DAKOTA KAE BENNETT

Contact Info and References Available Upon Request

HIGHER EDUCATION
Master of Education in College Student Personnel Administration: Counseling Psychology
2013 May 2015
James Madison University
Harrisonburg, VA
Course Highlights: Brief Counseling & Crisis Intervention; Counseling Techniques; Career Development; Statistical
Methods in Student Affairs; Multiculturalism, Diversity, and Difference
Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Minor in Sociology
2007 2010
Western Washington University
Bellingham, WA
Course Highlights: Sociology of Race and Ethnicity; Social Stratification; Advocacy through Media; Professional
Communication; Communication of Diversity & Controversy; Advanced Public Speaking; Intercultural
Communication; Interpersonal Communication; Residence Life Paraprofessional Advisement
Associate of Arts in General Studies (during high school, through dual-enrollment program)
2005 2007
South Puget Sound Community College
Olympia, WA
Course Highlights: Gender Roles in Society; Social Problems in Society; Psychology of Human Relations

RESIDENCE LIFE EXPERIENCE

Residence Life Coordinator
Summer 2014
Duke Universitys Talent Identification Program (Duke TIP)
Trinity University, San Antonio, TX
Served as the Administrative Team member responsible for all residence life issues, training, and supervision for
two summer terms of a college simulation experience for gifted middle school students
Expanded training, increased staff performance, and fostered cohesion through innovative methods:
o Developed a leadership training workshop using a communication self-assessment to develop
collaboration and understanding among the staff
o Created a seminar on using inclusive language and how to handle potential scenarios
o Highlighted and revisited the most important expectations through a game show format
Coordinated room assignments, daily residential staff duties, and arrival day and departure procedures
Facilitated the resolution of student and staff behavioral and performance problems through mediation,
counseling, disciplinary action, education, and restorative justice practices
Arranged recreational programming for students, including space reservations, event preparation and
management, and transportation
Organized large-scale events, including off-campus WNBA games, dances, talent shows, and sport tournaments
Maintained responsibility for the safety, cleanliness, and security of the residence hall
Delegated residential planning and programming responsibilities
Filled in for the On-site Director when she was unavailable and off-duty
Established Residence Life policies and expectations
Conference & Guest Housing Resident Advisor
Western Washington University Residences
Provided attentive customer service to guests at all times
Served as a positive role model regarding University policies and procedures
Checked in and out conference guests and prepackaged and audited residence hall keys

Summer 2009 and 2010

Bellingham, WA

Academic Resident Advisor

2008 2010
Western Washington University Residences
Bellingham, WA
Advised, guided, and counseled approximately 50 residents while encouraging and supporting them
to be engaged, active, and thoughtful citizens
Created, maintained, and fostered inclusive relationships throughout the community
Developed, organized, and supervised educational programs available to all residents

Dakota K. Bennett, p. 2

ADDITIONAL STUDENT AFFAIRS AND PROFESSIONAL WORK EXPERIENCE

Classroom Based Service-Learning Graduate Assistant
2014 2015
Office of Community Service-Learning, JMU
Harrisonburg, VA
Supervised Service Coordinators who served as liaisons between service learners and community agencies
Piloted a new electronic process for placing students, saving the department resources and money
Successfully navigated office dynamics and skillfully resolved conflicts among staff members
Designed and implemented an ethical decision-making curriculum revolving around a campus-wide initiative
Presented opportunities to classes, placed service learners in the community, and facilitated reflection sessions
Study Abroad Practicum Student
Spring 2014
Office of International Programs, JMU
Harrisonburg, VA
Researched and created a study abroad course pre-departure, in-country, and re-entry components
Organized the first study abroad fair in collaboration with the Office of Off-Campus Life
Served on the International Committee after completing the practicum
Student Staff Programming Graduate Assistant
2013 2014
Office of Orientation, JMU
Harrisonburg, VA
Recruited, hired, and trained Orientation Peer Advisors
Organized entire group and individual interview processes, evaluations, and schedules for 90 applicants
Developed marketing materials that were kept in place for the following year of recruitment
Co-taught a diversity training course for hired student staff
International English Teacher
2011 2012
Miller English Academy
Goyang-Si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
Taught six English speaking, reading, and writing classes to Korean elementary and middle school students
Developed and prepared instructional materials and worksheets for the schools future teaching purposes
Designed participatory-rich lesson plans and educational activities cleverly disguised as games
Created, administered, and graded weekly exams
Administrative Assistant to the Vice President of Marketing
2010 2011
Sterling Life Insurance Co.
Bellingham, WA
Supported the VP of Marketing and the Marketing department for the companys national headquarters
Updated the Presidents PowerPoint presentations and blog and tracked sales through Excel spreadsheets
Coordinated travel arrangements, created itineraries, and completed company expense reports
Organized calendars, schedules, conference calls, catering, and office events

VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE
Volunteered over 800 hours with 50 different organizations
2003 Present
Service Areas include: Education, Environment, Hunger & Homelessness, Aging & Health, Disabilities, and International
International Volunteer
July 16 29, 2007
Merge Ministries
San Luis de Rio Colorado, Sonora, Mexico
Formed relationships with Spanish-speaking citizens in the community
Worked on various labor projects in temperatures as high as 120F
Taught music classes, provided independent trumpet lessons, and led childrens activities

MEMBERSHIPS/CONFERENCES

2015 NACADA Region 2 Conference Presenter

2015 Grad Student Association Travel Grant Recipient
2015-Present JMU SafeZone Member
2015 SAUP Diversity Council Member
2014-Present ACPA Member

2014 Alternative Break Learning Partner

2014 National Conference on Citizenship
2014 International Week Committee Member
2014, 2015 JMU Diversity Conference
2013 Virginia Student Services Conference