Meet our staff

Orientation and Transition Programs staff

Lauren Braun, M.Ed.
Director

Lauren earned a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Florida and a master’s degree in College Student Affairs Administration from the University of Georgia. She has been at VCU since 2016 and absolutely loves living in Richmond. Lauren resides in the city with her spouse and two young children. She loves exploring the Richmond food and coffee scene and spending time outdoors at the many parks around the city.

Brandon Dunford
Brandon Dunford, M.Ed.
Assistant director

Brandon earned bachelor's degrees in Spanish and Religious Studies from Radford University and a master’s degree in College Student Personnel from Ohio University. He has been at VCU since 2022 and enjoys living in the city. Brandon loves running, exploring the coffee and food scene, and spending time with friends which, most recently, has led to a new interest in rock climbing.

Andy Riddler
Andy Riddler, M.Ed.
Program coordinator

Andy graduated from VCU in 2020 with a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications. He later graduated with a master’s degree in Student Affairs from Marquette University. He has been with our office as an undergraduate student and recently joined our professional staff in 2022. Andy loves running and using running as a means to explore Richmond and the surrounding community. In his spare time, you can almost certainly find him watching the Rams go to battle in the Siegel Center.

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Jordyn Taylor
Operations coordinator

Jordyn graduated from VCU in 2022 with a bachelor’s degree in Urban and Regional Studies and Spanish. She is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Urban and Regional Studies, also from VCU. She has been with our office as an undergraduate student and joined our professional staff in 2023. Jordyn loves exploring the Richmond food and ice cream scene and enjoys walks through the local parks.

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Minga Ashby
Graduate assistant

Minga earned a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Mary Baldwin University with minors in Religious Studies and Women’s Studies. She is currently pursuing a master’s degree here at VCU in Counselor Education. She started at VCU and joined our office in 2023. Minga likes exploring the local shops in Richmond and taking mindfulness walks along the different trails near the James River.

Contact us

Hours: Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Phone: (804) 828-3700
Email: newrams@vcu.edu