Northern Arizona University

Over the past twelve years since graduation, I have worked in the areas of strategic planning and business development for Banner Health. This has prepared me for my current responsibilities as the Director of Brand Strategy at Banner. Some of my experience in this capacity includes leading the development and implementation effort of 'Brand Central', Banner's identity management system, managing brand-building advertising campaigns, and leading Banner's interactive sports marketing promotions with teams like the Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Coyotes. I work collaboratively with many functions at Banner including public relations, web services, design services, etc. They are all partners in building the Banner Health brand. My business degree gave me a solid foundation to start my career at Banner Health. My undergraduate emphasis was Human Resources, which led me to my first out-of-college position in human resources. I was a member of a service organization at Northern Arizona Unversity called Kayettes. This was a valuable experience that provided me with leadership skills, a dedication to volunteer work, and lifelong friends that are so important to me. Kayettes helped positively shape the professional woman that I am today. Being a student and a resident on campus was also a valuable experience that I will never forget. I loved the smaller size of the school and campus which provided more interaction with the professors, chances to get involved in campus organizations, and great groups of friends to meet. Since this was my first time away from home, it was great to be just 2 hours from Phoenix. I could drive home for the weekend to spend time with friends and family. I continued my education and earned my Master of Business Administration from the University of Phoenix in 1999.

I can honestly say I left my heart at Northern Arizona University and in Flagstaff. Every time I visit I begin plotting ways to move my family there. I long for the small town, beautiful campus, views of the Peaks, the sound of the train, even the cold weather and snow. But if I have to pick the best thing about my experience, it is the people. There is just something different about the people that attend Northern Arizona Unversity. I think they are a little friendlier, more down to earth, and many have become my life long friends.

I always enjoyed the smaller class sizes. I never felt like I was one among hundreds of students. The professors were always open to discussions during and after class. It was just a very relaxed environment.

The main reasons I chose Northern Arizona University are: It was important to me to have smaller classes and the people I met when I previewed the campus made me feel welcome and at home.

Find other alumni and ask them about their college experience. Don't select a major or college based on a major too early. Give yourself a year to make a decision. You'll have time to explore and learn about all the opportunities. Plan to get involved on campus. Find out what student activities the college offers. Professional and service organizations, ororities/fraternities, and athletics all enrich the college experience.

I was a member of Kayettes, an university service organization for women, for two years. This was a valuable part of my college experience where I gained many wonderful friends. We were involved in volunteerism on campus and around Flagstaff. Some of our activities included Special Olympics, Big Brothers/Big Sisters bowl-a-thon, collecting food for donations, walking dogs at the animal shelter, and organizing an annual holiday dinner for seniors citizens. We also were very involved in university traditions, especially Homecoming. We collaborated with other service organizations like Blue Key and Cardinal Key to organize Homecoming activities.

Since graduating, I have continuted volunteering. I have been a mentor to at-risk teenagers through Phoenix Youth at Risk. I met with two 1st graders to read with them weekly through the Bookworm Buddies program. I have also been a co-founder and board member of Joy of Reading Legacy. This organizaiton finds sources for donated books and deliver them to underpriviledged schools across the valley. I have also organized and participated in many volunteer efforts through Banner Health. I led a year long strategic planning process for HomeBase Youth Services, an organization that provides resources for homeless teenagers.

smowery13@cox.net