s journey with Clemson began with a positive experience during her own campus tour, where a student assisted her when she was lost. This early encounter, combined with the university’s criminal justice program and the opportunities within the Honors College, solidified her decision to attend Clemson. As an out-of-state student, she chose to participate in an on-campus orientation, finding inspiration in her own orientation ambassador.
In her first year, Ashley applied and was accepted as an orientation ambassador (OA), a role that involves leading small groups of incoming students through university programming and serving as a resource. She excelled in this position, earning the Orientation Ambassador of the Year award after her first summer. The following summer, she advanced to a team leader role, where she continued to guide new students and also managed day-to-day logistics and communications between professional staff and other OAs.
Ashley prioritized ensuring that all OAs developed at least one friendship during their time on the orientation team, recognizing the potential for loneliness even among returning students. Averie Johnson, assistant director of new student orientation, praised Ashley for setting a high standard for future team leaders and for her deep commitment to the Clemson Student Experience. Ashley’s work with Honors student groups during summer orientation also allowed her to build lasting connections, as she frequently encounters these students in various campus settings, including her sorority, student government, and Central Spirit.
