With the fall semester just around the corner, Sam Houston State University welcomed incoming students to campus with Bearkat Kickoff, a multi-day series of informational sessions, activities, and opportunities designed to help new Bearkats learn more about SHSU—and find their place within the university community.
On Sunday, August 16, students had the opportunity to attend “interest sessions” hosted by various campus organizations and programs. The LEAP Ambassadors were pleased to be among those participating, offering sessions at 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. for students interested in pre-law, government, civic engagement, and volunteerism.
For LEAP Ambassadors Olivia McCaughan, Isis Hollis, and Kayla Fleming, the sessions offered a chance to introduce incoming students to the Center for Law, Engagement, and Politics (LEAP) and the many opportunities available through the organization.
The Ambassadors used a slideshow to highlight LEAP’s activities and programs while also fielding questions from the audience. They discussed ways students can become involved on campus and in the community, particularly through volunteer activities, pre-law programs, and opportunities to learn more about government and public service.
The 11:00 a.m. presentation attracted 24 students, while another 19 attended the afternoon session. With 43 students participating across the two sessions, the Ambassadors were excited by the turnout—and even more encouraged by the students themselves.
Although it was the first time McCaughan, Hollis, and Fleming had presented this particular program, they came away impressed by how attentive the incoming students were and by the thoughtful questions they asked. The strong attendance and engagement made the presentations an encouraging way to begin a new academic year.
Of course, Bearkat Kickoff is all about helping new students make connections, and the LEAP Ambassadors hope Sunday’s sessions represented the first of many such connections during the coming year.
The LEAP Ambassadors extend their thanks to Tiffany Driver and Joellen Tipton for inviting them to participate in Bearkat Kickoff and, most importantly, to the incoming Bearkats who spent part of their Sunday learning about LEAP. We hope to see many of them again soon—at a LEAP event, a volunteer activity, or perhaps even as future LEAP Ambassadors!
This past Saturday, LEAP students and alumni got the chance to visit the River Oaks Theatre once again to watch what is considered to be the first horror movie/film ever produced! The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari, a German expressionism silent film released in 1920, was alongside the band Invincible Czars, who wrote their own score to accompany the film.
After some remarks from River Oaks Artistic Manager Robert Saucedo, Bandleader Josh Robins provided some background, and then Stefan Del Bosque introduced the band members and the history of the film With the background established, the showing started.
The set of the movie, with its geometric shapes and gothic feel, reminded me a lot of Tim Burton, who was said to have taken much inspiration from the film.
I enjoyed the unique style of captions and intertitles that had small easter eggs relating to what was happening at that time of the film, such as the cross at the end of the caption explaining the scene following the funeral of one of the characters. The score added to the mysterious storyline by changing the rhythm and sound of each instrument, which was another element I really enjoyed throughout the movie! The ending was one of the most interesting parts as it left room for two different interpretations.
A short discussion once the movie ended revealed the context for many of the choices made for the film such as the somnambulist, Cesar, being a symbol of Germany’s military population being “asleep” after WWI.
We also had the chance to talk with the members of the band and get our posters signed following the film! Overall, the event was fun and a new experience for many of us who attended!
Faculty and staff had the opportunity to learn more about Sam Houston State University Athletics during the latest Programs with Administrators session, which featured SHSU Director of Athletics Bobby Williams. The event drew 27 attendees for an engaging discussion that ranged from the University’s athletic history to its future priorities.
Following an introduction by HR’s Brandon Richard, Williams reflected on his remarkable 30-year tenure at SHSU, noting that he is now the longest-serving athletic director in Division I athletics. His perspective spans decades of Bearkat history.
When he first arrived on campus, football was still played at Pritchett Field, providing a reminder of how much both the University and its athletic facilities have evolved. He also shared a memorable story about being hired by coach Ron Randleman, adding that, in an unexpected twist, Randleman would eventually work for Williams for six years.
The conversation also explored the complexity of managing a modern athletic division. Williams explained that SHSU currently sponsors 18 varsity sports and emphasized that Title IX is one of the first considerations whenever the University evaluates adding a new team, with the related issue of cost also factoring large.
