Rebelle Fleur By: Robert Graham Home is where the heart is, but distance might be how the heart grows stronger, an axiom Kris-Ann Walters (BS 15) practices as a rebelle fleur (French for rebel flower), what Kris-Ann describes as a contradiction that uncovers an important value in her life: self-determination. “I visited home for the first time in four years this past December. It was a nice opportunity to see the person I had become versus the person I was when I left. The trip was affirmation of my commitment to establishing my independence,” says Kris-Ann. Kris-Ann grew up in Kingston, Jamaica and earned a scholarship to Adam State University in Alamosa, CO in 2011. She transitioned from a Grizzly (Adam State’s mascot) to a Greyhound as a sophomore in 2012. “I wanted to stay in the vicinity of Colorado, so I googled Division II schools in the southwest, and ENMU came up,” says Kris-Ann.
Currently, Kris-Ann is a graduate student in the Department of Counseling and works under Draco Miller (MS 06, BS 04) in Stadium Operations. “My long-term plan is to become either a psychotherapist or clinical mental health counselor. I want to keep my options open, but some preliminary schools I am considering are Texas Women’s University and Texas A&M College Station,” says Kris-Ann. Kris-Ann has made ENMU a home away from home by embracing the concept that home is a state of mind and, more subtly, a euphemism for the ability of the individual to make her way in the world. “I believe that I can achieve success because I value both my independence and my education, and with that, I am able to create my desired reality,” says Kris-Ann.
Higher Learning Commission Accreditation Eastern New Mexico University is seeking comments from the public in preparation for its periodic evaluation by its regional accrediting agency. The University will host a visit with a team representing the Higher Learning Commission on April 17-18, 2017. ENMU has been accredited by HLC since 1947. The team will review the institution’s ongoing ability to meet HLC’s Criteria for Accreditation. The public is invited to submit comments regarding the university to the following address: Public Comment on Eastern New Mexico University Higher Learning Commission 230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500 Chicago, IL 60604-1411
The public may also submit comments on HLC’s website at www.hlcommission.org/comment. Comments must address substantive matters related to the quality of the institution or its academic programs. Comments must be in writing. All comments must be received by March 17, 2017. 6
Green & Silver | November 2016
