Rachael Greene – Office of Undergraduate Education & Student Success

David Torello Selected as the Executive Director of the John H. Martinson Honors Program

We are pleased to announce that David Torello will be joining OUESS as the executive director of the John H. Martinson Honors Program. In this role, Torello will provide strategic oversight and direction for the John H. Martinson Honors Program as it assumes a new strategic role at Georgia Tech as a premier national honors program with a distinctive institutional identity.

We are pleased to announce that David Torello will be joining the Office of Undergraduate Education & Student Success (OUESS) as the executive director of the John H. Martinson Honors Program.

In this role, Torello will provide strategic oversight and direction for the John H. Martinson Honors Program as it assumes a new strategic role at Georgia Tech as a premier national honors program with a distinctive institutional identity.

“The executive director of the John H. Martinson Honors Program will play a critical role in shaping the next chapter of honors education at Georgia Tech,” said Steven Girardot, vice provost for Undergraduate Education and Student Success. “With a strong background in engineering and STEM education, a proven record of academic leadership and program-building, and demonstrated success partnering with major donors, Torello brings the experience and perspective needed to advance the program’s growth, deepen its impact, and position it among the nation’s premier honors programs.”

Torello has over a decade of experience designing and leading high-impact, student-centered educational initiatives at Georgia Tech. As a faculty member in the George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, he has combined teaching, mentorship, and program leadership to advance undergraduate success. Beyond the classroom, Torello has led large-scale, donor-funded scholarship and enrichment programs, including the A. James Clark Scholars Program and the College of Engineering Dean’s Scholars Program, that integrate financial support with holistic student development, academic achievement, leadership formation, and sustained investments in student mental well-being and belonging.

Torello holds doctoral and master’s degrees in mechanical engineering from Georgia Tech and a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of California, Berkeley. His doctoral research focused on nonlinear acoustics and nondestructive evaluation, with technical specializations in dynamics, vibrations, experimental mechanics, and computational methods.

The assumption of the executive director role was enabled by a transformative gift from philanthropist and venture capitalist John H. Martinson and comes ahead of the program celebrating its 20th anniversary next year.

Further expansion of the program will include automatic admission offers for all Stamps President’s Scholars and Gold Scholars in support of a goal to grow the program by 5% to 10% over the next several years. The curriculum itself will also be revised to incorporate more enriched classes, abundant educational and community-building events and activities, as well as required completion of the campus-wide, mission-driven Leaders in Progress & Service initiative beginning with the next incoming class.

In addition to his role as executive director of the John H. Martinson Honors Program, Torello will continue to hold a faculty appointment in the School of Mechanical Engineering where he will teach and contribute to the school’s educational mission.

Please join us in welcoming David Torello to OUESS and the John H. Martinson Honors Program.

Graduation and Retention Rates Demonstrate Georgia Tech’s Ongoing Commitment to Student Success

As part of Georgia Tech’s bold commitment to becoming a national leader in outcomes and value for all students, the Institute continues to invest in the systems, experiences, and support that help students thrive from their first semester through graduation. These efforts have continued to yield results and demonstrate a campuswide strategy to ensure each student has the opportunity to succeed, even as colleges nationwide face declining enrollment.

This past academic year, Georgia Tech conferred over 13,000 degrees, 4,874 of which were undergraduate degrees, marking steady progress toward its goal of 15,000 overall annual graduates by 2030 and reinforcing the Institute’s long-term commitment to expanding access and encouraging degree completion (Big Bet Nos. 1 and 2).

Undergraduate Graduation and Retention Rates Remain Strong

74.9% of the Fall 2021 first-year cohort graduated in four years, up from 70% for the previous cohort. Additionally, 93.5% of the Fall 2019 cohort completed their degrees within six years. Both graduation rates are points of pride for Georgia Tech, as it continues to maintain the high graduation numbers which the Institution has become known for.

