Randi Maiers Takes Over as Director of Student Engagement
Randi Maiers took over as Augustana's director of student engagement this April following Nathan McQuinn’s departure, who left the position after nearly two years of service.
The leadership transition occurred midway through the spring semester, with Maiers — who previously served as assistant director of student engagement — taking over McQuinn's responsibilities while working to maintain stability for students.
McQuinn, who joined Augustana in June 2023 and left in the first week of April 2025, is taking on the role of director of residence life at the College of St. Scholastica in Duluth, Minnesota. The move marks a return to his professional roots.
"My career has been in residence life," McQuinn said. "There's a certain energy to a residence life program that I really miss."
Throughout his time at Augustana, McQuinn focused on developing essential resources for student organizations. One major initiative McQuinn led was the creation of a student organization manual. The manual quickly became an indispensable resource for student organization leaders, McQuinn said.
For Maiers, who has already been overseeing the Union Board of Governors (UBG), Viking Days and Welcome Week, the promotion builds naturally on her expanding involvement in campus life.
"The formal this last Saturday was amazing,” Maiers said. “I was so proud of UBG and SKOL, and the way the two groups came together to do such a great event. I'm still kind of riding the high from that event because it just went so well."
UBG Co-Head Governor Alex Folgar spoke highly of working with Maiers while planning and organizing events.
“Randi has truly transformed student engagement for the better,” Folgar said. “She inspires students to think creatively and collaborate in meaningful ways, constantly encouraging us to explore new ideas and step outside of our comfort zones.”
While acknowledging some natural nervousness about her new role, Maiers said that she draws confidence from her strong support network within the Student Affairs team.
"I feel so supported by them, and everybody is so willing to help," Maiers said. "I know I'll be able to accomplish any goal that I have knowing that I have that team behind me."
In her new position, Maiers said that she plans to continue building on her successful track record with UBG, where she has significantly expanded cultural events and strengthened club collaborations.
Maiers also intends to deepen collaborations with academic departments across campus. She emphasized her collaborative approach for enhancing engagement, working with her student-led teams to understand what Augustana students truly want.
With previous experience at Montana State University, which has a student population of about 17,000, Maiers said she particularly values Augustana's intimate community atmosphere.
"I love how small this campus is and how people are able to get to know each other outside of their class," Maiers said. "It's a tight-knit community. Everybody knows everyone, and it gives everybody the opportunity to be a part of something."
McQuinn said that he has complete confidence in his successor.
"She doesn't need advice — she's going to rock it," McQuinn said. "Randi is one of the most dynamic people I've ever worked with, and she is going to bring a new energy."
McQuinn’s confidence is echoed by Folgar.
“Randi is empathetic, an exceptional communicator and incredibly creative. She consistently seeks to understand things from a student’s perspective, always aiming to improve or innovate,” Folgar said. “I don’t think I’ve ever met someone as dedicated to their role as Randi.”
Students can find Maiers in her office on the second floor of the Morrison Commons, where she welcomes feedback and ideas for campus activities.
"I just want more people to be involved in things," Maiers said. "If you are curious about how you [can] be involved or share any vision that you have, just stop by and say ‘hey.’"
