Photo by: Matt Haake
Ottawa University is in the midst of welcoming a new Director of Student Activities. Jeina Stoumbaugh has embraced the challenge of overseeing multiple student organizations and many activities on campus.
Stoumbaugh is originally from Colorado but wanted to branch out for her college experience and decided to go to Fort Hays State University, where she began her college career within the nursing program.
At Fort Hays State, Stoumbaugh was “heavily involved in orientation” and dedicated her time to her sorority along the way. These two parts of her life “made her heart beat,” which made her wonder how she could turn her passion into her career.
Changing her major to Organizational Leadership led her to graduate school at the University of Central Missouri, where she assisted in student leadership within their office of student activities.
Another accolade to Stoumbaugh’s resume was an internship she took last summer at St. Louis University, where she helped with the process and development of the university’s student orientation programs.
Still in the process of finishing her Master’s degree over the winter break, Stoumbaugh looked to get a head start on applying for positions to begin her career.
Stoumbaugh had seen what a great experience and family her sister, Jill Stoumbaugh, Area Residence Hall & Greek Life Coordinator at OU, had developed, thus leading her to reach out to the Dean of Enrollment Management/Student Affairs, Tom Taldo.
“The rest is history,” she says.
The Campus asked what new perspectives Stoumbaugh believed she could bring in her new role at OU.
“I would love to reevaluate the orientation program here at OU,” she says. “I’ve discovered our best methods on trying to keep retention and allow the students to have the most fun.”
Not only does Stoumbaugh want to focus on orientation, but she believes there is an opportunity to engage and build a culture with the City of Ottawa community as well.
Listed below are a number of upcoming student activity-programmed events:
- Tuesday, March 13 — Facing Faith Panel
- Wednesday, March 14 — Spring Break Soiree
- Thursday, March 15 — March Madness Watch Party