Dacoda currently serves as the coordinator for Student Transitions & Family Programs to assist new students with their transition to WashU, develops programming and support for transfer and exchange students, and coordinates second-year experience. Dacoda works directly with the transfer and exchange student mentors, student executive board, and coordinates Winter Welcome. He also oversees communications for new students and families managing a student marketing team. On June 20, he will transition to Admissions and Aid as the inaugural Associate Director for Rural Recruitment. Originally from Southwest Missouri, Dacoda holds two degrees from Missouri State University: a B.S in intercultural communication/ethical leadership and an M.S. in student affairs in higher education. He is currently pursuing a PhD. in higher education administration from Saint Louis University. His research interests include second-year experience, rural student recruitment and persistence, and transfer student support, specifically at highly selective institutions.