Retention rates for first-year students also remain consistently high and are a testament to the support systems in place for incoming students. The first-to-second-year retention rate for the Fall 2024 freshman cohort was 97.3%.

Investing in Positive Student Outcomes

“Earlier this year, the Office of Undergraduate Education became the Office of Undergraduate Education and Student Success — a change that underscores Georgia Tech’s deep commitment to removing barriers, strengthening support, and ensuring every student has a clear pathway to graduation,” said Steven Girardot, vice provost for Undergraduate Education and Student Success. “Elevating ‘student success’ in our division’s name reinforces the work happening across campus to help all students thrive academically, personally, and professionally.”

Georgia Tech’s continued success in graduation and retention rates reflects a holistic approach to supporting students both inside and outside the classroom. High-impact practices (HIPs) such as co-ops, internships, undergraduate research, study abroad, community-based learning, and innovation projects remain central to the undergraduate experience. These hands-on opportunities help students make meaningful connections between coursework and real-world applications, fostering academic excellence, career readiness, and personal growth.

Over the past year, Georgia Tech has strengthened its academic support ecosystem through expanded tutoring programs with Knack and the launch of Navigate360, a new advising platform that enables more proactive, personalized guidance. These enhancements reinforce a campus culture of care and collaboration that helps students stay on track, connect with resources, and make informed decisions throughout their academic journeys. Looking ahead, the Institute is developing new initiatives to better serve transfer and continuing students, with a focus on providing all learners — regardless of when they begin their Tech experience — with access to the same level of support and opportunity. These collective efforts underscore Georgia Tech’s commitment to empowering students to succeed as leaders in progress and service, continuing to achieve outcomes that far exceed national benchmarks.

For more information about student success initiatives at Georgia Tech, please visit the Office of Undergraduate Education and Student Success website.

Dr. Steven Girardot Elected President-Elect of UERU

Dr. Steven Girardot, vice provost for Undergraduate Education and Student Success, has been named President-elect of the Association for Undergraduate Education at Research Universities (UERU), a national organization comprised of R1 and R2 research university leaders committed to excellence in undergraduate education. UERU (pronounced “yoo-roo”) includes a national network of Undergraduate Vice Provosts/Presidents (UVPs) who have expertise in the theory and practice of undergraduate education. Dr. Girardot will begin his leadership role at UERU’s Fall 2025 UVP meeting in October.

“Dr. Girardot was elected by his peers to serve a three-year term on UERU’s Board, including as President & Board Chair in 2026-27,” said Dr. Steve Dandaneau, Executive Director, Association for Undergraduate Education at Research Universities. “Few research university leaders have contributed more than him to strengthening undergraduate education. Few have done more to strengthen and support UERU as well.”

Dr. Girardot has served as vice provost for Undergraduate Education and Student Success since 2022, having previously served as associate vice provost for Undergraduate Education from 2012-22. As vice provost, he provides campuswide leadership for all aspects of undergraduate education, including undergraduate advising, retention and completion, general education (Core IMPACTS), and academic policies for undergraduates. He also oversees the Office of Undergraduate Education and Student Success (OUESS), which includes Academic Success and Advising (ASA), the Office of Student Achievement (OSA), the Office of Experiential and Engaged Learning (E2L), the Career Center, the John H. Martinson Honors Program (JMHP), and Georgia Tech’s 2025 Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP), Leaders in Progress and Service. He helped launch and continues to lead the First-Year Semester Abroad (FYSA) Program, in collaboration with the Office of International Education (OIE). A Georgia Tech alumnus, Dr. Girardot holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering and a Master of Science in Chemistry from the Institution. He earned a doctorate in chemistry and a Master of Public Health in Epidemiology from Emory University, and his research area was at the intersection of chemistry and environmental health.

“I am honored to be elected President-elect of UERU, a role that allows me to collaborate with colleagues across the nation who are deeply committed to advancing undergraduate education and student success,” said Dr. Girardot. “This leadership opportunity will not only enrich my work at Georgia Tech by bringing new perspectives and best practices to our campus but also contribute to shaping the broader conversation around the undergraduate experience in higher education.”

