SARAH K. CUNNINGHAM EDUCATION Doctor of Education: Higher Education and Organizational Change, December 2016 Dissertation Title: A phenomenological study of student trustee leadership development within the governance structure at four-year public research universities Benedictine University, Lisle, IL Executive Certificate for Emerging Leaders, December 2015 The University of Chicago, Booth School of Business, Chicago, IL Master of Science: College Student Personnel Services, May 2004 Western Illinois University, Macomb, IL Bachelor of Arts: Combined Social Studies, August 2002 Youngstown State University, Youngstown, OH PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE Executive Director for Leadership, Involvement & Student Life Centers and Assistant Dean of Students Campus and Student Life July 2017-Present Senior Director and Assistant Dean of Students Campus and Student Life The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL February 2012 July 2017 The University of Chicago is a highly selective research institution located on the city s South Side. It enrolls over 16,000 students through its undergraduate College and 11 graduate divisions and professional schools. Responsibilities: Supervise, train and assess four dynamic functional area units comprising 28 full time staff, four graduate assistants and 250 student employees: Ida Noyes Hall Student Center (2017-present), the Center for Leadership and Involvement (2012-present), the Reynolds Club Student Center (2012-present), and the Office of LGBTQ Student Life (2012-2016). Collectively, these units manage more than 400 student organizations, over 20,000 event reservations, year-round campus programming, a comprehensive leadership development program, a mentoring program, Rainbow Graduation for LGBTQ students, pre-orientation programs, five student-run coffee shops, the on-campus pub, the 24-hour student-run radio station, the LGBTQ Alumni Group, the campus barber shop, and a wide range of facilities including theaters, classrooms and outdoor campus spaces. Manage a $5 million budget over the units and administer the University s student activity fee. Led transformation of the former Student Activities Office into the Center for Leadership and Involvement, including the hiring of 20 staff and the creation of a mission statement, values, brand, advisory board and strategic plan for providing rich co-curricular engagement and leadership development opportunities for students. Convene and facilitate academic dishonesty cases for the College and the 11 graduate and professional schools. Chair the University s High Profile Events Committee, a University-wide committee for ensuring safe and successful campus event hosting. Serve as an active member of the College s Care Team to support students in need. Serve as a Sexual Assault Complaint Advisor for faculty, staff and students, responding to Title IX concerns and offering options and resources. Write and approve University policies and procedures for student life, including student travel policies, university hazing policy, preferred name policy, political campaigning policy, and student fundraising policy. Coordinate divisional Orientation programming in collaboration with the College. Advise Student Government and the Chicago Maroon, the independent student newspaper.
Cunningham, 2. Provide proactive leadership for the Campus and Student Life division in the resolution of policy-related issues and learning opportunities related to activism and protest. Serve on the Spiritual Life Advisors Board, which supports the engagement of community-based faith and spiritual advisors with similar student organizations on campus. Support the Greek community in Hyde Park through the proud development of a Panhellenic Advisory Board in 2013 and a Multicultural Greek Advisory Board in 2015, along with supporting the development of chapter and council leadership for the 22 chapters maintained by University of Chicago students. Developed a comprehensive leadership development program that includes: a Women in Leadership series; a Way with Words communication workshop series; Student Leadership Institutes; a leadership pre-orientation program; a Gallup Strengths Program; a Leadership Book Club, and a two-day leadership retreat on diversity and inclusion. Managed a $2.5 million Student Activities and Student Advising Centers construction project. Created Maroon Mondays, a student, faculty, staff and alumni engagement campaign. Managed development and implementation of the CollegiateLink/Baseline online tool for enhancing student engagement and measuring student learning. Co-chaired R.I.S.E. (Reflect, Intervene, Speak, Engage), the University-wide committee on diversity and inclusion (2012-2016). Co-created the University s first Safe Space Program curriculum that has trained over 300 faculty and staff since its creation in 2014. Created a Homecoming Block Party, which has tripled in attendance since its inception in 2013. Freedom of Expression Committee; Dean on Call; Students of Concern Working Group; Campus Climate Working Group; Orientation Committee; Career Advancement Programming Committee; Alcohol and Drug Committee; University Dance Committee; Homecoming Committee; Capital Campaign Committee; University Dining Committee; and Alumni Weekend Committee. Associate Director for Student Activities and Involvement Reitz Union The University of Florida, Gainesville, FL August 2007-February 2012 The University of Florida is a public, research, land grant institution located in the North Central part of the state. The University of Florida is home to 38,000 undergraduates and nearly 17,000 graduate students. Provided strategic leadership and direction for two assistant directors, three program coordinators, one administrative assistant, two graduate assistants and 15 student assistants. Coordinated training, registration and compliance for 1,100 student organizations. Managed the advising and event development process for eight cultural student organization umbrellas, including student welcome assemblies and cultural month celebrations. Advised three branches of Student Government responsible for $20.2 million in student activity fees. Managed the public records process for all elected student officials. Worked in partnership with the Dean of Students office to address student organization eligibility and conduct issues. Executed contracts for all major campus speakers and large concerts. Developed a comprehensive faculty advisor program. Supervised IDEAL, the University s Involvement Ambassadors, to engage students outside of the classroom. Led departmental assessment and strategic planning initiatives. Chaired the Multicultural Greek Council Expansion Committee. Advised the Reitz Union Board of Managers Space Committee.