Audience members asked about challenges facing collegiate athletics today. When asked how the growth of online education affects student engagement, Williams acknowledged that it is a challenge “we all face.” As more students complete coursework remotely, he noted, campus experiences can become more transactional, making it harder to build the loyalty and sense of community that have traditionally defined the college experience.
Facilities were another popular topic. Williams explained that the University’s new football press box carries a $60 million price tag, with a significant portion already covered through private donations. If fundraising continues as hoped, SHSU could have approximately $40 million paid within the next year, leaving about $20 million remaining on the 30-year bond.
Looking ahead, he identified upgrades to the track facilities as a priority, while noting that nearly every sport has facility needs. He also expressed hope that the east side of Don Sanders Stadium can someday receive improvements similar to those made on the west side.
When put on the spot about how the Bearkat football team will do next year, Williams boldly went where every cornered athletic director in history has gone, and he said: “I think we’ll do better than last year.” (Last year the team was 2-10).
Williams concluded on a personal note by describing how his family established a $100,000 endowment supporting both athletics and education. With his wife having served as both a public-school principal and faculty member in SHSU’s College of Education, and his daughter working in the University’s Career Success Center, Williams said the gift reflected his desire to give back—not just to athletics, but to the entire University community.
Written By: Isis Hollis, Robin Houghton, and Allie Plunk
On our last day in Salt Lake City, LEAP Ambassadors were able to see the scenery and wildlife of the Great Salt Lake before heading home! Something we had been looking forward to all week, we were thrilled to have the chance to more thoroughly explore the beautiful area.
Salt Lake City Farmer’s Market
Our busy day began with exploration in a few more “local” spots.
A few of us split off to check out the Salt Lake City Farmer’s Market. Located downtown and stretching nearly 10 acres, the Farmer’s Market hosts a large array of vendors, selling everything from textiles to fresh honey. Though the food looked enticing, we couldn’t bring any food products back with us to Texas, so we spent most of our time exploring the vast number of local artisans, browsing work from ceramics, linocut prints, and even some photography!
One favorite purchase was a linocut bandana, featuring almost 60 of Utah’s native birds, including a few that we’ve managed to spot on our trip, like the American Avocet and White-faced Ibis.
Our favorite artwork, however, was a print from a Utah native artist, Meish Roundy. Roundy creates art on top of state maps featuring their respective animals, including Utah’s honeybee, a thank-you gift we ended up buying for Professor Yawn and Stephanie.
Overall, we ranked the Salt Lake City Farmer’s Market one of the best– and largest– we’d seen!
Utah Museum of Fine Arts
While Robin and Olivia were checking out the local stands in the farmers market, the rest of us were exploring local and historic arts at the Utah Museum of Fine Arts!
The museum features two floors of art from all different time periods and regions!
In the first room of the museum is a piece by Japanese artist Onishi Yasuaki, titled Stone on Boundary. Something we found particularly striking about the piece was the fact that the foil molds that make up the suspended artwork were molded from rocks found in Japan and Utah. Though from very different places, the different shapes fit seamlessly together, reminding us of the fact that we are all connected, no matter how different we may seem. This effect was especially striking as small balconies allowed us to see the exhibition even from the more cultural sections of the second floor.
We did have a few more favorites throughout the museum, including Ralph Albert Blakelock’s Silvery Night. The Tonalist piece drew us in through its dark colors and the hazy, dream-like quality of the nighttime landscape. In the center of the darkness, though, shines a glowing moon, breathing a beacon of hopefulness into the otherwise moody painting. The painting also has a unique texture from Blakelock’s use of asphalt mixed into the paints, which enhanced the depth of the paints.
We also particularly liked the glass mosaic by Shahzia Sikander, titled Touchstone. The bright colors and organic feel given by the tile was eyecatching. It depicts a woman reaching for a chalawa, or ghostly spirit, symbolizing the human struggle to control the uncapturable and the beauty of unbound, shifting identities. By using glass shards and shifting light, the piece suggests that true agency is found not in confinement, but in transformation and infinity.
