Staff News 

January 10, 2008

Getting To Know You

• Develop creative programs for students to educate them on alcohol, drugs, hazing, internet safety and other risks. 

• Inform students about the consequences and the responsibilities they have when encountering risky behaviors.  Alcohol Awareness Week is celebrated every October and Safe Spring Break every March. 

• Coordinate and advise a student group to assist with the planning of programs for other students.  The new student group Be A Responsible Roadrunner (BARR) begins their first semester this spring. 

In a nutshell, provide useful information to students in unique and creative ways to help them make responsible choices so they may become healthy and beneficial leaders in the community.

Background/Experience:  I was born in Dallas and raised in Amarillo.  Graduated from Randall High School in 1997 where I was a twirler in the band and editor of the yearbook.  I competed in pageants just for fun and was awarded the opportunity to compete in Miss Texas Teen USA in 1996 and eventually in Miss Texas America in 2003.  I have had many different dreams like being a TV News Anchor, Elementary School Teacher, President of a University and Owning either my own Flower Shop or Football Team. I had no idea I what I wanted to do with my life until graduate school thanks to my speech communications professor!  (And the answer is to make a difference in the lives of others through education)

I started working in Student Activities as a freshman at West Texas A&M University.  It was a great way to meet people and get involved on campus.  I learned the basics of programming when we co-sponsored a concert benefit with our campus radio station.  That event became one of my annual events.  I received my Bachelor of Science in Mass Communications-Broadcasting from WTAMU in 2001 and went on to receive my Master of Arts Degree-Interdisciplinary Studies in 2003.  While in graduate school, I was the grad assistant for Educational Services and coordinated the Supplemental Instruction Program as well as assist with the Tutor Assistance Program and the day to day operations of the Educational Services Office. 

During my time at West Texas A&M University, I was a member of Zeta Tau Alpha, News and Sports Director and radio personality for our campus radio station, copy editor and writer for our campus newspaper, President Ambassador, West Texas Angel, Greek Week coordinator, Greek Woman of the Year, Who’s Who, Lambda Pi Eta, Alpha Epsilon Rho and National Broadcasting Society.  I was also very involved in our freshman orientation “Buff Branding” every year as a counselor and a team leader.  I was the first student to serve as student coordinator when the leadership format changed.

After receiving my Masters Degree, I worked for Girl Scouts-Five Star Council training volunteers and was a part time instructor of Business and Professional Speaking at Amarillo College.

As Assistant Director of the Jack B. Kelley Student Center at WTAMU, I was the Panhellenic Advisor, Peer Education Advisor and Campus Organizations and Events coordinator.  This was the first time for me to work with a peer education group.  Our peer group became very involved with the BACCHUS Network and were awarded with Outstanding Affiliate and Outstanding Advisor Awards two years in a row.  It was during that time that I was chosen to serve as the BACCHUS Network Texas State Coordinator.  The other part of my job was to coordinate sorority recruitment, University Formal, University Sing, Campus Clean Up, Canned Food Drive, assist new organizations, and provide monthly meetings for advisors and representatives of our organizations.  In my first year of this position I was awarded the Provost’s Appreciation Award.  I also continued to help with Freshman Orientation, Campus Blood Drive Committee, Convocation and Family Weekend, and coordinated both the University and Student Services Alcohol and Other Drug Committees.

What is the most unusual job related case you have worked on?  This is a tricky one.  I am not sure about that…I mean, what is unusual about talking with students about alcohol, drugs and internet safety?     

What job skills to you use most often?  Communication skills of all sorts.  From face to face meetings with students to presentations for large groups.  I feel the students need to remember my messages and I try to grab their attention in my presentations and programs.

How do you unwind?  Is that a word?  HA!  I enjoy spending time with friends and family and of course playing with my dog Nikki.  I used to enjoy gardening when I had a house…kind of hard when you live in an apartment! I also enjoy singing in the car (where no one can hear me!)and pedicures.

What advice would you give to other Student Affairs staff?  Get involved and volunteer for a program or event outside of your office.  It is a great way to meet new people and see what the students are doing.  Ask questions.  If you are new in Student Affairs-get involved with the New Professionals Network!

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