Grayson College is excited to announce the hiring of Alex Stafford as the new Lab Manager for the college's growing E-Sports program. With a strong foundation in STEM education and a passion for mentoring students, Stafford brings a dynamic mix of academic excellence, technical expertise and student engagement experience to the role.
Stafford most recently served as a mathematics instructor and tutor, helping high school students prepare for standardized tests like the SAT, ACT and PSAT. He previously worked at the University of Texas at Dallas Student Success Center, where he was promoted to Peer Tutor Team Leader. In that role, he mentored fellow tutors, led training sessions, and facilitated student-centered programming — including developing interactive events that fostered community and collaboration.
In the Esports arena, Stafford brings a well-rounded background. He has coached amateur teams in Overwatch and Valorant, helping players sharpen their skills and compete at a high level. As a former competitive SMITE player, he participated in qualifiers for semi-pro teams, giving him firsthand knowledge into what it takes to succeed in the Esports arena. 
"Passing the torch to Stafford is an exciting moment for our program," said Esports Administrator and Student Life Director, Shantee Siebuhr. "His passion for competitive gaming and commitment to student growth make him the perfect fit to lead our teams into the next chapter. I can't wait to see how our players thrive under his guidance."
A graduate of UT Dallas with a degree in physics, Stafford also holds a Google Data Analytics certificate and is proficient in programming languages such as R, Python, and SQL. His analytical mindset and leadership background position him well to guide Grayson's E-Sports athletes both in and out of the game.
"I am honored to be joining the Viking Gaming esports program. Esports is a growing industry full of potential for young people. Being able to combine my passion for gaming with my professional experience in education is a great opportunity for me and will allow me to help our students to the best of my abilities. I hope to build competitive teams within the NJCAAE and give our students chances to grow and succeed."
"Esports is a growing industry full of potential for young people," Stafford said. "Being able to combine my passion for gaming with my professional experience in education is a great opportunity for me and will allow me to help our students to the best of my abilities. I hope to build competitive teams within the NJCAAE and give our students chances to grow and succeed."
Grayson College launched its E-Sports program in 2023 to provide students with new opportunities for teamwork, competition and career exploration in a rapidly expanding industry. With Stafford at the helm, the College looks forward to growing its ESports presence and helping students build skills that extend beyond the screen.