Our visit to the Utah Museum of Fine Arts reminded us that art has a unique way of connecting people across cultures, histories, and perspectives through shared human experiences.
Plates & Palates
For lunch, we ate a delicious selection of sandwiches from Plates & Palates, a small, family owned shop dedicated to making their customers feel at home.
Though we didn’t have time to eat inside, we all found our meals delicious as we ate them in an in-car picnic on our way to our next stop! We enjoyed familiar favorites, like Ham & Swiss, and Chicken Caesar Salad…
… and tried new favorites, like Curry Chicken and Southwest Turkey Sandwiches!
Though a simple meal, it was the perfect fuel we needed before continuing on our journey on the hottest day of the week.
Eccles Wildlife and Antelope Island
After our meal, we stopped by the George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Wildlife Education Center, which was full of interesting bird egg replicas and groan-worthy bird puns, where we were pointed to a 1.2 mile trail that promised excellent shots of wildlife.
Thankfully, the trail did not disappoint! Walking along a stream extending off of the Great Salt Lake, we were in prime position to photograph plants, dragonflies, and birds!
The busy ecosystem showcased a thriving environment for the animals of Utah. The scenery was beautiful and relaxing, but with temperatures of 103 degrees, we had to be careful to keep cool!
Though we had planned for a hike on Antelope Island, the weather had started getting to all of us. We instead elected for a drive through the scenery of the island, with a few stops for pictures.
The first time we got out of the car, we were immediately struck by the smell! Though several yards away from the lake, the air was full of an almost oceanic salty scent that none of us had expected.
We walked along the edge of a tendril stretching from the lake, surprised by the extent at which the Great Salt Lake had retreated, even since Professor Yawn and Stephanie visited two years ago. We took several good shots of a flock of Avocets, even capturing a few stragglers that had seemingly joined the group, including a duck!
The wildlife, though, was not the only striking thing about the location: the sandy ground was crusted in salt! The residues, left from the evaporation of the lake, provided large white pads across the former lake bed that crunched underfoot. Most of us, having never visited the Great Salt Lake, were surprised by this feature of the banks of the lake.
As we drove further onto the island, we were able to spot several more animals, including several antelope and bison!
There were, of course, plenty of birds…
… and beautiful views!
One of our last stops was at an old ranch, open to the public for visitors. The beauty of the man-made being taken over by nature was astounding to all of us.
However, the beauty wasn’t the only thing we enjoyed! We each took turns trying to rope a metal bull. While some of us were successful very quickly, others– like the illustrious Jacob Wessels– had to give up on our back-up plans of becoming Rodeo ropers.
The beauty of Utah’s natural landscapes is something that the LEAP Ambassadors found inspiring, still one of their favorite things about the state.
Taverna
Before heading back to the hotel to get a good night’s sleep before leaving early for our flights back to Texas, we picked up dinner from Taverna!
The family owned restaurant, founded in February of 2026 on the idea of community and connection, provided excellent meals for all of us. Famous for its pizza, the Ambassadors shared Pepperoni and Supreme pizzas, while Professor Yawn and Stephanie enjoyed a Fig and Bacon pizza.
The flavors blended well together and provided an air of familiarity for our final meal in Utah.
Conclusion
Our final day in Utah was the perfect way to wrap up an unforgettable week. From exploring art and businesses to photographing wildlife at the Great Salt Lake, we were reminded one last time of the incredible beauty, culture, and community that make Utah so special. We all left with lasting memories and a newfound appreciation for the places and experiences that made this year’s Council of State Governments Legislative Conference one we will never forget!
Written By: Isis Hollis, Robin Houghton, and Allie Plunk
Throughout the conference, LEAP Ambassadors have had the opportunity to learn about policy from esteemed legislators and guest speakers, but on our last day, we got to experience a much more personal session, hearing from activist Elizabeth Smart, the CSG Justice Center on mental health, and attending the closing dinner.
