Student Productions is searching for a new adviser after former adviser Jennifer Powell resigned from the University of Tampa.
Powell, former coordinator of student events, left after the RNC’s end to move back home to Indiana and begin a new job at Valparaiso University where she is now the assistant director of the Student Union.
While at UT, Powell worked as the adviser for SP, a position now left empty. As adviser, Powell signed all contracts for SP, oversaw operations and educated on university policy.
“We work relatively independently though, Jenn would make sure that we weren’t missing anything but she left most of the decisions up to us,” said SP President Ryan Day.
Powell announced her resignation to the SP board before the start of the fall semester, but approached Day during organization training, after Day had arrived back to Florida.
“It was definitely rough losing Jenn and I think I speak for the entire board when I say that,” said Day. “She’d been here just over 2 years and had been the adviser for most of us since we started. She was a fantastic mentor and friend but we know she’s going to do great things at her new job.”
Powell’s departure has changed Day’s day to day operations with SP. He now regularly meets with board members concerning upcoming events, which Day said has made him “a lot more detailed oriented so as not to miss anything.”
“Immediately after Jenn left it was definitely strange getting used to but she trained us really well to work on our own,” said Day.
With Powell gone, Stephanie Russell Krebs, dean of students, acts as SP’s temporary adviser. As the temporary advisor Krebs meets weekly with members of various organization’s boards including the Student Productions president, homecoming chair and concert chair.
“I also sign-off on all of their expenses and their entertainment contracts.” Krebs said, “I am available to meet with the other members of SP on an additional needed basis.”
Though the appointment of the position was sudden, Krebs says that it has not been a burden to her.
“I have really enjoyed serving as the temporary adviser. When I came to UT 14 years ago I was hired to work with student productions and advised them for 5 years. This particular group of students in SP is very high functioning. They are terrific campus programmers and are a joy to work with.”
Krebs also had high praise for the Student Productions president, Ryan Day, and the other members of SP.
“Ryan Day, the SP president is an amazing student leader. During this time of transition he has provided wonderful continuity for the group,” Krebs said. “I love every minute of working with SP.”
Krebs will also be an integral part of the search to find the new Student Productions adviser. Krebs will hold campus interviews with all the final candidates and will return feedback to the search committee, which is made up of faculty, staff and students. In addition to the interview, candidates will be a part of a public presentation that students are encouraged to attend.
“During their interview days all the candidates will meet with a variety of campus stakeholders (faculty, staff and students) even though they are not on the search committee.” Krebs says that there isn’t a singular person in mind for the position yet, but she does have certain qualities, which the candidate must have.
“I am always looking for new student affairs staff members who are student-centered,” she said “Professionals that love to empower students to reach their full potential and staff who value diversity and inclusion that will serve as positive role models for students would add value to the UT community.”
Jessica Keesee can be reached at Jessica.Keesee@theminaretonline.com
Mia Glatter can be reached at Mia.Glatter@theminaretonline.com