Included Topics
Page 2: Letter from the RD
Page 3: Awards & Scholarships
Page 4: Summer Drive-In News
Page 5: Conference Updates
Page 6: Student Involvement
Page 7 & On: Meet Your
Regional Leadership and Conference Planning Teams
Region II Members at ACUI Events and Meetings This Year
LETTER FROM THE REGIONAL DIRECTOR
Dear Region II,
Summer is here, and while the pace may have slowed down a bit, Region II is heating up with some exciting opportunities to connect and grow together!
We hope to see as many of you as possible at our Summer Drive-In a North Texas happening at the end of July Registration is now open, s your spot and join us for a meaningful day of learning and networking!
Looking ahead to fall, we can’t wait to gather for our Region II Conference in Springfield, Missouri! Our regional conferences are the perfect place to engage with new ideas and new faces, and this year we are especially encouraging emerging professionals – student employees and leaders – to attend and present educational sessions Of course, we continue to welcome and value the incredible contributions of our professional staff as well
We’re also still in search of a 2026 Regional Conference Chair and host location. If you or your institution might be interested, please reach out! It’s a rewarding opportunity to shape an unforgettable experience for our region.
There are also exciting updates coming later this summer around the future of Region II, including changes to our volunteer structures and broader regional efforts. Stay tuned! And keep an eye out we have a fun, exciting (and cute!) Region II promo item coming your way soon!
As I prepare to pass the torch in October to the incredible Audrey Taggart-Kagdis, I find myself reflecting with gratitude on all we’ve accomplished together It has truly been a great honor to serve as your Regional Director. Over the past two years, I’ve had the opportunity to contribute to impactful strategic plan initiatives alongside my fellow Regional Directors, and I’ve cherished every moment working with our incredible Regional Leadership Teams and Conference Planning Teams. Audrey will officially take over as Region II Director at our fall conference, and I know she will lead with passion and vision Thanks for being such a dynamic and inspiring community I can’t wait to see what the rest of the year holds for us.
AWARDS & SCHOLARSHIPS NEWS
2024 AWARD RECIPIENTS
Undergraduate Rising Star Award
Derek Dotson from University of North Texas
Shirley Plakidas New Professional Award
Mikey Bullock from Sam Houston State University
William H. Smith Outstanding Professional Award
Kat Masters from Texas State University
Shirley Bird Perry Distinguished Service Award
Eve Esch from University of Houston (pictured)
Benard Pitts Role of the College Union
LBJ Student Center Takeover from Texas State University
2024 SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS
Regional Conference
Anna Pursley from Sam Houston State University
Catherine Zachariah from Louisiana State University
Abby Friedland from University of Kansas
Cali Rhodes from University of Kansas
Scholarship
IPDS
Mikayla Leader from University of Kansas Questions? Reach out to Recognition Coordinator: Mikayla Leader - mleader19@ku edu
Now accepting scholarship applications for the upcoming Regional Conference! Region II will accept applications on a rolling basis until our scholarship funding is gone for 2025!
For More Info: https://acui org/regions/region-ii/region-ii-awards-scholarships/
SUMMER DRIVE-IN: UNIVERSITY OF NORTH TEXAS
Monday, July 28th
Denton, Texas
UNT University Union
Join ACUI Region II for a dynamic one-day Summer Drive-In focused on empowering campus union and student affairs professionals through meaningful connection, skillbuilding, and shared learning. This event is designed for staff at all levels who are passionate about creating engaging and student-centered campus environments.
Through engaging roundtables, collaborative discussions, and opportunities to network with colleagues from across the region, attendees will walk away with fresh ideas, practical tools, and renewed energy to bring back to their home institutions.
Whether you're looking to strengthen your leadership skills, explore trends in campus life, or simply reconnect with the ACUI community, this Drive-In offers a valuable and energizing summer touchpoint for professional growth.
Who Should Attend:
Campus union professionals, student affairs staff, graduate assistants, and anyone invested in enhancing the campus experience!
Highlights Include:
Interactive Roundtables
Best practice sharing and idea exchanges
Region II updates and networking opportunities
Light refreshments and tours
Let’s gather, grow, and gear up for the year ahead - together.
4
2025 REGION II CONFERENCEMISSOURI STATE UNIVERSITY
October 9-11, 2025
Call for Educational Session Proposals
We want your great ideas for educational sessions! Did you or your department make an impact on a policy, process, or program? Did you or your department successfully navigate changes or find ways of building up your community? We want to hear from you! Our priority deadline is August 1st.
REGION II STUDENT INVOLVEMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Student GroupMe:
Mentor & Mentee Sign Up
Are you a student looking for a mentor or want to provide peer mentorship to others? Sign up here! We will be recruiting mentors and mentees through October and will start this program in November for the academic year. Mentors & mentees will meet at least once a month. Region II is also looking for professional staff members to serve as mentors.
Interested? Click Here!
Calling all students to join our Region II Students GroupMe! Throughout the year, we will be sharing updates, events, and involvement opportunities on this platform. Get connected with us!
