Her Story
About Audra
Audra Begg Santerre is a higher education professional serving as National Merit Scholars Coordinator at the University of South Florida (USF), where she supports high-achieving students throughout their college journey. She provides individualized coaching and advising focused on academic, personal and professional goals, while helping students identify resources, opportunities and pathways for life after graduation. She also coordinates academic workshops, social events and formal banquets that foster community and meaningful connections among National Merit Scholars.
With more than a decade of experience in higher education, Audra has held progressively responsible roles in student advising, career development, recruitment, experiential learning and program coordination. Before joining USF, she served at Central Piedmont Community College, where she connected students with internships and co-op opportunities, provided career advising, facilitated workshops and supported employer partnerships. At USF, she previously advised Provost's Scholars and pre-health Biomedical Sciences students, helping them prepare for medical, dental, pharmacy and physician assistant programs. Her earlier career also includes teaching sixth-grade mathematics and graduate work in higher education.
Audra holds an M.Ed. in College Student Personnel from Western Carolina University and a Graduate Certificate in Community College Teaching from North Carolina State University. She is passionate about helping students discover the intersection of their strengths and interests and translate that understanding into fulfilling educational and professional pathways. Her approach emphasizes self-reflection, values, meaningful experiences and long-term preparation, particularly for students pursuing competitive professional programs. Recognized as an Outstanding Undergraduate Advisor at USF for the 2023–2024 academic year, Audra continues to build supportive communities, develop student resources and create opportunities that help students grow with confidence.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Audra
01What do you attribute your success to?
Perseverance has been key to my success. I look back on my first year teaching which was one of the hardest years professionally. It threw everything at me as a new teacher and my dad even said you're kind of being hazed. I was very lucky overall but that first year was a lot and I didn't quit. I think there is also an important lesson to know when to quit because quitting is not always a bad thing. When I left teaching I had so much of that proper teaching identity but recognizing if something doesn't work out that doesn't mean you're a failure it just means that wasn't a fit for you.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
No matter what you pursue you need to do it for the right reasons. It has to align with your values because if you go into something and money is one of your values you're going to be severely disappointed. You really have to know who you are and you have to know your values. My passion is helping people find their passion. My calling is helping them find their calling. All the experiences I had led to this and I could have wished that I had done this sooner but all of that led to this.
03What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Authenticity is the most important value. It can't be anyone other than yourself. You can't be anyone other than yourself. For job satisfaction or personal satisfaction it is really important to be able to be your authentic self and to be your authentic self you have to know yourself. Making the time and prioritizing getting to know yourself and trying different things. Success isn't something that comes quickly it's one of those things you learn by failing by making mistakes by learning lessons.
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