Elizabeth Smart
Before we heard from today’s remarkable keynote speaker, there were a few mentions and introductions from Chair Senator Todd Weiler (UT) and Chair-Prospect Senator Löki Tobin (AK). Together, they previewed next year’s CSG West meeting, which will be taking place in Alaska! Following a short “sizzle reel” for the state, Chair Senator Todd Weiler (UT) introduced Elizabeth Smart.
Smart was abducted from her bedroom at the age of 14 and survived nine months in captivity before being rescued. Though it was law enforcement that put her captors behind bars, there would be no story to tell had it not been for her resilience. It was incredibly inspiring to hear her story, and how she pushed through the darkness around her by focusing on positivity. Even though terrible things were happening to her, she reminded herself constantly throughout her abduction that things could always be worse. It was this strategy, as well as remembering the unconditional love of her family, that kept her going.
Smart also touched on the incredible difficulty she had finding value within herself during and following her captivity. Because she hadn’t been taught the difference between consensual sex and rape, she felt like she had done something horrible. It took her a long time to be able to rationalize that she hadn’t been the one to do anything wrong. I appreciated her candor and that she made it clear that recovery after something so terrifying was a long process.
Now an advocate for safety and sexual assault victims, Smart has used what happened to her for as much good as she can. This resilience and compassion is something we all admired. She was an incredible speaker, and we felt honored to have been able to listen to her.
CSG Justice Center
Following Elizabeth Smart’s moving speech, we attended a session on the CSG Justice Center, and their approach to mental health advocacy. Ernest Stevens, former San Antonio police officer and Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) member, current Managing Director of Behavioral Health at the CSG Justice Center, Madeleine Dardeau, CSG Justice Center State Initiatives Program Director, and Leanne Huff, Mobile Crisis Outreach Team (MCOT) Act specialist, had a panel discussion about the implementation and development of MCOTs, as well as CIT Trainings and help line 988.
The key point was the pressing need for more CIT trained teams to go out and address people with mental health problems. Stevens stated that if you send an untrained officer to deal with mental health crises “there will always be a gun.” Many people struggling with mental health have been shot or killed by officers unable to deal with their problems, and this is exactly what the CSG Criminal Justice center is trying to stop. At the core of this session was a statistic: officers spend only 8 hours learning about mediation techniques, which is something they are supposed to use every day, as opposed to a whopping 20 hours learning to use a gun, which many officers only discharge a few times.
Another factor in this issue is the stigmatization of mental health problems. If we can make people unafraid to get the help they need, then we won’t have as many suicides or overdoses. This issue is becoming something that is particularly close to a few of our hearts, and we hope that in the future we can be a part of the solution.
Dinner
We ended the conference with fun in a closing dinner hosted at the Natural History Museum of Utah, which was just as beautiful of a venue as it was informative. After ascending the stairs, we were greeted with a wall of fossils, crystals, flora, and taxidermy that stretched from floor to ceiling, immediately captivating several Ambassadors.
The dinner also featured a local band, by the name of The Bombshell Flowers. A high-energy indie rock group, their layered harmonies added a relaxed, yet tasteful atmosphere.
For dinner, we had tri-tip steak, cauliflower, asparagus, mashed potatoes, and salad, followed by desserts of fruit tarts and banana pudding.
While the dinner was good, it was the museum that was truly memorable. We spent a lot of time exploring the exhibits, each highlighting an important aspect of Utah’s natural history. We even discovered that Allie is likely descended from the Allosaurus, which is where she gets her t-rex nature!
As we left, we managed to grab a shot of the breathtaking views from the museum terrace.
From dinosaurs to rock formations to earthquakes, Utah’s Natural History Museum was a wonderful place to close out the conference.
Conclusion
Our final conference day left us with a lot to think about, looking at the world through new eyes. We all admired the incredible work people like Elizabeth Smart and the CSG Criminal Justice Center are doing for those struggling with mental health and sexual assault.
LEAP has had a wonderful time exploring the many sights of Utah and learning numerous facts about Salt Lake City, but the fun hasn’t stopped there. Today was our first official day attending the Council of State Governments Western Legislative Conference. Throughout the day, we attended many interesting speaker sessions, including diverse topics such as Rural Healthcare Transformation Planning, AI in Education, Identifying Human Behavior, the Housing Crisis, Building the Grid of Tomorrow, and Geothermal Energy.
