Croft Named Student Activities Director From: University Currents Date: April 21, 2000 By: Dawn Fuller Phone: (513) 556-1823 Photo By: Colleen Kelley Archive: Campus News, Research News The Office of Student Organizations and Activities now has a director. Lucy Croft was selected for the position, after serving as interim director since August. Croft will work as a liaison between students and the university administration, overseeing UC's diversity programs, campus wide programming, leadership education, registration and funding for clubs and organizations and Greek organizations. Croft was born and raised in Cincinnati and is a graduate of Mariemont High School. She received her undergraduate degree in communication and elementary education from Hanover College in Hanover, Ind. Fresh out of college, Croft worked at the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn for a year as assistant director of student activities and orientation programs before becoming director of student activities at Virginia Intermont College in Bristol. "Those two experiences led me here," says Croft. "I really had a passion for what I was doing, and at that time my boss and my colleagues had told me if I wanted to stay in the field, I needed to get my master's degree. I decided I wanted to do that in a place where I felt very comfortable, so I came back to Cincinnati." Croft enrolled at UC in 1992 and worked as a programming graduate assistant until she earned her master's degree in community counseling in 1994. She became assistant director of the Student Organizations and Activities office in 1995, then became interim director last summer. Croft wants to spread her enthusiasm to students about campus involvement. "There are so many different experiences that are available for students. It's up to us to take them to fruition for the students and to expose the students to all of those different opportunities and experiences. I'm truly passionate about what I do and I believe in student development and how that makes students better people when they leave this institution." Croft refers to the mission statement of Student Organizations and Activities, which is to promote and direct purposeful student involvement in the campus community. The office also recognizes "the importance of co-curricular activities as a vital aspect of cultivating and nurturing civility, leadership and service." Croft won't be slowing down any time soon. The office has two job openings: a program coordinator for campus programming and a position for Greek life program coordinator. Croft adds the office is also expanding the diversity program. Furthermore, Croft is continuing her education at UC, working on a Doctorate of Education degree in curriculum and instruction. She also teaches two classes about educational leadership. Her decision to return to her hometown and to work at UC has been rewarding personally and professionally. "UC has so much to offer. I enjoy the challenges that lie ahead."