John is responsible for providing advice and guidance, in all areas of operation and development, to the fraternity and sorority community at Minnesota State University, Mankato. He also serves as the advisor to the Student Government. Assisting students seeking off-campus housing, John operates an advertising program for housing opportunities, and serves as a University liaison to neighborhood associations and permanent residents. In the Fall Semester, he is an adjunct instructor for a First-Year Seminar course.

Education: Undergraduate: Communications, Wichita State University; Post Graduate: Higher Education Administration, Iowa State University

Past Experiences: John has worked in higher education for more than 15 years with experience in Residential Life, Fraternity & Sorority Life, and Student Government at higher education institutions ranging from Big XII public universities to a small, private, religiously-affiliated school. Those experiences at different types of schools, in different parts of the country, have helped John gain a broad understanding of student experiences.

GETTING TO KNOW JOHN

"My top accomplishments since joining the CSU staff include helping students to develop new programming impacting the university experience. A prime example is the development of the U-Lead Conference, a cross-campus collaboration open to all students. Another accomplishment is helping bring Dance Marathon back to campus as the largest student-run philanthropic event at the University. A third achievement is working with city and neighborhood leaders to reshape Mankato’s annual Night to Unite celebration. A traditional time when neighborhoods interact with each other, the event promotes community safety and city services. Prior to my arrival, this event happened before student residents moved into their rental homes. Now, this event occurs after students are moved in and able to meet their neighbors in a positive environment.”

"The most rewarding aspect of my work with students is being able to work with students who really want to be here, who want to have a good college experience, and who want to make a difference. I get to know key student leaders better than almost anyone else on campus. I take pride in developing positive relationships - ones that make students want to come back and check in with me even when they've been gone from the university for several years!

“I like to spend my free time staying active and on the go. I'm a huge baseball fan, so during the season, I can oftentimes be found at any one of the 30 Major League ballparks. I spend time umpiring local high school or town team games, too. I also enjoy traveling extensively, both domestically and internationally. It is truly addicting and positively life-changing. I love staying active and try to get in regular workouts, walks/jogs, hikes, or bike rides.”

JOHN’S FUN FAST FIVE QUIZ

1. Three words that best describe you. “Real. Adventurous. Trusting.”
2. Three things that can always be found in your refrigerator. “Barbecue sauce, eggs, and a good craft beer.”
3. Name three people, living or dead, you would like to invite for dinner. “Hank Aaron, Jesus Christ, and my Grandmother. I'd love to visit with Hank about his quest for the home run record. Amidst racial taunts and threats, he persisted and, in 1974, he broke one of professional sports most hallowed records – an achievement that stood for 33 years. I am a person of faith and would love to have dinner with Jesus Christ to talk about life and how Christianity has evolved. Growing up, my grandmother and I were very close. She died during my junior year in college. I still miss her and would love the opportunity to visit with her again and catch up!”
4. What is something people would be surprised to know about you? “I love being around people and can be very sociable. This being said, I'm an introvert, and when I need to recharge my batteries, I just really need to be alone. Most people are surprised to know this about me. They usually only see the social side of me!”
5. What super power would you like to have? Why? “I would like to time travel in reverse. This would allow me to correct or avoid some of the mistakes I've made in life. It would also allow me to visit with people who are no longer here.”