Meet the Team

Education

B.S. Theatre Education/Acting - Illinois State University
M.Ed. Learning and Behavior Specialist I - University of Illinois Urbana - Champaign

Professional Interests

Shana works to create communities of care where students feel supported, valued, and empowered to succeed. Her work focuses on ensuring services are accessible and transparent, fostering an environment where hard work is normalized, and emphasizing that seeking support is an integral part of owning your college experience.

Personal Interests

• Plant-based cooking
• Travel
• Motivation, habits and learning
• Kitchen dance parties and family dinner

While in College...

Shana was so convinced that she was only going to do one thing in life and, maybe, neglected the ability to see the long-term payoff of finding interest in various disciplines outside of theatre. Once she graduated, she found that multiple work experiences helped her see the cross-over between the transferable skills of theatre with the desire to help others learn skills to improve quality of life and opportunity for economic independence. From this experience, she always encourages students to think about developing a set of skills instead of developing an ability to do one type of job.

Shana also participated in communities of belonging her freshman year (and still talks to her close friend from that program 20 years later), co-founded a student group and built leadership skills with an on-campus job. From this she learned that finding people who will encourage you (both peers and staff/faculty) are huge contributors to increasing confidence and helping you see the next step forward.

Education

B.A. Religious Studies - Calumet College of St. Joseph
B.S. Psychology - Calumet College of St. Joseph
M.S.Ed. Higher Education Administration - University of Dayton

Professional Interests

Luke found his passion for higher education via Student Goverment when studying at Calumet College of St. Joseph. While at the University of Dayton, Luke fosters his professional interests in learning theory, student transitions, mentorship, assessment, comparing the land grant mission of public institutions to social justice missions of private institutions, and meme-ology.

Personal Interests

Luke enjoys grilling and smoking on his alley-found Weber kettle, exploring new areas, and playing board games with friends. He collects all things Luke Skywalker and will debate anyone on Star Wars controversies. His dog, Bison Matulewicz, a tricolor corgi with a name that fits his personality--not his size, keeps him busy and teaches him new things every day (like why all his socks have holes). Luke frequently volunteers with Science Olympiad Inc. after competing in tournaments from 3rd grade all the way through high school. Lastly, Luke makes incredible chili and is the reigning champion of the AAC Chili Cookoff.

While in College...

Knowing that graduate school was in his future, Luke lived at home while attending college. Luke found community through the St. Gasper's Honors Learning Community and the director, Prof. Kirk Robinson, has become a lifelong mentor. During his last two years, Luke was also elected as the Student Government President where his passion for university work formed. Luke always took a full course load to take as many classes as he could even if it was not part of his degree path (ceramics, painting, writing, and many other courses).

Education

B.B.A Marketing and Management - Washburn University
M.S. Counseling and Student Development - Kansas State University

Professional Interests

Creating authentic and welcoming environments that empowers people to engage in decision making, active learning, and intentional questioning to uncover their potential for success. Research interests include learning theory, student development, data analytics, and assessment.

Personal Interests

• Books, Movies, and Podcast (I am always look for recommendations)
• Traveling (My goal is to go to every National Park before 2050)
• Board Games (Catan, Ticket to Ride, and Doomlings are my current favorites)
• Puzzles (You can never have to many)

While in College

Lauren was a first-generation and a transfer student. In her first year of college Lauren struggled to navigate college life, make connections, and find belonging in her campus community. After her first year, she decided to be closer to home and transfer to college in her hometown. Transferring to a new college is hard and it feels like you are starting back at the beginning while your peers have gained valuable institutional knowledge and experience that at times only happens in the first year. However, when talking with peers she learned that if she wanted to find community, she was going to have push herself out of her comfort zone, try new things, and engage with students that she did not know. In that first year as a transfer student, Lauren joined Greek Life, started on campus job, became involved with Campus Activities Board, and studied abroad. Through these experiences she learned that you get out of your college experience it what you put in.

Lauren notes two things as pivotal moments as a student – working on campus in multiple offices (admission, campus activities, student orientation, and the library) help connect her more with the campus community and she developed a passion on helping other students and her study abroad experiences pushed her to be more independent, problem solve, and to be able to navigate unfamiliar cultures and spaces.

Education

B.A. English Literature - Mount Marty University
B.S. Military Science - University of South Dakota
M.S.Ed. Education and Curriculum - Kansas State University
Civil Affairs Qual Course - John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School

Professional Interests

Helping people achieve their goals through education and practical life experiences

Personal Interests

• Running (The goal is an Ultra-Marathon…I’m looking at you Western States 100!)
• Camping (sometimes just staring at a fire is good enough for me)
• Board Games
• Traveling the world and eating foods you can’t easily find!

While in College

While I was in college: In undergrad I refused to accept help, I hardly went to class, and I spent too much time socializing. In Grad school I learned to ask for help, I was given grace by my professors (when I asked for it), and I was pushed to be a better student and human being.

Education

B.S. Communication Studies - Kansas State University

Professional Interests

• Building relationships and community to help people succeed
• Connecting people to resources that will elevate and enhance their experiences

Personal Interests

• Cooking/baking
• Photography
• Fun shirts
• Outdoors
• Hanging out with friends and family

While in College...

Logan had some academic struggles that led to changing his major and being on academic warning multiple times, but ended up finding a healthy academic and social life balance that helped him graduate. He enjoyed going to as many athletic events as he could. Logan had an on-campus job that helped him realize what he wanted his career path to be and made a lot of campus community connections.

Education

B.S. Business Administration - National University of Asuncion, Paraguay

Professional Interests

"Having the opportunity to work, help and learn from the students it has been so rewarding. It’s a great feeling to be part of their college life, they recharge me."

Personal Interests

Ruth enjoys traveling to new places near and far, likes learning about different cultures and phrases from different languages. She and her husband also enjoy been part of different volunteer opportunities around the community. She loves expending time with family, friends and enjoys meeting new people.

While in College...

Ruth learned to be independent but wished she had someone to help her face the tests/classes she feared. She learned to network, study with classmates, and balance her college life with work. She had the opportunity to travel abroad and learned to love new cultures.