Staff

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Last Updated: Oct 22, 2024, 12:33 PM

Water Tug of War

Our Leadership Staff are responsible for camp preparation, starting as early as the end of the previous camp. The roles of the Leadership Staff includes, but is not limited to: Donor and support outreach, social media presence, coordinating volunteer members, marketing the camp, and - in the case of the Camp Director - overseeing other directors and the program as a whole.

"Our passion for serving the next class and easing your transition to SIU is our top priority. Ultimately, we hope that you, as well as every other incoming student, will come out of Dawg Days excited about finding your place at your new home."

-- Molly O'Hara - Camp Founder

Meet the 2024 Student Leadership Team!

  • Cheyanne Bristol

    Major: Crop, Soil, and Environmental Sciences

    Hey there! My name is Cheyanne and I am a Junior heading into my Senior year at SIU! I am a Crop, Soil, and Environmental Sciences Major with a Minor in Agriculture Education and my Specialization is in Sustainability. I am so excited to be a part of the Dawg Days Leadership Team! I started participating in this program in 2023 as a Camp Counselor where I created relationships with incoming students. It was a joy witnessing incoming students make friends, learn about potential opportunities, step out of their comfort zones, and create lasting memories. This experience made me realize how integral Dawg Days is to start the new school year! My favorite part of camp was mentoring students and finding friends in unexpected places. Without them, this past year would not have been the same! Outside of Dawg Days, I am involved in Professional Agriculture Students, Alpha Tau Alpha Honors Society, Agriculture Council, and the SIU Foraging Club. I am also an Undergraduate Student Researcher for the Weed Science Department. In my own time, I ride and compete with my horse, Slinky! When it comes to being on the Dawg Days Leadership Team, I am excited to help incoming students, counselors, and pack leaders immerse themselves in SIU and Touch of Nature culture. Let's make Dawg Days 2024 the best one yet!
    Cheyanne Bristol

  • Will Newton

    Major: Geography and Environmental Resources

    My name is Will, and I am a sophomore heading into my Junior year at SIU! I am a Geography and Environmental Resources Major specializing in GIS with a Minor in Aerospace. I am so excited to be a part of the Dawg Days Leadership Team! I started participating in this program in 2023 as a Pack Leader where I got to be a part of the new students’ experience. This experience made me realize how integral Dawg Days is to start the new school year! My favorite part of camp was mentoring students and finding friends in unexpected places. Without them, this past year would not have been the same! Outside of Dawg Days, I am involved in Backpacking club, FarmHouse Fraternity, AFROTC, and the SIU Foraging Club. I am also a member of the SIU Basecamp staff. In my own time, I spend as much time as I can outdoors in any way possible. Welcoming new Salukis and helping them to fit into their new home is something that I can’t wait to be a part of. I’m super excited for Dawg Days 2024!
    Will Newton

  • Morgan Kruse

    I am the Assistant Director of Campus Programs at Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center, the center that hosts Dawg Days each year. It is my honor to as a professional staff member to work with our Dawg Days Student Leadership Team. Cheyanne and Will are both stepping up in big ways despite an already busy schedule to give back to incoming students. As a former participant of Dawg Days, I can tell you confidently that this year is going to be an amazing one and I am privileged to work with these students in welcoming our newest Salukis!