Conference Sessions
Though we had the opportunity to attend several sessions, we did have a few favorites!
One such session was the Rural Healthcare Transformation Planning presentation featuring Ben Eikey, Manager of State Training and Development for the Levin Center for Oversight and Democracy, with Representative My-Linh Thai (WA) and Representative Matt Soper (CO) moderating. Over the past 20 years, rural hospitals have faced financial crises, and Eikey offered a template to concerned citizens and legislators for how to encourage serious discussion of the issue.
He encouraged a four-step process: (1) becoming as knowledgeable as possible about the issue, in this case, rural healthcare, (2) creating a list of open questions, (3) using the answers to those questions to find evidence, and finally (4) identifying resources, advocates, and committees that are necessary to stimulate a solution for the lack of funding.
This outline provided a guide to what goes into the creation of legislation. As future lawyers- and potential legislators- we all found this very intriguing.
While Jacob, Isis, and I were learning about rural healthcare, Robin and Allie were attending a session on AI in the classroom. With moderation by Carrie Butler of SchoolAI…
…Representative John Arthur (UT), Senator Kirk Cullimore (UT), and Caleb Hicks, CEO of SchoolAI, discussed the impact of a recently passed Utah Bill that will require school boards to create and implement a “best use guide” for software– including AI.
We were surprised to learn that 20 percent of high-school students have had a romantic relationship with AI, and that 80 percent of high-school students use “Shadow AI” (as far as we can tell, this means unapproved AI platforms). With these facts in mind, the panelists were in agreement that: AI had to be incorporated into curriculum, schools and teachers had to teach students how to use this software effectively, honestly, and transparently, and the school systems had to ensure that the software they approved is safe and good for children.
Lunch
For lunch, we all came together to converse, learn more about the CSG, and to hear the keynote speaker of the day, former NYPD Officer, former Secret Service Agent, and author Evy Poumpouras.
The lunch highlighted the work done by many of the leaders of the Council of State Governments (West), including Chair Senator Todd Weiler (UT), Vice-Chair Rep. Lauren Matsumoto (HA), Chair-Elect Senator Loki Tobin (HA), and Past-Chair Rep. Mike Yin (WY), as well as Utah State Treasurer Marlo Oaks. These discussions culminated in some groan-worthy “dad jokes” by Senator Weiler, as well as an award presented to him by Executive Director of State Government Affairs Council, Beth Loudy.
The highlight of the lunch was keynote speaker Evy Poumpouras. Drawing from her experience in law enforcement, her knowledge of six languages, and a master’s degree in journalism from Columbia University, Poumpouras spoke on the importance of understanding how to converse with others by responding to their headspace. Using techniques taught to her in training, she discussed the different kinds of behavior that a person can exhibit: the warm, social Monkey, the leading Lion, the patient Mouse, or the frank T-Rex.
Each of these “behavioral types” can be exhibited by someone, depending on the situation, and each should be responded to in a different way. While the Lion and the Mouse complement each other, a Monkey responds best to a Monkey, and a T-Rex to a T-Rex. Central to Poumpouras’s argument is that (1) these behavioral characteristics are not permanent, (2) the members of the audience have agency, and they can adopt behaviors that advance their goals, and that (3) good faith behavior fosters trust. Accordingly, the key takeaway was that we should learn to regulate our own reactions to make conversations and meetings more productive. While we may not be using these tools to interrogate terrorists, we are very curious to see how implementing this style affects our communication!
The Red Iguana
Continuing our theme of exploring ethnic food in Salt Lake City, we tried out what our hotel described as the “Best Mexican Food in Salt Lake City,” The Red Iguana. Established in 1985 by Ramon and Maria Cardenas, the restaurant now has three locations in the city, and is a fixture among locals. As noted by Eater, “The restaurant doesn’t take reservations, so arrive early to ensure you snag a table or be prepared to wait.”