UERU currently includes 138 member institutions, collectively serving nearly 3 million undergraduate students. The organization is dedicated to fostering connections among leaders in undergraduate academic affairs, sharing best practices, and promoting innovation in teaching, advising, curricular design, and student success. More information may be found on the UERU website.

Georgia Tech Launches Navigate360 to Enhance Advising and Student Success

On June 1, 2025, Georgia Tech launched Navigate360, a new digital platform designed to support academic advising, streamline student success efforts, and strengthen collaboration across campus. Built by EAB, Navigate360 will serve as the Institute’s primary student success management system, bringing together advisors, faculty, and support staff in service of a more connected and proactive student experience.

The launch represents a major milestone in Georgia Tech’s ongoing efforts to improve the undergraduate experience by enhancing the tools, processes, and partnerships that support students from orientation through graduation.

“Navigate360 helps us support advising at Georgia Tech in a way that honors what makes each unit unique, while uniting us in our shared goal of supporting students,” said Lorett Swank, executive director of Academic Success and Advising (ASA) in the Office of Undergraduate Education and Student Success (OUESS). “We’re equipping people, improving processes, and using technology to create a more accessible and coordinated experience across campus.”

Why Navigate360?

Georgia Tech selected Navigate360 after a multi-year review of student success platforms and began implementation with a successful pilot in the Scheller College of Business during Spring 2025.

The platform streamlines appointment scheduling, improves communication through reminders and messaging, and helps students easily connect with advisors and resources. Advisors and staff describe it as user-friendly and efficient, allowing more time to focus on student support.

What’s Changing on June 1?

Beginning June 1, all Georgia Tech students will have access to Navigate360 and are encouraged to download the Navigate360 mobile app for the best experience. This date also marks the retirement of Salesforce Advisor Link—undergraduate students will no longer use Advisor Link to view advisor availability or schedule appointments. Instead, Navigate360 will serve as the central hub for those interactions.

Incoming first-year and transfer students will be introduced to the platform through a new Canvas course launching this summer, designed to support advising, registration, and onboarding activities during FASET. Returning students will find Navigate360 information and FAQs on the ASA website, with a full communication campaign rolling out ahead of the fall semester.

Supporting Advisors and the Georgia Tech Community

Georgia Tech’s advising ecosystem is broad and varied, reflecting the Institute’s decentralized structure. One of the key goals of Navigate360 is to improve—not standardize—this range of advising practices, making it easier for colleges, schools, and units to collaborate while still honoring their unique approaches.

“Navigate360 gives us the tools to create a more holistic, student-centered environment,” said Ellen Riley, ASA’s director of advising operations and engagement. “It supports proactive outreach, integrated care, and real-time insights so advisors can spend less time navigating systems and more time engaging with students.”

The platform also benefits the broader Georgia Tech community. Departments such as the Registrar’s Office, Office of Information Technology, Procurement and Business Services, and Digital Learning have played essential roles in its implementation, reflecting the Institute’s commitment to cross-campus collaboration in support of student success.

What’s Next?

The Navigate360 rollout will continue through the 2025–26 academic year. In July 2025, Georgia Tech will begin onboarding tutoring partners into the platform, followed by expanded communications to continuing students in the fall and a pilot program in the College of Engineering that integrates Canvas with Navigate360 features.

By Spring 2026, additional tools will go live—including “journeys” to guide students through key milestones, “hand raise” functionality for requesting support, and faculty alerts to help surface concerns early.

Together, these features represent a powerful shift toward proactive, integrated student support that keeps students at the center of the advising experience.

Learn More

Advisors, students, and families can learn more about Navigate360 and upcoming training and support resources at success.gatech.edu. All enrolled students are encouraged to download the app to get started.

