The Lion’s Roar / Larshell Green
New CAB director Nick Elliot joins the family of green and gold. Elliot remains excited about leading the organization which is known for thrilling the campus while promoting  school spirit during events like Gumbo Ya Ya.

Whether a sea of green and gold appears to indulge in free food, support arises for fellow students in talent endeavors or echoes of trendy music fills the campus, students can thank the Campus Activities Board. Movie nights, the Miss Southeastern pageant and Strawberry Jubilee are just a few of the prominent events that CAB is in charge of on campus. 

CAB also offers countless speakers and annual events held during Homecoming week such as Gumbo Ya Ya. One of the main goals of CAB has always been to entertain and excite the student body, while continuously promoting school spirit.

Recently, CAB has been under the rule of a new director, Nick Elliot.  Previously, Todd McElroy led CAB. 

This is Elliot’s first full time professional job in this field. He also served on the programming board as a student for four years while at Missouri State University.

Elliot, who is originally from St. Louis, studied at Missouri State  University where he received a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Art. Later, Elliot returned, earning a Master’s degree in Student Affairs and Higher Education. 

“I felt comfortable, and wanted to continue my education there,” said Elliot.

According to Elliot, he was a part-time master’s graduate assistant for the programming board, where he helped the university with programs.

Upon applying to Southeastern, Elliot participated in a phone interview before Homecoming week of last year.  Because of all of the events surrounding the week, there was a gap between his later in person interview on campus. 

“My job search was focused in working with a programming board,” said Elliot.  “I wanted to follow the passion of the job, and the location. I could make work for me.”

After the campus interview, Elliot says that it took another few weeks to get a call for a position. Despite this, after meeting the staff and students here, he made a decision about the new position offered to him.

“I really enjoyed the people I met on campus, and that influenced my decision to work here,” said Elliot. “It felt like a home environment.”

According to Elliot, he does not know a lot about the past of CAB. Because of this, he stated that figuring out what has or has not worked in the past will be a challenge.

“It’s going to take time to build up that reputation of what CAB is,” said Elliot. “It won’t happen overnight.” 

Elliot’s main focus for CAB is to create an environment of learning and entertainment through student activities. 

As far as keeping or eliminating events and programs on campus, Elliot plans instead to make them bigger and better through the survey of students.

According to Elliot, he plans to get feedback from the student body on other possible events to introduce or improve. He believes that research from the students, including ones that work in the CAB office, will contribute valuable information.

“Having that connection with students, and being able to see those smiles on their faces as being able to help create memories for the students here is enjoyable,” said Elliot. 

Elliot remains hopeful of his future as the new director. He enjoys the day to day surprises that come with his new position.

“You never know what’s going to come next,” said Elliot. “Every day is going to be different according to the students and weather. Event planning is a wild area, it keeps it exciting.”

For more information on CAB activities and programs, visit the Southeastern homepage or call 985-549-3805.