Staff Member Appointed Commissioner for Volunteer Louisiana Commission

Baton Rouge, LA - Southern University's very own, Kristan Gordon, was nominated to serve as commissioner for the Volunteer Louisiana Commission.

Gordon, Assistant to the Dean of International Education and Coordinator of Service Learning at Southern University, was selected and appointed by Louisiana's Lt. Gov., Jay Dardenne, to help promote community involvement.

"As a commissioner, I, and my fellow commissioners will encourage community service and state problem solving, promote and support citizen involvement in government and private programs throughout the state, and develop a long-term, comprehensive vision and plan for action for community service initiatives in Louisiana," said Gordon. She said she will also "act as the state's policy making body for the Corporation for National and Community Service, and serve as the state's liaison to other national and state organizations which support its mission."

Gordon said the selection process made her nervous.

"There's a long application process and a grueling waiting period," said Gordon. "The waiting period is the scary part. After you've done everything asked of you, you have to wait and make sure everything checks out. Once you receive the 'you've been approved' phone call, it's a blessing and a breath of fresh air."

Candidates, who were heavily involved in the community and repeatedly sought ways to positively impact youth, were selected amongst local educators to serve as commissioner for the Volunteer Louisiana Commission.

"The commission is comprised of 15 to 25 voting members," a recent press release from the governor's office stated. "The governor, the lieutenant governor, and a representative of the Corporation for National and Community Service shall serve as ex-officio, nonvoting members. The remaining members shall be appointed by the governor, in collaboration with the lieutenant governor, and subject to Senate confirmation."

Overjoyed and honored both describe how Gordon felt when appointed commissioner for the Volunteer Louisiana Commission.

"The feeling is incomparable," said Gordon. "To have someone outside of the university recognize your hard work and reward you for it, makes me feel like all the hard work and dedication is paying off."

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