Honors Program Team Named 2025 OUE Employee Excellence Award Winner

The Honors Program team has been selected as the recipient of the 2025 OUE Employee Excellence Award, in recognition of their exceptional commitment to student success, cross-unit collaboration, and large-scale impact. This annual award is given to a team, staff member, or academic professional in OUE whose work exemplifies strategic excellence, ethical leadership, and alignment with Georgia Tech’s core values.

The Honors Program team, pictured above with Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education Steven Girardot and Chair of the OUE Employee Engagement and Culture Committee Kristi Hesse, has been selected as the recipient of the 2025 OUE Employee Excellence Award, in recognition of their exceptional commitment to student success, cross-unit collaboration, and large-scale impact. This annual award is given to a team, staff member, or academic professional in the Office of Undergraduate Education (OUE) whose work exemplifies strategic excellence, ethical leadership, and alignment with Georgia Tech’s core values.

This year, the Honors Program team stood out for two exceptional initiatives: the launch of the Jacket Journey co-curricular engagement platform and the successful hosting of the 2025 Georgia Collegiate Honors Council (GCHC) student research conference.

Elevating Student Engagement Through Jacket Journey

In response to the national decline in student engagement during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, the Honors Program set out to reimagine how students connect with co-curricular opportunities. The result was Jacket Journey—a new initiative built in the Suitable platform that encourages Honors Program students to engage in academic, professional, civic, and social learning experiences.

The team led the charge from start to finish, managing procurement, program design, implementation, and rollout. In just its first year, Jacket Journey achieved remarkable success: more than 51% of Honors Program students have already participated in the platform, completing nearly 3,600 activities since August 2024. Students earn points and badges through their participation, with nearly 100 badges already awarded and 75 more nearing completion. These badges function as digital micro-credentials that can be shared on professional platforms like LinkedIn, and the system also generates customized co-curricular transcripts for students.

The program is structured around four core competency areas aligned with the Honors Program’s mission: Scholarly and Creative Engagement; Civic Responsibility and Service; Professional Development and Leadership; and Social and Community Building.

“This would not have happened without the team effort to implement Jacket Journey and get student buy-in through positive reinforcement (including swag, experiential prizes, and friendly competition),” said Faculty Director Amy D’Unger.

Raising the Profile of Georgia Tech’s Honors Community

In addition to their success with student engagement, the Honors Program made a bold move to raise its visibility across the state and beyond. This culminated in the team hosting the annual Georgia Collegiate Honors Council (GCHC) conference for the first time in program history. Held February 21–22, 2025, the two-day research event welcomed a record-breaking 175+ attendees and featured more than 100 student research presentations through paper sessions and poster displays.

The Honors Program staff, a team of just three, planned and executed every aspect of the conference, including a keynote address, reception, business meeting, director’s lunch, and awards ceremony. Their success was bolstered by key partnerships across the OUE division, including support from procurement, finance, and the communications team.

“The conference was a resounding success and demonstrates the initiative of the HP staff,” D’Unger said. “There was no requirement that we do this…but it was important for the profile of the HP within GCHC and the larger honors community.”

D’Unger’s own leadership has further contributed to raising the program’s reputation. She currently serves as President of the Georgia Collegiate Honors Council and Treasurer for the Southern Regional Honors Council, in addition to multiple appointed roles within the National Collegiate Honors Council.

Modeling OUE’s Mission in Action

The OUE Employee Excellence Award honors those who exemplify key values such as persistence, innovation, cross-unit collaboration, and a clear focus on student achievement. The Honors Program team was selected for their ability to “see the big picture” and execute high-impact projects that elevate the student experience.

“The staff of the HP strive for excellence in all that we do,” D’Unger said. “Students are truly our top priority and supporting them requires collaboration within the HP and with others across the OUE.”

Please join us in congratulating the Honors Program team on this well-earned recognition and thanking them for their continued contributions to Georgia Tech’s undergraduate mission.

Office of Undergraduate Education & Student Success

Author: Rachael Greene