Leadership & Engagement: Who We Are
Where Lumberjacks connect, lead, and thrive.
The Leadership & Engagement office at Northern Arizona University brings together student organizations, student leaders, fraternity & sorority life, and engagement events and programs to support and deepen the holistic student experience. Involvement and engagement allow students to enrich their academic and social experience at NAU. We are THE HUB for students interested in connection, leadership, involvement, and service.
Grounded in our commitment to the values of belonging, equity and access, wellbeing, leadership, and service we engage and support our students as they build a community within their student organizations and develop as leaders.
The Leadership & Engagement staff are committed to supporting and developing high-impact experiences that complement Lumberjack academic endeavors.
Mission:
As a student-centered team, we provide leadership programs and support student organizations to create and encourage an inclusive community and inspire active, engaged learning. We promote leadership development and involvement to help students find their passion and make positive impacts in their communities.
Vision:
To connect all Lumberjacks with experiences that promote personal and professional growth, connection to peers, a commitment to an equitable society, and build a vibrant, engaged campus community.
Values:
- Belonging: We foster experiences and environments that create paths for every student to feel a strong sense of belonging and recognized as a valuable member of the Lumberjack community.
- Equity & Access: We advocate to reduce systemic barriers and create equitable access to opportunities for all students. We strive to create pathways to student engagement that are intentional and empowering.
- Wellbeing: We approach each student interaction holistically with a focus on people achieving their full potential where they live, learn, work, and play. Live Well NAU
- Leadership: We are champions of accessibility for all to identify as leaders. We advocate for inclusive leadership, cross cultural competence, and guiding students to make positive differences in society.
- Service: We contribute to the greater good, and are focused on giving back. We inspire stewardship of people, resources, and our community.
Leadership & Engagement Staff Involvement
Michelle Marie Gardner, Director Accordion Closed
The involvement experiences I had as an NAU student helped me make friends, and challenged me to figure out who I was. Clubs and out of the classroom experiences, are what brought me to call NAU “home”. As a first-generation college student, I was lost with navigating college life. It was the friends I made when I decided to get involved, that helped me find resources, and gain confidence. Involvement helped me understand what I believed, my identities, and challenged me to grow. It was these experiences that got me into graduate school, and change my career path to support other college students as they start their journey.
Salvador Lopez, Assistant Director Accordion Closed
Building a community on campus was a significant challenge for me due to being part of a large institution. However, I slowly became more relaxed getting out of my comfort zone by participating in a math club, surrounded by individuals that shared similar interests. During graduate school, I was also provided with the opportunity to become an officer for two distinguished organizations; Student Affairs Higher Education (SAHE) and Chi Sigma Alpha Student Affairs Honor Society (CSA). These organizations helped me gain leadership skills, exercise abilities to effectively facilitate meetings/events, understand organizational budgets, and build a sense of community at NAU. Getting involved on campus makes a meaningful difference in a person’s college journey. I highly encourage students to strengthen their sense of belonging at NAU by seeking communities (e.g., club, organization, fraternity, and sorority) that care about their overall personal, professional, and academic development and success.
Kimberly Walker, Coordinator Sr. Accordion Closed
My involvement experiences within NAU were the main driver for my success in graduation. I was never a great student. My teachers dreaded having a troublemaker like me in their classes and I struggled academically. But one thing I was (and still am) great at, is music.
Becoming part of a community within higher education that enjoyed music, building social connections, and building up leadership skills as much as I did truly made a difference in my passion for continuing and striving in higher education. Not only did I graduate with my undergraduate degree, but I later continued to a graduate degree as well.
By being a part of the Office of Leadership & Engagement, my goal is to help you find your community and provide you with opportunities to truly shine during your time here at NAU!
Katie Hanson, ASNAU Operations Assistant Manager Accordion Closed
Becoming involved was one of the most transformative experiences of my college career. It not only helped me build a strong sense of community and belonging, but also pushed me to grow as a leader and communicator. As a Campus Living Assistant in McConnell Hall, I developed confidence that prepared me for job interviews and professional opportunities, and it even inspired me to study abroad, an experience that broadened my perspective in ways I never imagined. The skills I gained and the connections I made continue to shape my personal and professional journey in meaningful ways.
Colin Birnbaum, Graduate Assistant Accordion Closed
Becoming involved on campus was a transformative part of my undergraduate experience at Northern Arizona University. Building a sense of community helped me navigate the many challenges of college life and provided a strong foundation for personal and academic growth.
Through leadership roles in my fraternity and various student organizations, I developed practical skills that continue to benefit me today. Finding a group of peers who shared my goals and interests significantly contributed to both my social and professional development.
My involvement at NAU inspired me to approach every opportunity with dedication and purpose. I truly believe I would not be as motivated or driven without those formative experiences. I am excited to serve as a resource for current students and to help foster an environment where everyone can thrive, connect, and grow during their time at NAU.
Brendan Trachsel, Graduate Assistant Accordion Closed
My involvement during undergrad at NAU completely changed the trajectory of my life and contributed more to my college experience than any classroom ever could. From exploring my faith, to yelling about birds being drones, to eventually leading ASNAU, I will always cherish the memories I made through my involvement. I still remember my first weeks at NAU going door to door in Tinsley Hall recruiting fellow students to chip in money for a Minecraft server. That led to me being elected to my Community Council, which introduced me to the broader campus community. From there, everything took off. Now, working on the other side with the Office of Leadership & Engagement, I’m excited to help students discover their passions and find their own communities. I encourage every student to get involved in whatever way feels meaningful to them. You never know where it might lead!