Student Life is Everything to Allie Chamberlain
USU Eastern is very important to Chamberlain, and making sure that students have an incredible student life experience is what is truly important to her.
If you would have told 19-year-old Allie Chamberlain that she would be working in higher education, she would have told you were crazy. Chamberlain grew up in Cedar City and attended Southern Utah University. She then ventured to Technical Education. She had no idea about higher education. Chamberlain then ventured to Price where she now has deep roots at USU Eastern. Chamberlain has had various positions here on campus. She started working as a facilitator and then moved to work as a Human Resources Administrative Assistant. When the department changed, she then moved to work in the Campus Store. After the Campus Store closed she then became a Summer Camp Manager. An opportunity came available in the Student Life Department and she became an Admin Assistant. “I’ve been a part of it for 7 years since 2018. I started here full time in 2021.”
USU Eastern is very important to Chamberlain, and making sure that students have an incredible student life experience is what is truly important to her. She states, “My main priority on campus is to build a culture and give students the best experience that they can have.” “In my mind, Student Life is what makes college so memorable. I could look back and not tell you about my teachers or the classes I took, but about the events that I went to. Student Life is such a big part of retention. We try to make it fun and memorable for people. Making memories is what it’s about.”
One of the main concerns for incoming students is that there is nothing to do on our campus. Chamberlain has some advice for those students. “You need to venture outside of your dorm room.” “Look around. We have student activities, intramurals, cultural activities, and volunteer activities.” Not only do we have so many fun things on our campus, but we are surrounded by so many great outdoor opportunities. Chamberlain states, “It is a beautiful outdoor recreation. We have so many adventures available in trails, national parks, and lakes. Nine Mile Canyon, Huntington Lake, Joe’s Valley. It’s endless.”
Chamberlain stated that our beautiful surroundings is why she loves the Outdoor Rec program. “Students have more opportunities to do things that they haven’t done. Whether that be skiing, sledding, or having a bonfire students now have the opportunity to do that. We are trying to grow that program, and open it up more.”
Chamberlain works with USUSA to make sure that USU Eastern students have fun events to attend. They try to have two events per week along with one intramural game. USUSA puts in many hours to make sure that these events are successful. “A lot goes into our events. There are at least 2-3 hours worth of setup.” Chamberlain also stated that “Plan A always doesn’t work. We have to have a backup plan.” “After the event we have to takedown, which means that we are at the school very late.”
Chamberlain is very appreciative of her team. “Student Government puts in 20+ hours every week of work. Between meetings, office hours, work, school, and life they have a lot on their plate. We have a very hardworking team.”
Chamberlain states that her favorite event is Casino Night. “Most of these kids have never been to a casino. This night gives them that experience.” The company that USUSA works with for Casino Night is Slickenstein Poker with Mike Huff. “Mike brings in the best people for our students to play with. They teach students, interact with them, and make it enjoyable for students. This is our biggest event, and everyone loves it.”
Chamberlain wants everyone to know that USUSA is always open for ideas on events. You can talk to Chamberlain, Cameron West, Shaun Bryner, Student Advocate, or anyone on Student Government.
USU Eastern is very lucky to have not only Chamberlain, but USUSA as well. The students and staff here at USU Eastern appreciate all the hard work that you put into making our campus such a fun place.
