Dave Closson
Assistant Director, Illinois Higher Education Center for Alcohol, Other Drug, and Violence Prevention;, EIU Health Service Website: http://www.eiu.edu/ihecINTRODUCTION
My personal mission is to teach, coach, and serve with a collaborative person-centered approach encouraging motivation, personal growth and positive change in others.
I am an EIU Alumni (’08 & ’13) with a BS in Biology and a MS in Technology, Training and Development. My master’s degree work focused on motivational interviewing for campus police.
I previously worked as an EIU Police Officer and served as the department’s Crime Prevention Officer. While serving in this role, I gave presentations to over 7,400 students, faculty, and professional staff on topics ranging from Motivational Interviewing, Bystander Intervention, Alcohol/Drug Safety, Sexual Assault Prevention, and Conflict Resolution.
I served in the Illinois Army National Guard for 6 years and was deployed under Operation Iraqi Freedom. I was award two Army Commendation Medals, one for valor and one for meritorious service, Combat Infantryman’s Badge, Air Assault Badge, National Defense Service Ribbon, Iraq Campaign Medal and Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.
In my spare time, I enjoy spending time in the outdoors with my family and friends, staying physically fit, and reading books on leadership, communication, and personal development. I also enjoy working with individuals to coach and mentor them to help foster positive changes in their lives.
Conference Presentations
EIU Inaugural Student Commencement Speaker, 2013 - "From College Student to College Cop"
2015 Illinois Liquor Control Commission's College Town Summit
2016 NASPA Strategies: Alcohol and Other Drug Conference. Orlando, FL
2016 Partners in Prevention: Meeting of the Minds. Kansas City, MO