Get to know the new assistant director of first-year programs
Stephanie Carpenter, assistant director of first-year programs / Photo courtesy of Stephanie Carpenter
BY KELSEY PURCELL, FEATURES EDITOR
Stephanie Carpenter has always wanted to move to Western New York.
“I really like the area and the nature,” she said.
She made her dream come true when she got a job at St. Bonaventure University. Carpenter started her position as assistant director of first-year programs this summer. Her office is in Plassmann Hall, room 102C. It is always stocked with good snacks for visitors.
Carpenter is a recent SUNY Oneonta graduate. Though she majored in physics, she has experience that qualifies her for her role in the success center. Carpenter worked in New Student Services, Activities Council and Admissions during all four years of college which helped prepare her for her role at Bonaventure.
A typical day for her includes gathering feedback and coming up with creative ways to improve programs. She has a background in event planning including experience planning 5K races and concerts. Getting feedback from attendees after events is necessary for planners to make events better in the future, Carpenter said.
“It is easy to get lost in the lists of to dos when planning events, and it is important to keep in mind that events are for the students,” she said. “Student feedback, student ideas and student thoughts should always be shared.”
Carpenter also works on projects with other departments to help expose Bonaventure’s newest students to all the resources available on campus.
“Currently, I’m working with Jonathan who is the Coordinator for International Student Services,” she said. “We are hosting events everyday next week to celebrate Bonaventure’s first ever International Education Week.”
In her free time, Carpenter enjoys doing advocacy work.
“I feel like there is always more to learn and show your support to marginalized groups,” she said. “I love making LGBTQIA+ and BLM pins and stickers that are always available for students to take.”
She said she loves meeting, collaborating and working with the students.
“Everyone is so friendly, hardworking, and driven to succeed,” she said. “Working with the students is my favorite part of my job.”
Carpenter is no stranger to the Allegheny River Valley Trail, the trail surrounding the university’s campus. She often walks around the trail with her dog.
“Something that makes me smile is my German Shepard-Lab mix,” she said. “Oakley is such a cutie and loves to walk around Bona’s.”
Oakley has even attended a few bonfires at the Marchiori Pavilion.
“He’s an incredibly sweet dog,” she said. “He wears an emotional support animal jacket but is always up for pets.”
Oakley loves to go on walks and get student’s attention.
Some fun facts about Carpenter: Her favorite movie is “A Beautiful Mind.” Carpenter doesn’t listen to a ton of music, but she said Ed Sheeran would have to be her favorite musician. If she could travel anywhere, Carpenter said she would visit Australia, since she wants to hold a koala bear.
If you’re ever in Plassmann, consider stopping by room 102C for a chance to chat with Carpenter. Be sure to welcome her to the Bonaventure community.
purcelkr20@bonaventure.edu