With us having a “working dinner,” we avoided the wait by getting the food “to go” and eating at the hotel. Olivia and Allie got the “Killer Nachos,” and we learned that the “killer’ may have referred to the size of the nachos—the portions for which were as large as they were scrumptious. Similarly the quesadilla—which resembled a burrito more than the Tex-Mex quesadilla—had more fillings than were expected and beef that was particularly flavorful. Robin and Jacob had the steak a la ranchero, which, received a strong thumbs up from Jacob and a “so-so” from Robin. The sides were a major plus, with the queso and the chile poblano con queso being standouts.
There are many who are suspicious of Mexican food outside of Mexico or Texas, but this is nonsense. Chefs can be developed anywhere, and chefs can emigrate to any city as our experiences in Salt Lake City have attested—with excellent results.
Conclusion
We had a very educational and insightful first conference day, learning about a vast array of topics that have already begun to spark debates and conversations among the Ambassadors. We are all looking forward to the sessions that tomorrow holds and are sure that they will be just as engaging and exciting as today’s!
Written By: Isis Hollis, Robin Houghton, and Allie Plunk
Before the start of the Council of State Government’s annual meeting, LEAP students were able to spend their first day in Utah getting to know the unique culture of Salt Lake City! From city tours to cuisine, it was a great introduction to the vast array of things that Utah has to offer.
Salt Lake City Bus Tour
The first event on our busy schedule was a bus tour of the city. One of the most striking buildings we were able to see was the Salt Lake City Temple. The temple, which took 40 years to build, was finished in 1893 and is home to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. It features gothic elements such as gabled spires, pointed-arch windows, and emphatic verticality, striking an impressive silhouette to the city.
While we didn’t have a chance to go into the Temple, we did have the opportunity to attend an organ recital in the Salt Lake Tabernacle. It was a beautiful space–one that was built in 1867, prior to the railroad coming to SLC. This meant that all the materials had to be sourced locally, conveyed with oxen teams. Despite these limitations, the building is an aesthetic masterpiece and an acoustic marvel!
Of course, the City’s impressiveness extended beyond architecture; we also had a chance to see parks, landscapes, and art installations that also proved intriguing.
“This is the Place” Heritage Park provided us with a striking view of the nature this state offers. The mountains formed from many years of tectonic activity, creating the valley which the city calls home. From the park, we were able to see the city from an elevated and flattering view!
We particularly liked the “This is the Place Monument.” Its name, along with the name of the park, references the famous words by Brigham Young as he decided Salt Lake City would be the place to settle.
Our tour stopped briefly at the State Capital where we had the opportunity to meet Sabin Howard, sculptor of the WWI monument in Washington DC. He gave us a brief overview of his current project that will sit in Utah, a monument to honor the 250th anniversary of America.
A common motif throughout the city was the presence of beehives and beelike structures. The symbolism represents the shared ideals of the Salt Lake community. This mindset ensures that everyone works together to create a better community by contributing to historical conservation efforts and protecting the natural structures.
With many more adventures to come, and much learned about the city, the tour was a great success and a wonderful way to kick off our adventurous week!
Siegfried’s Delicatessen
Following the tour, we ate at local restaurant Seigfried’s Delicatessen. Founded in 1971 by German immigrant Siegfried Meyer, it is Salt Lake City’s only authentic German deli. Now owned by Daiva Stankadichyus, the restaurant continues its celebration of German cuisine through its homemade sausages, sauerkraut, and goulash.
We were all very excited to try new foods– some we had never heard of before, like Knockwurst (a garlicky beef sausage) and Weisswurst (a light pork sausage).
Though not particularly fond of sauerkraut, Robin found Seigfried’s version to be one of her favorites! Isis was charmed by the weiner schnitzel, which she had never tried before. Professor Yawn’s goulash was another table favorite; and Stephanie–an expert on Reuben sandwiches–gave a positive review of the Seigfried version (which featured mayo and mustard rather than Russian dressing).
This adventure into German cuisine served as just one example of the layered culture, much of it shaped by immigrants, of Salt Lake City, Utah.
