Following the recent retirement of Joanna Short, Christina Hardwick has joined the front office as administrative assistant. In her new role, which she began on Oct. 17, Hardwick provides key support to the associate deans and assistant dean for recruitment. Hardwick and her family recently moved to the area from Columbia, South Carolina, where she worked in higher education for the last three years at the University of South Carolina (USC). At USC, Hardwick worked with University 101 Programs in an administrative and supervisory role, and managed the schedule for over 250 sections of course offerings and hiring paperwork for more than 200 instructors. Additionally, Hardwick was an instructor of UNIV 101 (The Student in the University) and greatly enjoyed helping first-year students transition successfully to college. Prior to her time in higher education, Hardwick practiced family law in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia. She received a Bachelor of Science in Family and Community Services from East Carolina University and her Juris Doctor from Regent University. Hardwick said she’s excited to be a part of Shenandoah Conservatory along with her husband, who is a doctoral conducting student. They have a young son who currently loves all things Lego, Minecraft, and baseball. Hardwick and her family have quickly fallen in love with the Shenandoah Valley, and they are excited to call this area and Shenandoah University home.