Cunningham, 3. Served as Interim Panhellenic Council Advisor for 17 chapters, supporting the leadership development, scholarship and service of over 4,000 members (June 2008 - February 2009). Served as a University Protest Captain by responding to and supporting student activism. Developed a comprehensive yearly student organization recognition, training and awards program. Co-created and directed the Florida Leadership Institute, a donor-funded yearly training series for emerging and established student leaders. Built and launched CollegiateLink, a student organization involvement platform. Created a university wide three-tier response process to address disruptive behavior at campus wide events. Dean on Call; Search Chair - Director of the Institute of Black Culture; Reitz Union Expansion Committee; Facilitator - Black Leadership Conference; University Minority Mentoring Program; Division of Student Affairs - Campus Climate Committee; National Pan-Hellenic Council Neophyte Orientation Staff; Student Conduct Committee Member; Trainer Stop the Hate ; Outstanding Senior Leader Award Committee; Chair - LGBTQ Director Search; Facilitator - PRIDE Student Union Camp; Trainer - Gallup Strengths; and Florida vs. Georgia Sideline Safety Zone Staff. Assistant Director for Patriot Leader Initiatives Office of Orientation and Family Programs and Services George Mason University, Fairfax, VA May 2005-August 2007 George Mason University is the largest public research institution in Virginia, located just outside Washington, DC. George Mason University enrolls 35,000 students and welcomes about 3,000 talented transfer students each year. Coordinated all student components of University orientation for summer, winter and spring terms (2,500 new students, 3,200 transfer students, and over 5,000 family members each year). Supervised a 30-member student leader team and two National Orientation Directors Association Interns. Developed innovative student programs for Family Weekend, such as Family Book Club, Legacy Brunch, Family Bake-off, Family Feud, Essay Contest and Family Service Initiative. Served as liaison to four academic colleges to develop academic program sessions and advisor consultations. Managed the student class scheduling process and family orientation schedule, as well as coordinating and supervising overnight housing for all overnight orientation sessions. Collaborated with campus partners to develop a comprehensive orientation evaluation. Managed $175,000 programming budget and departmental assessment initiatives. Managed the student leader assessment competency project. Created a comprehensive welcome-week program to serve new and returning students. Advised and traveled with alternative spring break service trips in 2006 and 2007. Developed the What can Green do for you? campaign to recruit over 50 student employees for the Office. Trainer - National Coalition Building Institute; Leadership Institute Committee; University Life s Assessment Committee; Assistant Director - Governance Search Committee; and University Life s Living Our Values Committee. Interim Coordinator for Leadership Development Student Involvement Center Slippery Rock University, Slippery Rock, PA August 2004-May 2005
Cunningham, 4. Slippery Rock University a member of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education. Slippery Rock University is located just north of Pittsburgh and enrolls approximately 10,000 students. Coordinated the Freshman Leadership Scholarship Program (FLSP), comprising 100 first-year student participants in a comprehensive year-long leadership workshop series. Managed the weekly FLSP workshop series and spring leadership retreat. Developed the inaugural FLSP capstone project and graduation celebration. Managed a $70,000 programming budget and led the marketing and interview selection process. Created a FLSP alumni survey to gauge the impact of involvement. Family Weekend Committee Chair; Student Alumni Relations Board Advisor; University Ambassadors Advisor; and MLK Jr. Day Committee. SELECTED PRESENTATIONS Cunningham, S.K. A phenomenological study of student trustee leadership development within the governance structure at four-year public universities. College Students Educators International Convention. Columbus, OH, March 