Exploring the Capitol
Architecture also speaks to the culture and ideas of a place, so it’s not shocking that the LEAP Ambassadors throughout the years have taken an interest in the architecture of different cities. We had the opportunity to tour the Utah State Capitol and experience its intricate design work through an in-depth tour (after getting a taste of its grandeur from a brief stop on our morning bus tour). Our Capitol Docent, Jac, provided many insights into the symbolism present within the multi-story building.
We began in the House of Representatives, where 75 Representatives take their seats beneath the chamber’s ornate ceiling. While beautiful, at first glance, nothing seemed to be out of the ordinary, until we noticed two spoons on a few members’ desks. Jac informed us that those spoons were awards for “stirring the pot,” which had us taking notes for potential Ambassador awards.
Throughout the tour, we were in awe of how intentionally the Capitol was designed. The architect, Richard K.A. Kletting, included dozens of motifs throughout that told a detailed story of Utah and its values. The staple symbol of Utah – the beehive – could be found all over the Capitol. From the state seal on the doors, the honeycomb tiling on the floor, and most interestingly, the honeycomb onyx pillars in the Senate chamber, every detail reflected the values crucial to developing Salt Lake City.
The Utah Senate has 29 districts, only two fewer than Texas. While Utah and Texas have a similar number of state legislators, individual Utah residents enjoy about 8 times more representation than Texas residents in their state legislature. This ratio isn’t much different in the House, either. This creates a strong relationship between constituents and representatives, a highlight of the Utah state government. Jac told us she even is able to have personal relationships with both her Representative and Senator, allowing her to have a deeper connection to what happens in legislation.
Conclusion
The first part of LEAP’s first day in Utah was well spent. In exploring the unique aspects of Salt Lake City, we all gained a valuable understanding of the city’s strong culture of community and sense of history, from a collection of different cuisines, to the various architectural styles, to the friendly people.
In academia, summer brings with it some lulls punctuated by freshmen orientations, which are intense periods of advisement. During one of the lulls, the Sam Center Director, Ashley Pruitt, invited a motley group of SHSU staff, administrators, and faculty to share insights with her team of advisors.
The two-hour panelogue was educational and, at times, entertaining, including: Dusty Jones (Math); Keila Tyner (Family and Consumer Sciences); Michael Henderson (College of Arts and Media); Mark Tuttle (COBA); Brian Jordan (History); Dustin Gross (Chemistry); Jason Enia (Political Science and CHSS); and Mike Yawn (LEAP Center).
Pruitt, as always full of directed energy, offered various prompts for discussion:
What led to your field?
What led to your leadership role?
How do you handle anxious or struggling students in your class?
What academic mistake taught you the most?
What’s something people assume about your field that isn’t necessarily true?
What do you wish more people knew about your discipline?
What are you currently learning that has nothing to do with your job?
What’s your favorite area/component of your discipline?
What’s the most memorable student success story you’ve witnessed?
What’s a question you wish someone would ask you?
Thus, we learned that while Dusty Jones ended up in the Math world, he began as a “theatre kid.”
We learned that Jason Enia is sometimes greeted with sighs and groans when he tells people that he teaches political science.
We also learned that Keila Tyner spent about ten years in New York, working for high-end companies, a lead-in to her role as Assistant Chair of Fashion Merchandising.
Additional learning included the fact that Brian Jordan does not like a “turning point” conception of history…
…and Michael Henderson was brought to SHSU to teach animation, despite his prior training as a painter. In addition, marketing may be difficult for Henderson: there are numerous artists, and at least one serial killer, with the same name (I would like to see a Venn diagram of these individuals to see how far the circles diverged from one another…).
Beyond these interesting facts, the session gave the opportunity for advisors to meet some University leaders, and the opportunity for University leaders to meet advisors–the latter, it should be noted, are leaders on campus, too. They often have the first real interaction with our incoming students, and over the course of their college career, they develop meaningful relationships with the students. Their presence in students’ lives influence student retention and success….
…and that, in turn, leads to the success of the University.
Many thanks to Director Ashley Pruitt for putting together this panel and for investing in her staff.
Center for Law, Engagement, and Politics 