Better Know a Member--Ashley Weets!

Institution: Guilford College

Position: Hall Director/Student Success Mentor

What brings joy to your professional life? Just the amount of variety I experience every day! There is never a dull moment, and while it is tiring, it is also what keeps me coming back every day!

If you could be a candy bar, which would you be and why? Peanut butter M&Ms, because they are delicious and colorful!

What did you want to grow up to be when you were 10 years old? I wanted to be a veterinarian. Then I figured out that meant I’d have to put puppies and kitties to sleep and it was all over.

Name somebody who has /have made a difference to you in your professional life? How so? I have been very lucky to get to know and work with several remarkable individuals. If I had to pinpoint one at this moment, I’d say Tracy Davis, who is a professor in my grad program. I had the opportunity to be his teaching assistant one semester – I have never learned more about myself or the subject matter in such a short amount of time, and I am very thankful for that.

If you had to work on only one project for the next year, what would it be? A dream project (with a dream budget) would be to research different styles/methods of higher education around the world. I want to better understand how others are educated, so this would obviously involve lots of travel and lots of talking with people, two of my very favorite things!

What is your favorite food? Sushi – Philly Roll, but I pretty much like them all!

If you could learn to do anything, what would it be? I’d love to learn how to cook without stressing myself out about it!

How are you involved in ACPA or the SCGSNP? This is my third year on the Directorate of the SCGSNP, my first two years I was on the Scholarship Committee, and last year and through this upcoming year I am on the Special Projects Committee.

What is your favorite color? Oh, it changes all the time. Right now it’s green, I think.

What is a personal motto that you live by? "You know, if you don't want to run again, I respect that. But if you don't run 'cause you think it's gonna be too hard or you think you're gonna lose - well, God, Jed, I don't even want to know you." ~Mrs. Landingham, The West Wing

Message from the Chair!

Good Afternoon:

The Standing Committee for Graduate Students and New Professionals (SCGSNP) was founded in 1988 to provide graduate students and new professionals a voice and a home within ACPA. Involvement with the standing committee has been a foundation for many individual’s professional development as well as a starting point for leadership in ACPA. It is my hope that you will find SCGSNP to be your professional home in much the same way that it has been for so many before you.

Over the next year, we intend to continue the excellence that SCGSNP has exhibited and are eager to move forward with additional projects and initiatives. Here is a preview of some of the specific goals for this year:
• Engage membership in new and meaningful ways during the year through volunteer opportunities and the Institutional Liaison program.
• Utilize technology and social media to help you stay better connected with SCGSNP and ACPA.
• Provide professional development opportunities outside of convention by hosting a virtual case study competition during the fall semester.
• Collaborate with Career Central to provide resources for those that are job searching including potential mock interviews.
• Assist ACPA in the development of the new Phyllis Mabel Entry Level Institute.
• Develop new fundraising programs and initiatives to fund additional convention scholarshipopportunities for graduate students and new professionals.

This is your committee and we are committed to making your involvement a meaningful part of your professional development. There are some excellent ways to get connected and involved starting right now!
• Check us out on facebook (ACPA SCGSNP). Feel free to comment on the articles, post questions for others, and engage with one another.
• Follow us on Twitter @SCGSNP.
• Submit an article for our newsletter, The Eighth Vector. Articles for the first issue are due June 30 to c.shaw09@gmail.com.
• Get excited for the upcoming opportunity to serve as an ACPA Ambassador! Applications will be available shortly to have the chance to connect your institution with ACPA while also gaining a valuable way to contribute to make this your ACPA!

It is my commitment to serve and represent you to the best of my ability. If you have comments, thoughts or suggestions please feel free to contact me at amollet@radford.edu. Together, with your continued involvement, support, and service to SCGSNP and ACPA we can make a difference for the future of our profession.

Thank you for your membership with SCGSNP and the opportunity to serve you!


Amanda L. Mollet
Chair, Standing Committee for Graduate Students and New Professionals

Better Know a Member--Ashley Nickelson

Institution: Rutgers University

Position: Graduate Residence Hall Director

What brings joy to your professional life? Seeing my students take on leadership roles within the university and within the community brings joy to my professional life. When my residents apply to become RAs or club presidents, I become instantly proud of their desire to achieve and enhance their experience.

If you could be a candy bar, which would you be and why? I would be a Hershey’s Bar with almonds, because I am very consistent and reliable, just like a milk chocolate Hershey Bar. However, I also have a spontaneous unique side, which makes me different, just like a Hershey’s Bar with almonds.

What did you want to grow up to be when you were 10 years old? When I was 10 years old, I wanted to be a teacher or an architect.

Name somebody who has /have made a difference to you in your professional life? How so? My father has made a significant difference in my professional life, because he has always taught me to make the most of my experience and to do the best that I possibly can at everything I put my mind to.

If you had to work on only one project for the next year, what would it be? It would probably be to work with assessing campus climate and working to develop learning outcomes and a curriculum to enhance the community and bridge the gap between student affairs and academics.

What is your favorite food? Mashed potatoes!

If you could learn to do anything, what would it be? I would learn how to become a professional chef; I would love to attend culinary school.

How are you involved in ACPA or the SCGSNP? I am the Special Projects Elect in the SCGSNP.

What is your favorite color? Purple!

What is a personal motto that you live by? “Throw yourself through every open door” - Adele

Better Know a Member--Steve Carriere!

Name: Steve Carriere

Institution: Emory University

Position: Residential Complex Director

What brings joy to your professional life? For me, it is all about the special connections that I am able to make with my students and colleagues.

If you could be a candy bar, which would you be and why? Something chocolate from outside the US because I value the perspective of being a global citizen and embrace a very international point of view.

What did you want to grow up to be when you were 10 years old? A National Geographic photographer! I love animals and thought the idea of traveling to “wild” places to take pictures sounded amazing. Actually…I still do!

Name somebody who has /have made a difference to you in your professional life. How so? Dr. Margaret Sallee. She was my masters program advisor at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. She not only successfully guided me through my program, but she served as an inspiration daily!

If you had to work on only one project for the next year, what would it be? Planning and implementing a study abroad program.

What is your favorite food? Thai food hands down, although no one in the US makes it quite like my host mother in Thailand did!

If you could learn to do anything, what would it be? Sing! Although I don’t think that singing well is really learned as much as it is a gift given at birth!

How are you involved in ACPA or the SCGSNP? I have been an ACPA member for over 3 years, attended convention 3 times, and have served the SCGSNP in a couple of capacities with my most current involvement as one of the Membership Coordinators.

What is your favorite color? Do I really have to choose one? Life is a rainbow!

What is a personal motto that you live by? Love yourself, love others, and love your life.

Welcome!

Welcome to the blog for ACPA's Standing Committee for Graduate Students and New Professionals!