When I decided to take the opportunity to go to college four years ago, at the age of 40, I promised myself that I would stay as far under the radar as I could. Get in, do my work, and get out with the bachelor’s degree in Creative Writing I had signed up for. I wrote my first creative story while I was still in kindergarten, and throughout a tumultuous life, it has been my writing that has, at times, kept me sane in this crazy, mixed-up world. Over the last four years, however, I fell in love with this little piece of my life. My college experience has helped me grow as both an author and a person, and I’ve genuinely expanded my horizons while attending Arkansas Tech University here in Russellville, AR.
I was two years in when one of my Creative Writing professors, Dr. Michael Wang, invited me to sit in on a meeting of ATU’s chapter of Sigma Tau Delta. I am very proud to work with a group of such outstanding writers, and when offered the opportunity to step up and serve as the Chapter President beginning in the fall 2024 semester, I jumped at the chance to help my chapter grow.
I went to the Centennial Convention, hoping to pick the brains of my fellow Sigma Tau Deltans. I was anxious to ask anyone who would listen for their tips and tricks to getting their universities to commit the type of time and attention to their chapters that I hope to garner for my own during my upcoming tenure. What I wasn’t expecting, however, was to have a conversation that would spark a desire to serve at an even higher leadership level. My husband, Robert (who also attends ATU and is a fellow member of Sigma Tau Delta), and I were on an elevator in the convention’s hotel when the stranger we were riding with struck up a polite conversation. Were we also there for the convention? He asked us if we were presenting papers, what university we represented, and whether we were enjoying everything thus far.
It turns out that incredibly polite elevator stranger was none other than Sigma Tau Delta’s own Kevin Stemmler, a member of the Society’s Board of Directors. As socially anxious as I tend to be, I jumped at the chance to ask him if I could pick his brain about my questions regarding my upcoming run as Chapter President back home at ATU. He graciously said yes, and later on that day, he took some time out of his busy schedule to tell me how he, himself, has worked toward highlighting the Society and even offered me the names of several folks in my region (the Southwestern Region) that I could reach out to for further advice.
That conversation, that passion for his position and the Society as a whole, sparked within me the desire to do more, not just for my chapter but for Sigma Tau Delta as a whole. When I got the email saying that applications for Student Leadership were open, I jumped at the chance to submit mine. When I learned I had been chosen for the position, I was elated at the news. Now, as I spend this next year working toward completing a master’s degree in English and teaching for the first time as a GA (yeah, I am not good at staying under the proverbial radar, folks), I also get to serve as the Student Representative for the Southwestern Region of Sigma Tau Delta, and I couldn’t be more excited.
It’s hard to find a place where you can feel like you belong. Where your interests, your talents, and your creativity can shine and grow. Sigma Tau Delta has been that group for me, and I am grateful to have been offered the chance to grow even more within this great Society. I am thankful for the passion expressed by those among the Society’s leadership because it is that passion, that honest desire to see others in the Society succeed, that has led me to here, writing this blog. I want to help others in this Society find their place, their voice, and their passion. To know that Sigma Tau Delta is where they belong and where they can grow. Just like I’ve been able to do these last few years.
Crystal Dilling
Student Representative (former), Southwestern Region, 2024-2025
Omicron Tau Chapter, President
Arkansas Tech University, Russellville, AR
Student Leadership Opportunities
Sigma Tau Delta offers a number of opportunities for members to take part in the leadership of the Society. Participants gain firsthand information on the Society’s operations as well as play a part in the governance of and planning for Sigma Tau Delta.
Student members interested in expanding their Sigma Tau Delta experience beyond the chapter level are encouraged to volunteer for leadership opportunities at the Society’s regional and international levels.
2025 Open Leadership Opportunities
Application Deadline: April 11, 2025
Student Advisor (SA)—June 2025 – May 2027 Term
One of the two Student Advisors (SAs) is selected by the Board of Directors each spring. SAs serve for two years and provide the student voice as voting members of the Board of Directors. They also chair the Student Leadership Committee. SAs advocate for the needs and concerns of the student members of Sigma Tau Delta. The two SAs work together promoting the goals of the Society among its members.
Eligibility
- Must be a Sigma Tau Delta member at a school with an active chapter; and
- Must plan on attending a school with an an active chapter, through the end of appointed two-year term (June 2025 – May 2027).
SA Duties
Apply for the Student Advisor Position
Student Representative and Associate Student Representative Positions—June 2025 – May 2026 Term
The 2025-2026 Student Representatives (SRs) and Associate Student Representatives (ASRs) will be appointed by the corresponding Regent. There will be one SR and one ASR appointed for each of the six Regions. Please refer to the Chapter Directory to determine which region your chapter is in.
Eligibility
- Must be a Sigma Tau Delta member at a school with an active chapter; and
- Must plan on attending a school with an active chapter, within the Region you apply for, through the end of appointed one-year term (June 2025 – May 2026).
Students may apply for SR and/or ASR positions (i.e. if you apply for both and are not selected for SR, you may still be selected as an ASR).
SR and ASR Duties
Apply to be a Student Representative and/or Associate Student Representative
Resources
View Details and Applications: 2025 Society Leadership Opportunities
The Unexpected Benefits of Joining Student Leadership
SA Duties and Application Requirements
SR/ARS Duties and Application Requirements
Meet Me at the Student Leadership Application Portal!
Student Leadership: Bigger than Yourself
The Value of Joining Student Leadership
3 Reasons to Apply for Student Leadership
Why You Should Join Student Leadership
5 Reasons Why You Should Run for Student Leadership
More from Footnotes: March 11, 2024
Apply for Spring Scholarships
2025 Convention Update
Submitting to the Sigma Tau Delta Journals? It’s Easier Than You Think!
Our Classroom Library: Bridging the Gap in More Ways than One
Studying Abroad: From Museums to Host Moms
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