By Maegan Murray, WSU Tri-Cities
RICHLAND, Wash. – After serving in various leadership roles at Washington State University Tri-Cities, graduating senior Roman Lara is among 32 students nationwide selected for a summer leadership institute in Stoney Brook, New York.
The National Association of Student Personnel Administrators Dungy Leadership Institute June 19-24 will help him prepare for a career in student affairs and higher education.
“This is NASPA’s preeminent undergraduate training institute; this is quite an honor,” said Chris Meiers, vice chancellor of enrollment management and student services who recently was appointed to the James E. Scott Academy of NASPA.
Meiers said there are thousands of NASPA members and several hundred undergraduate fellows, but only a select few are chosen for the institute.
“This is a way for Roman to explore and learn more about the (student affairs) profession, but also bring back to WSU Tri-Cities what he learns from other students and mentors in the program,” he said.
Lara said he hopes to improve upon the skills he has realized in leadership at WSU Tri-Cities so he can obtain a job in student affairs to ensure opportunities for future students.
Lara is a first-generation college student who moved to the United States with his family from Mexico when he was 11; he spoke no English.
At WSU Tri-Cities he has been an undergraduate fellow for NASPA, the leading association for the advancement, health and sustainability of the student affairs profession.
At the institute he will participate in a variety of workshops, trainings and conferences with established professionals in student affairs and higher education to improve his leadership skills, writing, presentation abilities and more.
Lara has served as a student ambassador for WSU Tri-Cities admissions, a committee member for student activities and an officer for the Humanities Club, Multicultural Club and Hispanic Cultures Club. He participated in the Social Justice Institute through WSU Tri-Cities where he and others discussed privileged and oppressed identities in today’s society and education system.
Contact:
Maegan Murray, WSU Tri-Cities public relations, 509-372-7333, maegan.murray@tricity.wsu.edu