Student Association officials are working with a new program coordinator this semester who will help them plan events and programs, and keep the lines of communication between faculty and students open throughout campus.
Kristen Carr, 26, has been named the SA program coordinator, replacing predecessor Stephanie Kaponya. Carr said she aspires to keep former traditions and programs, as well as making new additions to the Association.
“I want to see where they are at and grow from there,” she said.
SA President Matt Landau said that he is enthusiastic about Carr’s ideas and the input she brings to student groups and programming.
“I expect that she will be a liaison to student groups and programming,” Landau said.
Carr obtained her undergraduate degree from SUNY Oswego and her master’s degree in Higher Administration Education from Northwestern State University of Louisiana.
“Part of why I wanted to go into high education and be in these types of roles with these activities is because it’s different every day. It’s different all the time.” Carr said. “It would probably drive some people batty, but I love it.”
According to Carr, one of the reasons why she was attracted to Binghamton was its reputation and size. She said she believed that the atmosphere at BU was perfect for her background.
“I’ve worked with a variety of students and a variety of institutions,” Carr, who has previously worked at two other universities, said. “Coming to a bigger school allows you to have a budget and say, ‘What can we do?’”
Boris Tadchiev, executive vice president of the SA, said he has already worked closely with Carr.
“She has brought a lot of ideas; that’s what we are looking for and we are really happy that she is here with us,” Tadchiev said.
Carr said she is highly interested in getting people involved with programs on campus. Currently, she is working with the SA to plan homecoming. This year’s festivities will be similar to last year’s, which featured campus wars, a large debate and a concert.
But she’s not only interested in getting students involved — she said she is also “all about battling student apathy.”
“The best advice I have for new students is not to be afraid,” Carr said. “They want to get involved, but they’re not certain on whether or not they should just go to a first meeting. Just go, show up and say you’re interested.”
Tadchiev seemed impressed with Carr’s character.
“She is a wonderful person and very accessible,” he said.
Aaron Butler, vice president of student programming, agreed with Tadchiev and said Carr’s humor is an asset to the workplace.
“She is very enthusiastic and ready to help the student body,” Butler added. “She livens the office up a bit.”
Carr said believes that one of the best ways to learn about groups and activities at BU is to visit the organization’s Web site. Another is to go to paws.binghamton.edu, which is linked through sa.binghamton.edu. This Web site also has an immense amount of information about all of BU’s organizations.