ROAR Leaders Shine at Regional Conference

East Texas A&M University students made a strong impression at this year's NODA Region III and IV Conference, hosted by the University of North Texas in Denton from March 28 to 30.

NODA is an international association focused on advancing orientation, transition and retention practices in higher education. The annual regional conference brings together professionals, students, and faculty from across the area to share ideas and develop leadership skills.

During the event, ETAMU's ROAR Leaders—student leaders who help guide new students through orientation—participated in professional development sessions, team-building activities, and a case study competition. The experience also helped them gear up to welcome new students and families to campus this summer.

Student Awards

Several ETAMU students brought home awards from the conference. In the case study challenge, students were given real-world scenarios related to student transitions in higher ed and asked to create thoughtful solutions. Four ETAMU students took home individual honors:

• Best Problem Solving: Troy Menser (sophomore nursing major)

• Best Communication: Brendyn Daniels (freshman education major)
• Best Overall: Zion Anguiano, (freshman sport and recreation management major)
• Most Creative: Alexis Washington (sophomore agriculture major)

Graduate student Koby-Sebasyen King, who is earning her master's in business administration, was honored as the Graduate Student Leader of the Region. This award celebrates a student’s outstanding contributions to a campus orientation program and is based on faculty and staff nominations.

The ETAMU team also brought home two group awards: the Social Media Challenge award and the Spirit of NODA award, recognizing their engagement and meaningful connections with peers from other universities.

Brittany Beck, director of New Student and Family Programs, and Marcus Hawkins, assistant director, accompanied the students to the conference.

“Watching this group of students immerse in the conference, sharing our school spirit, welcoming students from other campuses, and learning from others was amazing to see,” Beck said. “The ROAR Leaders are ready to welcome our new Lion Pride this summer, and to have brought home so many awards in our first year [to compete] is incredible.”

More than 40 institutions from Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Arkansas, Missouri, Colorado, Utah, Wyoming and New Mexico participated in the event.

Featured Photo: Attendees from ETAMU display the university flag at the NODA Regional Conference.