Dawn Connor, a veterinary technology student at Globe University-Eau Claire, recently was elected by her career college peers around the country to serve as the President of the newly formed organization, Students for Academic Choice. One of the organization’s main goals is to preserve academic choice for students in their pursuit of higher education.
Connor’s involvement with advocating for academic choice began in March, when she was selected from among 300 Globe University/Minnesota School of Business applicants to attend the Career College Association (CCA) Hill Day in Washington, D.C. While on Capitol Hill, Dawn met with legislators and discussed her positive career college experiences and the benefits she has enjoyed at Globe University.
To ensure her message was heard further, Connor became one of 28 founding members of the Career College Student Leadership Association, which evolved into the Students for Academic Choice organization. When the call was made for officers, Connor signed up to campaign for the Presidency. She started an enthusiastic email campaign and was elected President during an online voting process the week of May 10-14.
“I am very excited that I was elected President of Students for Academic Choice,” Connor said. “I hope to be a positive representative for the 2.8 million career college students working toward their educational goals. I am very thankful to my career college, Globe University, for the opportunities they have given me. I want to ensure that the Department of Education does not restrict programs at career colleges by redefining what constitutes gainful employment in a recognized occupation for purposes of Title IV student loan eligibility.”
Connor will join her co-officers, Vice President Ron Robertson of Keiser University, and Secretary Amy Newman of Bryan College, at the CCA 2010 Annual Convention in Las Vegas June 9-11. While there, the team will adopt formal bylaws and hold a press conference to spread the word about the new organization.
“Dawn is one of those special people who is always willing to help in any way she can,” says Laurie Mumm, veterinary technology program chair at Globe University-Eau Claire. “She is an excellent leader, student and teammate. We are honored to have such a celebrity amongst us! I am so very proud and excited for Dawn.”
