The SIUE Kimmel Leadership Center has officially changed its name to the Kimmel Student Involvement Center. The name change is effective immediately and indicates the center’s efforts to increase awareness of the wide variety of leadership, campus life and volunteer opportunities available to all SIUE students.
“The new name is a better reflection of the comprehensive services and programs that we offer,” said Kelly Jo Karnes, student involvement director. “We want students to know that even if they don’t consider themselves a student leader yet, there are opportunities for them to get involved and grow within this community. We focus on much more than leadership.”
Through student organizations, volunteering and structured leadership programs, the Kimmel Student Involvement Center fosters a life-long appreciation of diversity, involvement, responsible decision-making, and professional and personal development among SIUE students.
The Kimmel Student Involvement Center oversees SIUE Student Government, Campus Activities Board, student organizations, fraternities and sororities, the Student Leadership Development Program, Community Engagement and Student Legal Services.
“We are working to develop active, involved students at SIUE,” Karnes said. “When students are engaged on campus, their efforts contribute to the community, the University and their own academic achievement.”
In 1990, the then Student Leadership Development Center was named in honor of Carol Kimmel, a member of the SIU Board of Trustees from 1977 to ‘89, in recognition of her dedication to the University and commitment to education, service and citizenship. Through the newly named Kimmel Student Involvement Center, her contributions to the University will continue to be recognized.
The Kimmel Student Involvement Center will remain within the division of Student Affairs under Karnes’ direction.
Photo: SIUE’s Kelly Jo Karnes, student involvement director at the Kimmel Student Involvement Center.