Stephanie Matusiefsky | THE BEACON (Megan Jung earned her Masters degree from Oregon State University)
By Kathryn Walters, Staff Writer walters14@up.edu
The Office of Student Activities welcomes Megan Jung to The Bluff this semester as the new assistant director of Student Activities and coordinator for clubs and organizations.
Jung comes to UP fresh out of graduate school. She completed her Master's degree in Education in College Student Services at Oregon State University last June. She replaces Jillian Smith, who took a job at Concordia University.
Jung's responsibilities include advising the Campus Program Board, working with clubs and organizations and planning Freshman Orientation.
"I want to empower students in whatever capacity I can, whether it's helping students in CPB develop leadership skills or empowering new students," Jung said. "I just want to talk to kids and encourage them in their education."
According to Jeremy Koffler, director of Student Activities, Jung's prior experience on the campus program board at Oregon State University and in AmeriCorps made her an ideal candidate for the position.
"I felt like she was a good fit," he said. "She is very approachable, understands students and is very perceptive about student needs."
Jung said UP's mission of faith and service attracted her to the University.
"I really resonate with the message of educating the head, hearts and hands," she said. "I want to work at a place that shares these values and is intentional about the way it raises its students."
Koffler said he has complete faith in Jung's ability to handle her many responsibilities, although she arrives mid-year and has big events to help organize.
"I have great plans for her to be a part of selection of staffs and training student leaders for Orientation," Koffler said.
So far, Jung feels at home on The Bluff.
"Everyone has been so welcoming," she said. "I've only been here two weeks and I already feel a sense of belonging."
As a native of Montana, Jung said living in a city like Portland, where the environment and sustainability are highly valued, is special to her.
"I've read a lot about sustainability, so it's fun to live in a city where that's a norm," she said. "Growing up in Montana, you develop an appreciation for nature and mountains and things like that."
Her love of the outdoors spills over into her many hobbies, like hiking, backpacking and rock-climbing.
"It'll be fun to have time to do that because graduate school doesn't give you any time for those things," Jung said.
