Meredith Townley, Graduate Advisor for Community Engagement

Name: Meredith Townley
Hometown: Sioux City, Iowa
Undergraduate Education: "I graduated Summa Cum Laude from Iowa State University with my Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Criminal Justice, with a minor in Human Development and Family Studies.
Pursuing a Master’s Degree in: Clinical Mental Health Counseling."

Position Responsibilities: "As the Graduate Advisor for Community Engagement, I work with the Assistant Director, student workers, and members of Mavs in Action in furthering the Community Engagement Office mission while adhering to the University’s mission, vision, and core values. My areas of responsibility include undergraduate program planning and advising, risk management, leadership training, group dynamics, and promotion/marketing. I also assist Mavs in Action during regular meetings/leadership development as well as large campus-based events such as Free Farmers Markets, involvement fairs, and MLK Day of Service."

Past Experiences: "I held many roles in my undergraduate career at Iowa State University. I was a counseling psychology research assistant, youth mentor, court-appointed special advocate for children in the foster care system, preschool volunteer, and a victim advocate at a shelter."

What to you find appealing about your GA position?: "Volunteering was a pivotal part of my undergraduate experience, and I am excited to continue that volunteerism as a graduate student at Minnesota State. I am passionate about helping those around me in any way I can and contributing to student and community success."

GETTING TO KNOW MEREDITH

My dream job is: "I want to be a Clinical Mental Health Counselor and to work primarily with children and adolescents."

In my free time, I enjoy: "Traveling, spending time with friends and family, and reading."

MEREDITH'S FAST FIVE FUN QUIZ

1. Three words that best describe you? "Outgoing, passionate, spirited."

2. Three things that can always be found in your refrigerator. "Salsa, Coffee, and Eggs"

3. Name three people, living or dead, you would like to invite for dinner. "I am fortunate to have a fantastic family who are the most important people in the world to me. I would invite my grandpa, grandma, and great-grandpa since they tell the best stories and cook the best food!"

4. What is something people would be surprised to know about you? "My dad and I have been to all 50 states in the U.S. My favorite state is Maine (and Iowa!)."

5. What superpower would you like to have? Why? "I would love to time-travel to the past and experience different time-periods."