College of Charleston Welcomes New Staff

The College of Charleston family continues to grow with the addition of these new staff members from all across campus. From figure/bikini competitors to saxophone players, these new employees (listed alphabetically below) bring a lot of personality, talent and expertise to our campus community!

Kaylin Bouknight, Transfer Resource Center

Kaylin Bouknight
Transfer Admissions Counselor, Transfer Resource Center

Background: I grew up in North Royalton, Ohio, which is a suburb south of Cleveland. I graduated from Ohio University, where I was a student-athlete on the softball team. After undergraduate school, I continued my educational career at the University of South Carolina. While I was earning my master’s degree, I worked as an academic advisor within the University of South Carolina Athletics Department helping serve and advise student-athletes. Following that work, I took a position in higher education as an academic advisor within the Darla Moore School of Business at the University of South Carolina.

Interests: A few things that I enjoy doing are spending time with my husband and our two cats, watching sports and working out. I also like to be outdoors, including fishing and being near any type of water. I also enjoy cooking and trying new recipes.

Looking Ahead: I am excited to learn more about helping transfer students and becoming a great resource for them within the Transfer Resource Center. I also can’t wait to explore historic Charleston with my husband!

LoRease D. Johnson, Department of Philosophy

LoRease Johnson
Administrative Assistant, Department of Philosophy

Background: I am from Charles County, Maryland. I am coming from Cornerstone Financial LLC.

Interests: My favorite pastime is doing anything physical. I am a certified personal trainer. Currently I hold the NGA (National Gym Association) Pro Card time in Figure. I am both a bikini and figure competitor for both the NGA and the OCB (Organization of Competition Bodies).

Looking Ahead: I am excited about joining the College of Charleston because it’s a wonderful college that has some very friendly students and staff. I love the atmosphere, and the location is amazing. I can’t wait to get involved and grow with my department.

Austin Lawrimore, Public Safety

Austin Lawrimore
Public Safety Officer, Department of Public Safety

Background: I have lived in Charleston my whole life. I started my retail customer service career at Publix supermarket and recently left Palmetto State Armory to start my journey here at CofC.

Interests: When I am not working or fixing things around the house, I am hanging out with my two children.

Looking Ahead: Making the College of Charleston a safer place to learn.

Joey Lontrato, Public Safety

Joey Lontrato
Public Safety Officer, Department of Public Safety

Background: I was born and raised in Upstate New York and moved to Charleston in 2014. Before coming to work at the College, I was playing semi-professional soccer in the USL2 as well as coaching ODP (Olympic Development Program)/high school/youth soccer in the Charleston area.

Interests: In my spare time I enjoy working out, being outdoors, playing soccer and spending time with friends and family.

Looking Ahead: I am looking forward to protecting and serving the students and faculty of the College of Charleston while upholding the core values we believe in.

Steven Sargent, Information Technology

Steven Sargent
Senior Applications Administrator, Enterprise Systems, Division of Information Technology

Background: Originally, I am from Miami, Fla. Before coming to the College of Charleston, I was a systems administrator for Coastal Carolina University.

Interests: I am a graduate student at the University of Denver and a recent graduate from George Mason University. When I am not studying and working, I enjoy reading, writing, gaming and playing the saxophone.

Looking Ahead: I am looking forward to meeting new people, serving my constituents and growing my professional skillset.