Join the Student GroupMe Here!
Questions? Reach out to Student Involvement Coordinator Paige Jenkins: Paige.Jenkins@UTDallas.edu
Meet Your Region II Leadership Team
Kat Masters
REGIONAL DIRECTOR
Texas State University | Asst Director of Event Planning
Fun Fact - This fall will be my 10 years since my first Region II Conference!
Why ACUI? - The people! Through ACUI, I’ve found not just colleagues, but true community. This association has connected me with inspiring professionals who lift each other up, share generously, and genuinely care. I feel so lucky to have found my people here.
II Welcomes New
Fun Fact - I am a HUGE Yankees Fan!
Why ACUI? - ACUI brings together passionate, purposedriven people who care deeply about students, and community I’ve found lifelong colleagues and friends here people who challenge me, inspire me, and remind me why I love working in higher education.
Cortney Goff
Missouri State University | Assistant Director, Facilities and Operations
Fun Fact - I have been a dance teacher for 11 years!
Why ACUI? - No matter where you are in your professional career, no matter if you don't know anyone at all, there is always a place for you and so many other professionals here that will welcome you in with open arms in ACUI The community that ACUI offers is truly second to none, and I am so grateful for the colleagues-turned-friends who have supported and encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone and get more involved!
Shelby Hornsby
University
of
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS
North Texas | Student Services Coordinator
Fun Fact - I've been taking and teaching dance classes for over 20 years!
Why ACUI? - I love ACUI because it's a space where I've found inspiration, support, and countless opportunities to grow both personally and professionally!
Austin Pace
REGIONAL BUSINESS MANAGER
Texas Tech University | Assistant Director
Fun Fact - All of my pets are named after vegetables; Baked Potato, Brussel Sprout, Bell Pepper
Why ACUI? - I chose to get involved to try and expand my networking; I have been able to make great friends in the past two years and look forward to helping develop our association here in Region II
Mikayla Leader
University of Kansas | Program Coordinator
Fun Fact - I have a dog named Jub Jub, which we have been told, is originally from one of the birds in Alice in Wonderland! Why ACUI? - Don't think of ACUI as just a seminar – it's a vibrant community where you connect with peers nationwide, offering fresh perspectives beyond your singular institution. Learning to stand up for myself and discovering the wealth of resources in Higher Education have been game-changers in my professional journey.
Sergio Renovato-Vasquez
University of North Texas | Assistant Director Union Operations
Fun Fact - I love playing fantasy football
Why ACUI? - I enjoy meeting my colleagues from different institutions in the region and nationally in ACUI I enjoy learning about their challenges, successes, and how we can help one another
About Me - I'm a naturalized citizen from Matamoros Tamaulipas Mexico.
Paige Jenkins
University of Texas at Dallas | Assistant Union Programs
Fun Fact - I enjoy traveling, reading, and visited 5 countries so far!
Why ACUI? - I love the ACUI community ways to get involved and meet new peop professional development opportunities, mentors, and spaces to exchange knowle
STUDENT INVOL
RLT ROLE
Karina Wickham
MEMBER
University of Arkansas | Student Workforce Coordinator
Fun Fact - I’m related to Edgar Allan Poe
Why ACUI? - ACUI has significantly grown my love for student affairs, while providing countless opportunities for learning, volunteering, and meeting exceptional colleagues and mentors! I �� ACUI!
Andrea Marquez COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR
University of North Texas | Director, Union Programming & Arts
Fun Fact - I am an avid video gamer and raise money for Children’s Miracle Network every year with Extra Life! Why ACUI? - I’ve been involved with many associations over the years and ACUI is where I found my professional home. I’ve met the most amazing people who’ve seen me through work and life ups and downs, who inspire me to do my best work, and who truly love what we do and the mission of ACUI. They have become my professional family and my friends
Meet the Conference Planning Team
Deion T. Robbins
FUNDRAISER & CORPORATE SPONSORSHIPS CHAIR
Texas State University | Coordinator for Campus Programming
Fun Fact - I used to be a colligate mascot ( at Stephen F. Austin State University - Go Jacks!)
Peggy Hermes KEYNOTES AND PANELS CHAIR
Washington University in St. Louis | Associate Director for Event Management
Fun Fact - I love volunteering with Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri with my 2 daughters
EDUCATIONAL SESSIONS CHAIR
Sam Houston State University | Associate Director for Communications and Student Development
Fun Fact - I teach a Zumba fitness class every Tuesday at a local gym and love to write novels
Anna Pursley
Micah Obregon
EDUCATIONAL SESSIONS CHAIR
University of Houson | Administrative Coordinator
Fun Fact - I’ve made a short film called Core Teen that’s available to watch on YouTube
Patrick Ward PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE CHAIR
University of Missouri | Guest Services Coordinator
Fun Fact - I am a big reader, only fiction and usually science fiction, horror, or thrillers, but I am open to any and all suggestions.
Ricardo Reyes REGISTRATION CHAIR
Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi | Director, University Center
Fun Fact - I enjoy golf even though I'm not very good at it.