Leadership and Campus Life looks forward to new chapter

Monday, October 5, 2015

The Oklahoma State University office of Campus Life is now the office of Leadership and Campus Life.

The rebranding coincides with the arrival of the department’s new director, Dr. John Mark Day.

“We want to give every student at Oklahoma State the opportunity to learn to be a leader,” Day said. “I believe that every student in college has potential to lead, so I want to make sure that every student who graduates from OSU has had that chance to learn to lead.”

Prior to the name change, Leadership and Campus Life took a more passive role on campus, acting as a service department for students to use. But now the office is shifting to be more active with students and emphasize leadership opportunities.

Day is eager to work with the team in Leadership and Campus Life and join in their efforts to provide students with a well-rounded college experience.

“I think really deep, enriched learning happens for students outside of the classroom, and I want to make sure that we are giving that opportunity to students and continuing to put out programs that really contribute to a student’s education,” Day said.

Day brings 13 years of student affairs experience with him from Texas Christian University.

Brandon Mitts, OSU Allied Arts director and a member of the office’s rebranding team, is looking forward to Day’s fresh perspective.

“He has a long history at TCU and has done a great job there,” Mitts said. “What I liked hearing about him was how much the students loved him. And the first thing I heard from him in his interviews was being student centered and focused on student success, and that’s what we’re all about.”

While Leadership and Campus Life works to be a more active office, they have no intention of forcing students to be involved.

“Being a student in college means that you need to take responsibility for your education,” Day said. “But it’s my job to make sure students have those options available to them. I can’t force them to get involved, but I want to take away any barriers to make sure they have all of those opportunities to get plugged in and get developed.”

For more information about the office of Leadership and Campus Life, visit lcl.okstate.edu. Students can visit Dr. Day in his office at 232A Student Union.

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Story by Catherine Wilson