SUU’s Brooks Receives Outstanding New Professional Award

Published: October 13, 2006 | Read Time: 2 minutes

(written by Isaac Holyoak, junior Communication major from Murray, Utah)

“He whistles while he works,” says Susan Linder, Director of Career Services at Southern Utah University. She’s speaking of Cameron Brooks, the Assistant Director of Career Services at SUU, and the recipient of this year’s Outstanding New Professional Award of the Utah NASPA—(National Association of Student Personnel Administrators).

Brooks was given the award earlier this semester at the annual UT-NASPA Conference at Westminster College. Brooks was nominated by Georgia Beth Thompson, SUU Vice President for Student Services.

This particular award is given to an individual who has been in student services less than five years, but who has shown outstanding service to an institution of higher education; provided innovative or creative effort within student affairs; shown active involvement either in NASPA or other student affairs professional organizations; and who indicates significant promise for future leadership roles in the student affairs profession.

In the nomination letter, Thompson describes Brooks as “a very supportive, congenial colleague.” She continues, “His attitude and professionalism have strengthened his ability to work with a variety of publics and make him a real asset to Career Services and to Student Services.”

Brooks is a member of the National Association of Colleges and Employers as well as a member of the Mountain Pacific Association of Colleges and Employers. Coupled with these, Thompson says it was Brooks’ work on the Career Fairs program at SUU that contributed to his nomination. The SUU Career Fairs bring dozens of employers and hundreds of students together to network and build relationships that may lead to prolific careers. “And,” Thompson adds, “Cameron managed all this very soon after arriving on campus.”

Linder marvels, too, at the work Cameron has managed to accomplish in so short of time. “It’s hard to believe he’s been in this office a few days short of a year,” she says. “He has become such an effective and important part of Career Services.” Plus, she says, Brooks as “a very approachable person,” and “fun-loving.”

The award comes as a complete surprise to Brooks. “I’m very honored,” he remarks. “It was totally unexpected. I had no idea.”

Brooks’ duties at Career Services focus on building and maintaining relationships with potential student employers. He also plays a key role in the internship program at SUU, and has been working with the Registrar’s Office to develop an internship tracking system.

A native of Alberta, Canada, Brooks received his bachelor’s degree and master’s degree from Brigham Young University. He began employment with SUU less than one year ago and brings to the school 13 years of experience in academic and business roles.

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