Associate Vice President for Student Life

Email: ambrahiott@sc.edu
Phone: 803-777-7774
Office: 1400 Greene Street

Dr. Ambra Hiott serves as the Associate Vice President for Student Life at the University of South Carolina, where she leads a dynamic team focused on enhancing the student experience through involvement, community, and leadership development. In her role, she provides strategic oversight for key areas including the Leadership and Service Center, the Russell House University Union, Gamecock Entertainment, Center for Student Engagement, Student Government, and Garnet Media Group.

With over 15 years of experience in student affairs, Dr. Hiott is recognized for her innovative approach to student engagement and her deep commitment to students. She joined USC in 2017 to serve as the Director of the Leadership and Service Center, where she advised Student Government and the Graduate Student Association, advanced civic engagement, reimagined student organization support, expanded student leadership programs, and launched the Gamecock CommUnity Shop, a centralized hub for basic needs resources. She also taught the U401: Graduation with Leadership Distinction course for 6 years.

Dr. Hiott holds a doctorate in Student Affairs Leadership and a master’s in College Student Affairs Administration from the University of Georgia, as well as a bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies from Furman University. She is committed to fostering a student experience that is welcoming, engaging, and reflective of the many pathways students take at Carolina. Her focus remains on evolving student life in ways that are energizing, forward-thinking, and grounded in the values of community, connection, and growth.