Monday, April 23, 2007
Student leader Elizabeth TenBrook plans career in student affairs
 Through her experiences at USI, graduating senior Elizabeth TenBrook has developed an affinity for what it takes to support learning, develop leadership skills, and promote academic and personal growth on the college campus. The psychology and Spanish major with a perfect 4.0 grade-point average plans a career in student affairs. TenBrook completed an internship in the USI Office of Admission this year, getting a feel for what it’s like to attend college fairs and evaluate applications for admission. Her immediate career goal is to work as a college admission counselor. As her career develops, she can see herself taking on a larger role as a college administrator in student affairs or enrollment. The internship in Admission has been one of her most meaningful experiences as a USI student. “I've gotten to see firsthand what it’s like to be an admission counselor,” she said. “Because I love the University so much, I get excited when I talk about it. TenBrook’s involvement in University life includes serving as a student ambassador, AMIGO orientation leader, and resident assistant. As a student ambassador, she has led many campus tours, often influencing the first impression that visitors develop about the USI campus and community. “When you have students tell you the next year that you gave them a tour and that they’re here because of you, it's rewarding. You know you've had an impact,” TenBrook said. The characteristics that TenBrook conveys to prospective students and families about the University are many of the same qualities that influenced her own decision to attend USI. She emphasizes USI’s focus on teaching undergraduates, outstanding academic programs, opportunities for involvement, and comfortable student housing. “USI puts students first,” she said, “It is an all-around institution — not a college with just one particular strength.” Two USI administrators who have been influential in TenBrook’s college experience are Mark Rusk, associate director of Admission, and Dr. Robert Parrent, vice president for Student Affairs. She said Rusk is an energetic and charismatic individual who is passionate about spreading the word about USI. She praised Parrent for his personal interaction with students. “Dr. Parrent knows your name,” she said. “He can brighten a student’s day. He’s influenced the kind of person I strive to be.” TenBrook is a USI Bristol Myers-Squibb Presidential Scholar. She was recognized in 2006 by the College of Liberal Arts with Academic Achievement Awards in both psychology and Spanish. She believes her education in psychology has provided her a broad range of knowledge and skills for her future career. Her preparation in Spanish enables her to serve a growing segment of the population. A participant in the Honors Program, she is the resident assistant in Ruston Hall for the Honors Living Learning Community, a program that combines academic opportunities with a residential experience and special opportunities for students with similar interests. Last year she led the students living on the Honors floor to send holiday cards to soldiers in Iraq. She also has organized social get-togethers and served as a mentor to students. TenBrook has been active in the USI chapter of Habitat for Humanity, participating in area projects as well as a 2006 spring break trip to Mississippi to assist victims of Hurricane Katrina. As an AMIGO, she has enjoyed helping freshmen start their college careers on the right foot. She finds that one of their biggest fears is uncertainty about what college life is like. She encourages them to take early advantage of opportunities to get involved, including Welcome Week activities and programming in the residence halls. “A big part of the college experience is making friends that will last you a long time,” she said. TenBrook was a member of the 2007 Homecoming Court. She was one of the finalists this year for the USI President’s Medal, which recognizes commitment to academic excellence and service to the University and community. It is the highest honor a USI graduate can receive. The finalists and the medal recipient are chosen from the graduating class by the Student Affairs Committee of the Faculty Senate. The medal is presented at the Commencement ceremony in May. TenBrook is the daughter of Greg and Kathy TenBrook of Cicero, Indiana. She is a 2003 graduate of Hamilton Heights High School. |
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