She is advisor to the Student Union, head of event planning and budget management for student organizations, advisor to the Inter-Club Council, and advisor to WQFS. She is Adrienne Craig, the Coordinator of Student Involvement and Leadership.
Before coming to the college this summer, Craig worked in student affairs at Virginia Tech, where she completed her master’s degree in education and student affairs. Her work there included advising cultural programs for Latin and Asian Americans, the Black Student Alliance, and the Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual/Trans-gendered Alliance, and working with fraternities and sororities.
Anne Lundquist, Dean for Campus Life, said, “Adrienne’s job is really a three-person job, but she has a lot of experience coming from a school as large as Virginia Tech. She really gets things done.”
Coming from such a large school to Guilford has made for many adjustments for Craig. “Every school is unique,” she said. “It takes time getting used to the culture and traditions of a new place. Also, the change from being a student to a professional makes it a little different.”
“The whole Student Union is equal to one committee at Virginia Tech,” Craig said. Much of her job consists of helping student organizations balance budgets, and last year she was working with much bigger budgets. “I knew that I wanted to come to a smaller school this year,” she said.
Craig, who is single and has no pets, is a member of the adult staff and lives on campus. “Life for me is still getting acclimated to the area,” she said.
Her position, created in the summer of 2003, was last held by Rebecca Saunders, who no longer works at the college. Controversy surrounded Saunders’ leaving, some calling it an instance of institutional racism.
Liz Nemitz, who worked at the Information Desk last year as well as this year, was a member of the group who interviewed Craig last year. This summer when Craig arrived on campus, Nemitz helped show her the ropes.
“When Craig arrived, she brought with her a lot of ideas for changing the way the information desk is run. I warned her that a lot of people were going to be resistant to them because she came in at a difficult time,” said Nemitz.
Because of the moment in time, few changes have been made thus far, but Craig is optimistic.
“It takes time to adjust to the culture and traditions of a new place,” said Craig. “It’s quite the learning experience.”
“Craig’s style is very similar to the rest of Campus Life,” said Nemitz, who is also a member of Senate. “She’s super organized, prompt, and very on top of things.”
Vice President of Pagan Mysticism and Information Desk worker Chris Imms said, “Craig has been doing a pretty good job for our club. She also told all of the Info Desk employees that we could call on her at anytime since she lives on campus.”
Lundquist said, “Craig is a no-nonsense person with high expectations: she energetic, motivated and dedicated.”
Students often visit Craig to help them solve a problem, whether it is with requisitioning budgets, getting keys, or fixing a broken computer.
“So far I’ve seen a few of the same students again and again,” said Craig. “But I would love for anyone to come in, whether they need help or just to talk.”
Craig’s office is located on the main floor of Founder’s hall behind the information desk.z