Ceci Brinker
Director of Student Life

Current Position and Responsibilities

Director of Student Life The Director of Student Life is responsible for providing opportunities for student involvement and learning that compliments the academic mission, enhances student learning and enriches the quality of student life at EIU outside the classroom.                    The Director of Student Life maintains primary responsibility for the overall development, direction and administration of Student Life Office services and programs. The 6 areas of primary responsibility are: 1.) Student Government; 2.) University Board, campus entertainment, Multicultural programming advisement of the Black Student Union, Latin American Student Organization, Diversity in Action Council, and L.E.A.D. (Learning by Example to Accept Diversity); 3.) Major University events - Major Concerts, Back To School Week, First Night, Homecoming Week, Family Weekend, and Spring Fling; 4.) Registered Student Organizations programs and services; 5.) Leadership Development and Support Services; and 6). EIU Parent’s Club.

Educational Background

Previous Experience in Higher Education: Director of Student Life, Eastern Illinois University, 2000- Current Interim Director of Student Life, Eastern Illinois University, 1999 - 2000 Assistant Director Student Life/Multicultural Affairs, Eastern Illinois University, 1985 - 1999 Freshman Seminar Instructor, Eastern Illinois University, 1997 - 1999 Head Women’s Basketball Coach, Lakeland College, 1994 - 1996 Education: Master of Science in Education, 1995 Educational Psychology & Guidance, emphasis in College Student Personnel Bachelor of Science Education, 1982 Physical Education, K-12 Teaching Certification

Professional Involvement

Association Memberships: ACPA – American College Personnel Association                              NASPA – National Association of Student Personnel Administrators 2006 – current, Member ACU-I  - Association of College Unions International  2003 – current, Member National Association for Campus Activities, 1985 – Current • NACA National Educational Advisory Group, 2006-Current • NACA Student Government Leadership Workshop Coordinator, 2007 • NACA Student Government Leadership Workshop Facilitator, 2005, 2006 • NACA Concert Management Workshop Facilitator, 2004, 2005 • NACA Illiana Regional - Comedy Showcase Coordinator, 1993 • NACA Illiana Regional Showcase Selection Committee, 1992 • NACA Illiana Regional Showcase Selection Coordinator, 1991 • NACA Illiana Regional School Registration Coordinator, 1996-1999 AFA - Association of Fraternity Advisors, 1996- 1999 Inter-Fraternity Institute,Facilitator MAD - Midwest Activities Directors Conference, 1990 – 1993;School Delegate,MAD Conference Co-Chair, 1992 Illinois College Unions Mid-Management Retreat, 19 85 – 1989, School delegate ICBCHE – Illinois Colleges Black Concerns in Higher Education, 2006 – current, Member Order of Omega Greek Honorary, 1995, Honorary Member

Achievements, Honors, Awards

1995 Honorary Order of Omega 2004 Ralph Weller Outstanding Advisor Greek Award 2003 Advisor of the Year Student Government RSO Award 2002, 2003  Inter-Fraternity Institute Facilitator Award 2005, 2006 Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity – Zeta Nu Outstanding Woman Award 2006, 2007 TRIO Mentor Award 2000 – 2007 University Board Advisor Award

Presentations

1992 – 2nd Annual Omega Leadership Conference – “Diversity: Opening Doors to Understanding and Acceptance – Charleston, Illinois 1993 WIU Professional Development Day – “Multi-cultural Programming: Opening Doors to Understanding & Acceptance” -  Macomb, Illinois 1995 University Board Fall Leadership Retreat – “Stress without Distress: Effective Stress Management Tools” - Charleston, Illinois 1998 – NPHC Black Greek Leadership Conference – “Change vs. Comfort: NPHC Greek Standards” – Bloomington, Illinois 2002 - North American Inter-fraternity Conference Program - IFI  - “Mission Impossible” Waging the War on Hazing” -  Bloomington, Indiana 2003 - North American Inter-fraternity Conference Program – IFI -  “Different Strokes for Different Folks: Greek Review and Strategic Planning”, Bloomington, Indiana 2005 – EIU Six Pack Program – “Think Before You Drink: Partying Safe & Responsibly”, Charleston, Illinois 2005 – NACA Student Government Workshop – “Blueprint for Success: Creating Coalitions Between Faculty and Students” – Orange County, California 2005 – NACA Student Government Workshop – “Guess Who’s Coming to SGA: Working with Diverse Student Leaders” – Orange County, California 2005 – NACA Student Government Workshop – “Different Strokes For Different Folks: Leading with Style” – Orange County, California 2005 – NACA Student Government Workshop – “The Changing Face of Leadership: Advisor Assistance for Diverse Student Organizations - Orange County, California 2006 – MTIEP Summer Program – “Leading with Soul” - Charleston, Illinois 2006 – NACA Student Government Workshop – “So What Color is Your Leadership? An Exploration of Leadership Styles” - San Antonio, Texas 2006 – NACA Student Government Workshop - “Different Strokes for Different Folks: Advising Assistance for Diverse Organizations” - San Antonio, Texas 2006 – NACA Student Government Workshop - “Effective Techniques of Teambuilding” - San Antonio, Texas 2006 – NACA Student Government Workshop - “Take the Lead! Advising Different Types of Student Leaders” - San Antonio, Texas