Every semester, there is an influx of incoming students. Some may be transfers while others may be experiencing their first taste of college. With a new environment comes a lot of adjustment. Here at Eastern, it is a priority to make sure that the students adapt well to college-life. Staci-Jo Palek is the Assistant Director of Student Engagement, and is an integral part of Eastern’s orientation success. She has been here six months yet has taken wide strides towards bettering our student engagement programs. Although she is new to Eastern, her history with orientation runs deep.
Palek first discovered her love for her job when she was in college. “That’s where I fell in love with what I wanted to do, my passions and my dreams,” Palek said. Her orientation leader had a large impact on her, leading her to follow a similar path. In college she was an orientation leader, RA and so much more.
After graduation, she moved to Alabama for six years, starting her career in student life. She worked in residence life, campus recreation and orientation. However, student engagement has been a role she is eager to fill. “I really want to be someone students can come to for whatever. Anytime of the day, whatever you need, I am here,” Palek said.
She also has a vision for the way she hopes to utilize her position. Even though she is leading in student engagement, she wants her students to take charge. Palek wants students to have a voice and encourages them to take ownership of their events. She wants the students to be the focus, allowing their insight into every decision. “…making sure that students want to stay here on campus, go to events, have fun and meet their best friend just like I did,” Palek said.
Palek enjoys her job because she allows fun into every aspect of what she does. She dances, sings, yells and is an extremely warm and energetic presence. Palek wants students to be excited about what they do and where they are. This role is so integral to a student’s adaptation into a university, and it is important to give students both comfort and autonomy. Palek does a wonderful job of executing this balance.
Although she is new to Eastern, she was born for this role. Palek is looking forward to continuing to get to know the students here at Eastern. She does not want to meet exclusively new students, but also those already attending Eastern. Palek had her life changed by those in orientation and student engagement at her university, so she desires to have the same impact. She hopes to affect student’s lives just as much as they affect hers. With her ideas, courage, faith and personality, Palek will continue to improve Eastern’s student engagement. She offers support and rapport to students, encouraging them to take charge of their lives here at college.
Palek can be found in the Student Development office in Walton 211, but is temporarily working in the Student Resource office right in front of Zime. If you see her, say hello!
