Welcome Briana Cresswell - NASPA IV-W Graduate Student Representative

Please join me in welcoming Briana Cresswell from the University of Central Arkansas to the NASPA IV-W Advisory Board.  Briana will serve in the position of Graduate Student Representative for the upcoming year.  Amongst other position responsibilities, Briana will be continuing the long-standing tradition of highlighting some of our amazing graduate students in the NASPA IV-W family.  If you would like to nominate a student to be highlighted in the coming year, please email Briana at [email protected].   

For this month, Briana has 'volunteered' to be in the spotlight.  Let's learn more about our newest member of the IV-W Advisory Board.

Hometown: Mt. Washington, Kentucky 

Graduate Institution: University of Central Arkansas

Degree you are working towards: College Student Personnel and Administration

Undergraduate Institution: Northern Kentucky University

Why you chose your graduate institution: I chose UCA for multiple reasons: the diversity of the curriculum in the CSPA program, the high recommendations from their alumni, the opportunity to facilitate the grand opening of 5 New Greek Sorority Houses and our NPHC Complex and most of the incredible family atmosphere and support given to graduate students from the alumni, faculty, staff and upperclassmen in the program.

Why you wanted to go to graduate school: After graduating from undergrad I started working as a Residence Coordinator at Bellarmine University in Louisville, Kentucky. Although I loved my undergraduate experience working with students to develop them, mentor them and build legacies, memories and lessons that would remain with them forever stirred a deep passion in me to pursue the field of student affairs.

What area(s) of Student Affairs interest you most and why: I am most interested in leadership, student involvement and spirituality. These three areas interest me because of the diversity each area brings, the ability that exists in these departments to help students set and achieve their collegiate colleges and understand themselves, their views and morals more clearly as they grow and develop in college.

A memorable moment working with your students at your assistantship:  It’s hard to pick one moment of work with my student’s in my graduate assistantship. Opening 6 new facilities that were unique from other resident’s halls was quite an experience. However as I sat in my office a few nights ago distraught with a recent event in our community, my student staff rallied together, hugged me tight and said "Briana, we are here for you. And that's saying a lot because we wouldn't do this for any other RC." With only juice boxes and Pandora to offer them, I watched a team of women that started this job in August, so uneasy about mixing housing and Greek life work into the late hours of the morning. Together. They were no longer 5 individual sorority representatives they were one Panhellenic unit working for the greater good. My heart has never been so full or proud of the mighty things we accomplished. In that moment we did not just open 6 brand new facilities over the course of the year, we grew together, we challenged each other and we left not only Greek Village but ourselves better than we when arrived. I did not think I could get any more emotional than when I checked each student staff member out of housing to carry on their graduate journeys, until the next morning when I found this present on my desk. My student staff left some mighty big shoes to fill next year. I am continually grateful that they let me lead and do life with them if even for a short season. Because of my student staff this year, I am forever changed and because of this experience I believe they are too. What moment to remember forever.

What are your hobbies?  I love hiking, watching UK Wildcat Basketball and spending time with my family and friends. I also love traveling! I have been to over 30 states and 3 countries. Soon it will be four countries!  I have an active countdown until I travel to Brazil with my graduate school cohort, another great reason to choose UCA.

If you could take a year off from work/school what would you do?  If I could take a year off I would love to travel the world. Backpack Europe, see Paris, finally visit all 50 states, spend more time with my family, invest in strangers and develop a really cool collection of something.

What is your dream job?  My dream job would be a speaker, blogger and mother. I would love to speak to students about leadership, communication and the pursuit of personal growth across the country.

The best gift you have ever received?  I was planning on attending a trip and needed a new suitcase. The type of suitcase I wanted to get I knew I would not be able to afford on a college budget. A couple days before my next trip my friend and her family showed up at my house and surprised me with the very suitcase I had been wanting. My friend had picked me up from the airport and remembered that I needed a new suitcase and really liked a particular kind. I will never forget the kindness and thoughtfulness behind this simple, yet such a loving sentiment and gift.

Who would play you in a movie of your life and why?  Amy Poelher. Particularly her character from Parks and Recreation, Leslie Knope. Besides this being my favorite TV Show, Leslie Knope is a woman of courage, humor and love. She gives the best gifts, loves with her whole heart and never gives up on her dreams even when the odds are against her. She doesn’t let others give up on their dreams either.

What/who is your spirit animal?  Giraffe.

My secret passion is?  Mastering the skills needed for a really good nap.

What you would like to be remembered for?  I would like to be remembered as woman that was true to God, respectable, hardworking humble, giving and compassion. A woman that lit up the room with her smile, welcomed individuals with a smile and showed great compassion and grace to all.