Bluefield University student leaders returned to campus on Thursday, August 1 to train for the 2024-2025 academic year. These students engaged in several workshops, team bonding activities, and Bible studies to prepare for service with our residence life, student activities, student government, and campus ministry teams.
“Everyone wants to lend that helping hand to their fellow student leader,” said Katie McDaniel, Director of Resident Life. “It doesn’t matter if a resident assistant asks for help or a BU student ministries member does; everyone rallies to be there and give their support. This is a crucial element to not only be able to work together as a whole, but also to guide students on campus.”
Workshops began on Friday, August 2 with introductions by Corey Mullins, Vice President for Student Development and Athletics, and incoming President Dr. Steve Peterson. Emily Cook, professor of education and experienced counselor, led a mental health awareness training known as SafeTALK, which is a combination of acronyms for “Suicide Alertness For Everyone” and “Tell, Ask, Listen, and Keep Safe.”
After lunch, Caroline Dixon, Assistant Vice President for Finance and Administration, led a session on Title IX and sex discrimination, followed by a safety presentation by Gary Ruth, Director of Campus Safety. Campus Pastor Mason West explored the topic of sharing one’s faith with the students, and Director of Resident Life Katie McDaniel led a training for incoming resident assistants. After dinner, Dean of Students Chris Johnson hosted a trivia night, and students signed up to attend a local church the following Sunday.
“Our Student Leader training this semester just showed how well our team can work together, pray together, cry together, and of course have our fair share of laughs together. I am honored to be able to be a leader for these students,” McDaniel added.
Saturday, August 3 emphasized team bonding with a trip to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. While en route to the Dollywood amusement park, students stopped in Sevierville, Tennessee to enjoy lunch at Buc-ee’s, a trending country store and gas station known for its barbecue sandwiches. While at Dollywood, the Bluefield University group enjoyed iconic rides, such as the Wild Eagle, Tennessee Tornado, and Mystery Mine, in addition to Dolly Parton-themed shows, exhibits, and shops.
On the morning of Sunday, August 4, our student leaders accompanied BU staff at their home churches, including Father’s House, First Baptist Church, First Christian Church, Highlands Fellowship, Parkview Baptist Church, and Westminster Presbyterian Church. That afternoon, they participated in times of solitude and silence to focus on independent Bible study and worship. Finally, they engaged in group Bible study and fellowship at an evening bonfire.
On Monday, August 5, and Tuesday, August 6, BU’s staff and student leaders welcomed members of our volleyball, soccer, and football teams to campus. Sessions continued through Friday, August 9 as students engaged in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and automated external defibrillator training and collectively studied John 1:1-18, Colossians 1:1-23, and Hebrews 1:1-14.
“I am very proud of our student leaders as a whole this year,” McDaniel said. “They perfectly embody what it means to be a servant leader on this campus. No matter what has been thrown their way they face it with the heart of the Lord.”
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