Spring Break
Drake returns to Health Services
Cindy Tanney/Administration editor
Issue date: 7/19/05 Section: News
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In less than one week, the Eastern alumna will return to her role as director of Health Services.
"The biggest difference was the variety of issues and topics," she said.
Drake said she first became interested in administration and Student Affairs when she was a student at Eastern. During these years, she worked as a resident assistant and later, as an assistant residence hall counselor at Stephenson and Lawson Hall.
"I think it just allowed me to utilize the people skills that I was developing at that time," she said. "By the time I was finished, I was convinced to go into higher education."
Drake received a bachelor's of arts in mathematics with secondary teacher certification and a master's of science in education with an emphasis in college student personnel in the early 80s at Eastern.
"I have a true dedication to this institution. It afforded me opportunities in this career that I never would have dreamt of," she said. "I remember how much I've grown."
Drake added that she finds it fulfilling to watch other students grow at Eastern.
"I want to be a part of that," she said.
As acting vice president for Student Affairs, Drake said she has take on several challenges such as a revision of student tuition and fees, changes in the textbook rental process and the implementation of more surveillance cameras at the Student Recreational Center.
It is important for the vice president for Student Affairs to get out on campus, in order to have a better understanding of the issues, she said.
Drake also oversees 14 departments at Eastern which includes Housing and Dining Services, Counseling Center, Judicial Affairs, University Police Department, Orientation, Student Life, Greek Life, Student Legal Service, University Union, Health Service, Textbook Rental Service, Campus Recreation, Career Services, and Financial Aid, according to the job description.
"(Drake) did an awesome job. She stepped right in there and took over," Cathy Engelkes, director of the University Union said. "She always returned calls and was there to help."
Additionally, Drake has supervised the budget for Student Affairs and is a member of the President's Council.
As she exits her acting position, one of her main objectives is to provide a smooth transition for the incoming vice president for Student Affairs, Daniel Nadler, she said.
"Whatever is needed of me, I will be willing to assist," Drake said.
Although, she doubts her schedule will be less busy at Heath Services, she said she is looking forward to returning.
"I've never had a job here that I didn't love," she said.
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