New Coordinator of Student Life and Activities

Charles Stish, assistant editor

Anyone who entered PVCC’s main building during the first week of Fall 2017 classes would have likely seen the banners, tables, and free food placed in the Bolick Student Center. Manning the tables were members of PVCC’s Student Government Association, Office of Student Engagement, and Office of Student Success as part of the school’s Welcome Back Week social. Amongst the officiators was Shawn Anderson. Even though each passing student was new to him, as PVCC’s new Coordinator of Student Activities, Anderson quickly changed that with a engaged, warm, and extroverted personality, working to make every student, old or new, feel welcome to PVCC’s community.

Born and raised in Louisa county, Anderson transferred to Longwood University after high school for a Bachelor of Science degree in Liberal Studies, beginning with the intent of becoming a middle school English teacher or basketball coach.

Anderson said he took inspiration from his school teachers, stating, “When I grew up, I had a lot of good teachers, and they seemed to love what they were doing, and I found that admirable.”

His path changed when he encountered Longwood’s peer mentors. The mentors are experienced college students who volunteer to advise and guide freshman students into their first year of college academia. These responsibilities include helping students become comfortable and confident in their new environment, taking them to scheduled orientation and special events, and being a viable role model and leader for them. Anderson became a peer mentor as soon as he could and greatly enjoyed his position.

After graduating from Longwood in 2015, he worked a semester as a member in its Office of Student Affairs. Afterwards, he enrolled in the University of Virginia and received a master’s in Student Affairs and Higher Education, further putting him on the path of helping college students and enhancing their higher education experiences.

“One of my biggest goals while I’m here is to hold fun, inclusive events for the college community that allows students to bring their families, bring their significant others, and have any of those people who are important to them be part of the college as well,” he said.

In regards to former Coordinator of Student Activities Steve McNerney, Anderson remarked, “He left me a letter explaining the activities, the roles, and the position here. We are still in communication. He’s been a real help getting the ball rolling for me here.”

Like his predecessor, Anderson will work with the various clubs and academic departments to achieve his goals of creating a great and memorable experience for PVCC’s students during his time here, and he plans on having the traditional PVCC events, such as Casino Night, as well as adding new things to the roster if possible.

The events he has directed so far were part of PVCC’s traditional Welcome Back Week. With the intent of easing in new students and engaging  seasoned students to the college community, the daily events were held in the Student Bolick Center from morning through the early afternoon during the first week of the fall semester. These events included a meet and greet, a seminar on tips to college success, and a seminar about maintaining overall health and wellbeing at PVCC and in life. Each one also provided free food and fun, interactive activities to make the experience feel more festive and enjoyable.

Welcome Back Week ended with an evening showing of 2017’s Beauty and the Beast behind the Betty Sue Jessup Library. Anderson gave the event the unofficial name, “Movie with a Mountain View.”

Anderson has the potential to be a good fit at PVCC with his determination, passion, and experience in his chosen field.

He concluded, “I want them to leave here feeling they have developed as a student and got the college experience.”