Asbury University has hired two new First-Year Experience coordinators, Caleb Payne and Hannah Stephens, who are already preparing for the Fall 2026 semester. They were hired in November 2025 and will serve in the roles through January 2027.
The coordinators are currently working alongside Evan Duszynski, assistant director of student success, who oversees the FYE program. Their responsibilities include supporting first-year students, planning fall programming and helping hire future FYE student leaders.
Payne and Stephens officially began their duties during Spring Welcome Weekend in January, which focused on new transfer and readmitted students, along with a small group of first-time freshmen. From Jan. 9–11, the coordinators assisted with move-in, orientation sessions and campus social activities.
One of the coordinators’ primary responsibilities this semester is hiring the next group of FYE Leaders. An interest meeting for prospective leaders is scheduled for Feb. 5, with applications opening Feb. 6 and closing Feb. 20. Interviews are expected to begin Feb. 23.
When selecting new leaders, Payne and Stephens said they are prioritizing applicants’ motivation and heart posture behind serving rather than specific majors or personality types.
“I think we’re looking for a good amount of passion for the program,” Stephens said. “We’re looking at the heart.”
Payne added that they weren’t just hiring based on certain achievements.
“What I look for is someone who’s a proven leader,” said Payne. “I’m not even necessarily looking for all the accolades, just how can this person demonstrate leadership? Just someone who’s willing to serve, willing to learn and work with people.”
Once leaders are selected, FYE team meetings are expected to begin after spring break and continue through the end of the semester as planning for the upcoming fall semester intensifies.
In addition to looking for new hires, Payne and Stephens meet regularly with Duszynski to review feedback from past leaders and discuss adjustments to the program.
“We’re just trying to work out some of the kinks of what didn’t work this last year,” Stephens said.
This fall, the two coordinators will help lead training sessions, group activities and events to bond the new FYE leaders. They are also in charge of running Asbury’s annual “AU on Deck” event. Both coordinators previously served as FYE Leaders, an experience that influenced their decision to apply for the coordinator positions. Stephens said her involvement as an FYE leader in the fall motivated her to continue working with the program.
“I just loved that whole experience,” she said. “I wanted to help the next group have a good experience as well.”
Payne said he initially hesitated to apply but as time went on, he felt drawn to the role.
“I felt called almost,” Payne said. “There are still people that close themselves off to Welcome Weekend and just stuff on campus, especially guys. I’m not a savior or anything, but any way that I can understand and help, I want to.”
Payne and Stephens will continue in their roles through Fall 2026 and the following spring’s Welcome Weekend before transitioning responsibilities to the next group of FYE coordinators.
