Six UNC Charlotte students from varied backgrounds will act as student advisors to the Dean’s Office in the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, drawing from their experiences with their studies, internships, and leadership positions. The students are part of CLASS-ACT (CLAS Students – giving Advice, making Connections, receiving Training), an undergraduate student advisory council in the college.
Stephanie Mims is a sophomore majoring in Mathematics for Business with a concentration in Actuarial Science and a minor in Computer Science. She just recently completed an internship with the reinsurance company SCOR and said she hopes to apply the presentation, professional, and communication skills learned during this internship to the CLASS-ACT program.
Mims’ interest in CLASS-ACT was sparked by the opportunity to voice her opinion and make positive changes that will benefit the college. She said she would like to inform future students why CLAS is an exciting college that holds a wide variety of career paths. Mims hopes to impact the SOAR orientation program and to bring professors together with students for a more connected environment. Personally, Mims hopes to gain even more leadership, project development, presentation, and professional skills.
Ryan Gobble is a senior double majoring in Political Science and Sociology. In coordination with University College, Communication Across the Curriculum, and the University Writing Center, he serves as the discipline communication consultant for the Sociology Department. Gobble enjoys helping students enhance their writing skills and effectively express their own thoughts and ideas. His research interests include social stratification, the dynamics of racial inequality, deviance, law, and social control.
When not at school or working, Gobble enjoys learning more about nutrition and maintaining an active lifestyle. Following graduation, he plans to continue his studies and to pursue a career in law. Through the CLASS-ACT Student Advisory Group he hopes to serve as a leader within the college while contributing new insights that work towards the betterment and growth of the College.
Kevin Caldwell, a senior in the Department of Religious Studies, has participated in two summers of archaeological field work in Jerusalem, where he was a staff member of the Mt. Zion excavation. He is currently working on a project with the Levine Museum of the New South that examines redevelopment in the Historic West End. A Charlotte native, Caldwell said he is excited at the prospect of graduating and giving back to the community that has shaped him.
In his spare time, Caldwell enjoys cooking, woodworking and any outdoor activities. He also participates in a mentorship program at James Martin Middle School, where he mentors students in the establishment of a student government assembly. Caldwell is a member of the second class of scholars of the Levine Scholars Program.
Laura Eason is a junior at UNC Charlotte. She is an English major with a concentration in Language and Digital Technology with a minor in Communication Studies. Eason is a member of Sigma Tau Delta and the English Honor Society. Eason completed the Women’s Leadership development program at UNC Charlotte, and currently balances work between the Niner Times and a wedding coordinating internship. In her free time, she enjoys finding interesting new places, passing time with friends, writing, traveling, and catching up on the latest hit TV shows.
Eason expressed excitement to be a member of CLASS-ACT, and through this experience, she hopes to learn more about the community, the university, and the people here. She is exploring her future career plans.
Denise Jackson is majoring in Sociology and German, and expects to graduate in May 2015. She holds an associate’s degree in baking and pastry arts from Johnson & Wales University. Jackson volunteers for the Leadership Committee of the American Council on Germany, assisting them at ACG events. She works with the Honorary Consul of the Federal Republic of Germany in Charlotte coordinating his events, specifically his Transatlantic Exhibition of Art in the Southeast that is taking place in September.
As part of the 2014-2015 CLASS ACT Student Advisory Council, Jackson seeks to develop her leadership skills. She wants to be an example for young adults, specifically those with children, so they can see that anything is possible and that while sacrifice is necessary, things will get less difficult as time progresses.
Bryanna Sierra is double majoring in Chemistry and Biology. After graduation she plans to continue her education and enroll in a dual M.D. /Ph.D. program. Sierra works in Didier Dréau’s lab, focusing on metastases associated with cancers of epithelial origin. She is also a member of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars and Sigma Alpha Lambda.
Sierra looks forward to completing the largest leadership program at UNC Charlotte, PILOT. She said she is convinced that the leadership skills taught in this program can be applied to most aspects of her life, specifically her opportunity at UNC Charlotte as a TASL learning coach. As a TASL learning coach, she works with students in chemistry workshops to encourage them to apply and master material presented in the lecture. When not studying or working in the lab, Sierra enjoys swimming and running.
Words by Tyler Harris, Student Communications Assistant
