IUP Values Me
Student Spotlight: Samantha Figard
Sam is a second-year student in the Student Affairs in Higher Education master’s program and will graduate in May. She did her undergraduate work at Slippery Rock University in the Philanthropy and Nonprofit Management program and the Gender and Diversity Studies minor. Following her graduation from IUP, she plans to pursue a PhD in leadership from the University of Southern Maine. Sam is a graduate assistant for the University College, where she supports the academic success of Act 101 and exploratory students. She is a peer educator and practicum student for the Haven Project and has helped organize many valuable programs, including this week’s Take Back the Night. She assists the President’s Commission on Diversity and Inclusion, which has allowed her to research and support initiatives that will positively impact our campus community. We thank you, Sam!
Staff Spotlight: Tedd Cogar
Tedd has been at IUP since 2001 and currently serves in the Division of Student Affairs as the senior assessment coordinator and LGBTQIA Support office director. His office hosts notable events such as Lavender Graduation and supports many student groups and programs, including Pride Alliance, Queer Conversations, Identity & You, Trans Tea Time, Cro-Gay Club, and Colors in Unity. An ordained Lutheran minister, Tedd is the advisor to Kappa Sigma Fraternity and Lutheran Campus Ministry and a member of the Council on Spiritual and Religious Life. He is a member of the leadership team for Crimson Scholars Circle, a program designed to assist students in building relationships, connecting with campus resources, and getting ahead in their academic journey. He is a Title IX deputy through the Social Equity and Title IX office and provides necessary student support. Tedd has been on the planning committee for the State System’s annual Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Summit for the last several years. He is also a doctoral student in the Administration and Leadership Studies program through the College of Education and Communications. We thank you, Tedd!
A note about IUP Values Me: Each week, we will highlight one student and one staff member to “shine a spotlight” on their leadership and involvement in campus programs and their great work assisting our campus community with diversity, equity, and inclusion and/or civil rights awareness. If you have a suggestion for an IUP community member to feature in this section, please email social-equity@iup.edu.