2017. Cunningham, S.K. A community development approach to addressing Title IX issues. Western Illinois University Summer Institute. Macomb, IL, May 2016. Cunningham, S.K., Inman, J. & Tyger, J.T. Involving student leaders in campus crisis response. College Student Educators International National Convention. Tampa, FL, March 2015. Cunningham, S.K., Miller, A. & Przybysz, K. T. Promising practice: University of Chicago reinvents the student activities advising model. College Student Educators International Convention National Convention. Indianapolis, IN, March 2014. Cunningham, S.K. & Daugherty, E.J.B. Strategic planning and organizational management. National Association of Student Affairs Professionals Association, Graduate and New Professionals Institute. Skokie, IL, November 2013. Cunningham, S.K. & Inman, J. IDEAL involvement: peer consultants inspire intentional involvement. College Student Educators International National Convention. Las Vegas, NV, March 2013. Cunningham, S.K. Leading with integrity and living our values. Greek Advance Chapter Presidents Retreat. University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, January 2011. Cunningham, S.K. Emotional intelligence: a new lens for leadership. George Mason Leadership Institute. George Mason University, Fairfax, VA. February, 2007. Cunningham, S.K. & Rhodes, B. Welcome home: successful fall retention programs. National Orientation Directors Association Region 8 Conference. Philadelphia, PA, March 2006. Johnson, M., Cunningham, S.K. & Suwalski, M. The first 100 days. American College Personal Association National Convention. Nashville, KY, March 2005. AWARDS and HONORS Research Grant, Commission for Student Involvement, ACPA, College Student Educators International 2016 ACPA Outstanding Senior Involvement Professional, Commission for Student Involvement 2015 Student Government Most Valuable Award, University of Florida 2011
Cunningham, 5. J. Wayne Reitz Union Collaboration Award, University of Florida 2011 Superior Accomplishment Award, Top 1% Student Affairs Award, University of Florida 2010 J. Wayne Reitz Union Respect for Others Award, University of Florida 2009 University Life Show You Care Award, George Mason University 2007 Outstanding Student Organization Graduate Advisor, Western Illinois University 2004 Helen M. Crawford, Founders Grant Recipient, Zeta Tau Alpha 2003 PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS ACPA, College Student Educators International May 2002-present Aspiring Senior Student Affairs Officers Institute Graduate 2016 Commission for Student Involvement, Directorate Board 2015-2017 Commission for Student Involvement, Vice Chair for Personnel 2011-2015 Commission for Student Involvement, Elections Chair 2010-2011 Mid-Level Managers Institute Graduate 2011 Commission on Admissions, Orientation & 1 st Year Experience, Directorate Board Class of 2009 Commission on Admissions, Orientation & 1 st Year Experience, Newsletter Chair 2007-2008 Commission on Admissions, Orientation & 1 st Year Experience, Awards Chair 2005-2007 NACA, National Association of Campus Activities Faculty, Student Government East Institute 2012, 2011 Faculty, Student Government West Institute 2010, 2009 Cooperative Buying Intern, Mid-American Regional Conference 2003 NODA, National Orientation Directors Association Programs Chair, Region 8 Conference Team 2006, 2007 Graduate, Orientation Professionals Institute 2005 RELATED EXPERIENCE N.O.D.A. Intern, Office of Orientation Programs and Services, George Mason University 2003-2004 Athletic Academic Advisor, Western Illinois University 2003-2004 Graduate Advisor for Leadership Programs, Western Illinois University 2003-2004 Graduate Advisor for Programming, Western Illinois University 2002-2003 House Director, Phi Sigma Sigma Sorority, Western Illinois University 2002-2004 TEACHING EXPERIENCE Instructor, UNIV 100 (First Year Florida) University of Florida 2007-2011 Instructor, UNIV 300 (Advanced Leadership Training) George Mason University 2006-2007 Instructor, UNIV 300 (Supervised Fall Retention Internship) George Mason University 2005-2006 Teaching Assistant, CSP 559 (Student Development Theory) Western Illinois University 2004 Instructor, RPTA 320 (Greek Leadership Section) Western Illinois University 2003