ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR, STUDENT ACTIVITIES
Minnesota State University, Mankato, February 2009 – Present
Public university of 15,000 total students, 3,200 residential students, 9% international
Manage unit operations, an $850,000 budget, human resources, and related administrative functions. Develop campus programming and student leadership opportunities in the Centennial Student Union measuring 213,000 sq. feet, making it among the largest non-Big 10 campuses in the upper Midwest. Program advisement in the $2.4 million Ostrander renovation and the $4.2 million ballroom renovation. Received over $150,000 in grants and in-kind services. Lead, train and evaluate 5 full-time staff, 12 undergraduate reception staff, 4 graduate advisors, 4 graduate interns, 12 undergraduate programmers, and over 100 undergraduate volunteers. Promote the development, coordination, and implementation of a comprehensive approach to undergraduate programs, activities, leadership and engagement to 15,000 undergraduates with a focus on campus programs, nontraditional students, Greek Life, Community Engagement, and off-campus housing. In addition to traditional programming, collaborate across the curriculum for Fall and Spring Welcome Week, Homecoming, Family Weekend, 4 intercultural celebrations (Africa Night, Chicano/Latino Night, Middle Eastern Night, India Night), and assist with the Annual Mankato International Festival (the 2nd largest international event in the state of Minnesota). Serve as an advisor for the campus programming board (Student Events Team) hosting film, comedy, special events, speakers, and concerts throughout the academic year and promote impromptu House of Serendipity programming. Advise Community Engagement staff on service learning opportunities in Greater Mankato as well as Recognized Student Organization advisors on Alternative Spring Break domestically and with international excursions. Direct 225+ Recognized Student Organizations in planning events, symposia, conferences, and meetings though an on-line electronic registration process. Manage the Creation Station, assist with Graphic Design department marketing and advertising, collaborate with IT on Student Activities webpage development, and University’s Integrated Marketing. Annually produce 8 late night, alcohol alternative programs and a leadership series. Developed an electronic, leadership, podcast library with two dozen concepts. Serve as campus representative to Off-Campus Housing Neighborhood Associations, attend neighborhood meetings, encourage initiatives to enhance town gown relationships, and assist in the annual Night to Unite. Campus Judicial Board Hearing Officer. Interfraternity Council Hearing Board Officer.
DIRECTOR, CAMPUS INVOLVEMENT
Washington State University, July 2006 – March 2008
Public university of 18,200 total students, 4,500 residential students
Oversaw unit operations, a $1.5 million budget, human resources and related administrative functions. Consulted on the $74 million Compton student union renovation reaching LEED silver certification measuring 240,000 sq. feet. Received over $60,000 in grants and in-kind services. Led, trained and evaluated seven full-time staff, three full-time clerical staff, five graduate assistants, three professional interns, and over 100 undergraduate volunteers. Promoted the development, coordination, and implementation of a comprehensive approach to undergraduate programs, activities, leadership and engagement to four annual cultural conferences and a 150 member leadership retreat. This included but was not limited to: providing leadership through collaborative development of the departmental mission, strategic plan, goals, priorities and policies which enhanced the holistic student experience; fostering an atmosphere of respect, passion and appreciation for all aspects of student, community and cultural life; supporting all students and staff with excellence and celebration of diversity; preparing students and staff to be innovative leaders and participants in a diverse global society. Co-managed a leadership resource library. Advised the Associated Students of Washington State University executive staff and cultural committees. Hosted 365 Registered Student Organizations in the planning of events, symposia, conferences, and meetings though an on-line electronic registration process. Managed Image Shop media, advertising, marketing, and webpage. Annually produced 12 late night programs, 6 gallery exhibitions, 10 art a la carte events, and co-produced Springfest with over 6,000 students attending.
ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR, UNIVERSITY CENTERS
University of California, San Diego, January 2004 – June 2005
Research I, public university of 30,000 total students, 13,280 residential students
Led and directed the operations of the University Centers, which included the Price Center, Student Center, and Che Café. The community center of the campus, the University Centers is visited by 20,000+ people daily and includes extensive dining, retail, conference and meeting, performing arts, lounge, computer, and office facilities. Over 15,000 meetings and events are held annually in the Centers, which measure over 200,000 square feet (375,000 sf in 2007). Consulted architects, engineers, and designers on a 174,000 square foot, $63 million Price Center expansion. Managed six University Centers units: Scheduling and Events, Operations, Technical Services, Custodial Services, Maintenance and Grounds, Bike Shop, and Game Room. Combined they included 22 career employees and over 125 student employees and had a budget over $2 million including a conference program that generated over $400,000 in revenue annually and $6 million in sales revenue. Managed the union art gallery. Worked with the University Centers Human Resource Specialist and Student Life Cluster Staff Development Committee to create a comprehensive program for staff training and development for career and student employees. Developed and coordinated the University Centers annual employee orientation and recognition program. Collaborated with Student Activities and 425 student clubs and organizations. Prepared, updated, and distributed operation manuals that included information on staff responsibilities, building policies, task checklists and procedures, and protocols for responding to incidents and emergencies. Made program adjustments or policy modifications as needed. Served on the University Centers senior management team and acted for Director of University Centers during the Director’s absence. Co-chair for the Chancellor’s Advisory Committee on Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation. Hosted “Stop the Hate” (a diversity train the trainer program) in collaboration with the Association of College Unions International.
DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
American University, Washington, D.C., April 2002 – December 2003
Private university of 12,000 total students, 2,500 residential undergraduates
Co-managed a $2 million budget. Directed a 24-hour 300,000 square foot university center including staffing, maintenance, and facility renovations—building included meeting and conference rooms, entertainment venues, and eating establishments. Summer 2003, completed phase-two of a million dollar Italian food concept. Summer 2002, completed a $500,000 food concept for Chick-Fil-A and Jamba Juice. Managed 2 professional staff on campus-wide university event scheduling. Supervised a paraprofessional team of 40 for set-up and support services. Oversaw the campus information desk and information display functions. Collaborated with Student Activities staff with 200+ student clubs and organizations, Student Confederation, Student Union Board, and the student-led cable television, radio, newspaper, and yearbook. Advised a student initiative transportation program with an average of 1,100 annual trips. Collaborated with the Senior Director and Student Activities staff in strategic planning. Developed a compelling vision for facility staffing, training, and management that generated excitement and engagement from the University’s diverse constituencies from over 150 countries and 50 states. Assisted the Senior Director in reviewing, formulating, implementing, and communicating University Center’s policies and procedures. Advisor to the Free Burma Student Organization--spent time along the war torn region between Burma and Thailand working with non-governmental organizations on landmine proliferation, HIV/AIDS education, and human trafficking. Judicial Board Hearing Officer. Member of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgendered Advisory Board.
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR FOR OPERATIONS
Florida International University, Miami, Florida, July 1994 – April 2002
Public, Research I university of 44,000 total students, 3,000 residential students
Co-managed a $1.5 million budget. Managed a 130,000 square foot student union including staffing, maintenance, and facility upgrades. In 2002, co-facilitated phase-one of a $4.5 million fitness center and food court addition. Completed in 2000, a $350,000 auditorium renovation with art gallery and reception area. In 1996, assisted the Director in a $7 million building addition and renovation including 30,000 sf with grand ballroom, conference rooms, art gallery, administrative offices, restrooms and storage. In 1998 and 1999, raised over $550,000 for undergraduate scholarships as a member of the Wolfe University Center Advisory Board. Negotiated contracts in excess of $1 million with outside vendors. Assisted the Associate Director for Campus Life in advising the Student Programming Committee for the lecture and film series, comedy shows, Homecoming, Welcome Week, and Family Weekend. Formulated and interpreted policies and procedures relating to the scheduling of the Center. Supervised nine custodians. Supervised and trained a seventy-member student team including hours, training, evaluation, and staff development. Chairperson for the United Way kick-off and Presidential Leadership Reception. Judicial Board Hearing Officer.
UNITED STATES OLYMPICS, SUPERVISOR FOR ATHLETE SERVICES
South Florida Olympic Soccer Organizing Committee, Miami, Florida, April 1996 – June 1996
EQUESTRIAN TEAM INTERN, Seoul, Korea/Equestrian Training Center, Ocala, Florida, Summer 1988
Provided for the convenience, comfort and entertainment of the World’s best soccer players, their coaches, and staff during the 1996 Summer Olympics. Developed exciting activities, created a relaxing environment, and facilitated opportunities for residents to interact within the Olympic Village. Supervised 20 volunteers including training, hours, and staff development.
GRANTS & FELLOWSHIPS & COMMISSIONS
2024 Creative Support for Individuals Grant in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts. Minnesota State Arts Board, St. Paul, Minnesota
2024 Professional Mid-Career Artist Grant. Prairie Lakes Regional Arts Council, Minnesota. Funded by the McKnight Foundation, Mankato, Minnesota
2022 Creative Support for Individuals Grant in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts. Minnesota State Arts Board, St. Paul, Minnesota
2021 Creative Support for Individuals Grant in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts. Minnesota State Arts Board, St. Paul, Minnesota
2020 Artist Development Grant. Prairie Lakes Regional Arts Council, Minnesota. Funded by the McKnight Foundation, Mankato, Minnesota
2019 Professional Mid-Career Artist Grant. Prairie Lakes Regional Arts Council, Minnesota. Funded by the McKnight Foundation, Mankato, Minnesota
Semi-Finalist. McKnight Fiber Artist Fellowship, McKnight Foundation, Minneapolis, Minnesota
2018 Ringholz Foundation Art Prize, Jackson, Wyoming
Artists on Main Street grant via the Preservation Alliance of Minnesota in partnership with Springboard for the Arts and with support from the Bush Foundation, Mankato, Minnesota
Prairie Lakes Regional Arts Council Small Arts Project Grant, Mankato, Minnesota
2016 Artist Development Grant. Prairie Lakes Regional Arts Council, Minnesota. Funded by the McKnight Foundation, Mankato, Minnesota
1986 North Carolina Governor’s Office, Natural Resources & Community Development, Raleigh, North Carolina
ARTIST RESIDENCY
2022 Warren Wilson College, Asheville, North Carolina