Worked with students to write proposals for the development of two centers in the USU: the Pride Center designed to serve the needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning (LGBTQQ) students and their allies, as well as the Veterans Resource Center for veterans and their dependents. Both centers opened in the fall 2012 semester and offer peer mentoring programs.
Responded to questions about the USU receiving contributions from Chick-fil-A when its foundation — WinShape, makes contributions to anti-LGBTQ organizations, such as Exodus International, whose mission is to “cure” homosexuality. In addition, WinShape only supports marriage between a man and a woman. The USU Board of Directors voted to no longer solicit or accept contributions from Chick-fil-A. Instead, it will organize a program, in conjunction with Matadors for Equality, to introduce conscious consumerism to students. Through education, students will be better positioned to make choices about where to spend their dollars.
The USU student work experience includes student supervisor positions, self-appraisals and evaluations, tiered employment and promotion opportunities, the ability to “test into” higher positions, and opportunities to gain certifications and attend professional conferences. The corporation also has embraced StrengthsQuest® the Gallup organization’s groundbreaking development tool that helps participants operate from a model of empowerment versus deficiency. The intentional use of such instruments is to hone leadership (talents or skills) and create as many leaders as possible.
The Board of Directors’ majority membership is comprised of student leaders who provide strategic direction to the corporation. Its student subcommittees, where student employees can serve, review policies and make recommendations for future Board action. Current subcommittees address facilities, services, finance, human resources, auditing and strategic planning.
Placed prominently in the USU lobby is a Leadership Toolbox that is available to all students. It contains various handouts about the components of leadership. A complimentary online toolbox has 15 leadership audio lessons that can be downloaded and listened to at any time.