Christopher D. Jensen
EDUCATION
Oakland University
Rochester, Michigan
Doctor of Philosophy – Educational Leadership, graduated April 2014
University of Michigan
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Master of Arts in Education – Higher Education Administration
Michigan State University
East Lansing, Michigan
Master of Arts in Education – Student Affairs Administration
University of Michigan
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Bachelor of Arts in Studies in Religion
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Towson University, Towson, Maryland
Director of Civic
Engagement &
Leadership
Aug. 2013 to present
Lead and coordinate campus-wide initiatives, programs, and activities related to
leadership, civic engagement, and community development. Responsible for leadership
and management of Towson University’s Civic Engagement Initiatives, which include
initiatives related to StrengthsQuest, participatory citizenship, service learning,
volunteerism, and university-community partnerships.
Serve as a resource for faculty and staff as they incorporate civic engagement concepts
into their curricular, co-curricular, and scholarship activities. Create a clear vision for
student leadership programs on campus and serve as a clearinghouse for information
about student leadership on campus. Build and expand strategic partnerships with nonuniversity organizations that would further the university’s civic engagement mission.
Oakland University, Rochester, Michigan
Assistant Director of
Leadership & ServiceLearning Programs
March 2008 to Sept. 2012
Responsible for student leadership development and service-learning initiatives through
the management of the Leadership and Volunteer Center. Oversaw the leadership and first
year programs, including trainings, seminars, workshops, retreats and conferences that
provided personal and professional development in such areas as civic engagement,
communication, interpersonal, and human relation skills; along with recruitment of
participants, marketing of the center, and maintaining the budget. Coordinated servicelearning/community service programs, including volunteer opportunities that promote
humanitarianism and civic engagement. Served as a liaison to Academic Service Learning
Council and Michigan Campus Compact.
Supervised graduate assistants and undergraduate interns to assist with the
implementation of student leadership and service-learning initiatives. Oversaw the
marketing and technology of the Center for Student Activities and Leadership
Development. Maintained the Center for Student Activities web, social networking sites
and weekly newspaper advertisements. Coordinated the Student Life Lecture Board,
which consisted of executing contractual agreements and maintaining working
relationship with agents, vendors, and campus venues.
Christopher D. Jensen
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PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE continued
Kettering University, Flint, Michigan
Director of Student
Activities and Greek Life
July 2001 to Jan. 2003
Primary advisor for Student Government, which consisted of the Finance Council
(funding), Operation Council (on-campus activities), and Student Senate (policy).
Worked with the 62 student organizations on planning and implementing their events,
along with coordinating Orientation, Family Weekend, and Homecoming committees. In
addition to the responsibilities below:
Coordinator of Greek Life
&
Community Service
Aug. 1997 to Oct. 2000
Advised the 28 Greek Letter fraternities/sororities. Advised the Interfraternity Council,
the Panhellenic Council, and the four Pan-Hellenic Organizations along with Gamma
Sigma Alpha Honor Society, Order of Omega, and Rho Lambda. Coordinated outreach
programs to the Flint Community. Programs included the Community Tutoring Program,
Red Cross Blood Drive, Easter Seals College Olympics, and the Adopt-a-school mentor
program.
The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
Assistant Director of
Fraternity Life
Oct. 2000 to July 2001
Worked closely with all four councils and the affiliated organizations to aid students with
recruitment, intake, event planning, educational programming, social, philanthropic and
logistical needs. Served as facilitators and educators at retreats and other forums and
workshops. Acted as a liaison to alumni, parents, City of Ann Arbor officials, Inter/
National headquarters, and University faculty and staff. Assisted chapters with their
programming ideas, problem solving and leadership development.
Program Facilitator
2003 to 2008 (summers)
The University of Michigan Challenge Program was an activity-based team building
program, which used problem-solving activities, a climbing tower, and low and high ropes
course experiences to address issues and develop skills important to groups such as
cooperation, communication and problem solving
The University of Nebraska at Kearney, Kearney, Nebraska
Residence Hall Director
Aug. 96 to June 97
Responsible for the overall management of a coed hall for 320 students. Directly
supervised 15 paraprofessional staff members. Responsibilities included: selecting staff,
team building, goals setting, developmental training, and assessment. Advised the
residence hall council. Encouraged and developed student activities and programs.
Conducted disciplinary hearings. Assisted students to develop behavioral standards
appropriate to group living in an academic institution. Promoted the residence hall living
experience as an integral aspect of the college experience.
The Delta Chi Fraternity, Iowa City, Iowa
Leadership Consultant
June 95 to June 96
Represented the interests of Delta Chi to 40 Chapters, numerous universities, and
hundreds of alumni. Conducted on-site consulting visits assessing organizational
strengths and areas of improvement with respect to operation and programming.
Developed individualized programming for recruitment, membership education,
scholarship, financial management, public relations, philanthropy, and officer training.
Planned the establishment of new chapters. Designed and implemented marketing
programs for expansions, and maintained relationships with universities for future
programs. Facilitated groups of 10 to 300 people on goal setting, recruitment, and risk
management.
Christopher D. Jensen
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TEACHING EXPERIENCE
Towson University, Towson, Maryland
Teaching and Learning in
a Diverse Society
Fall 2014 to present
Education 203 examines multicultural influences on education. Students will engage in a
process of self-awareness and appreciation of others while exploring approaches to
advocacy and social action with special attention to educational contexts. The theoretical
content we discuss may not seem immediately relevant to your careers; however, this
course will assist you in constructing a framework and understanding when working in a
pluralistic society.
Student Success
Fall 2014 & Fall 2015
This course was created to introduce students to the services and resources. Students
learn about personal and academic strategies to be successful at Towson University.
Oakland University, Rochester, Michigan
Introduction to Student
Services in Higher
Education
Winter 2013
Educational Leadership 586 is a graduate course in the new Master’s in Higher Education
degree at Oakland University. The purpose of this course is to provide students with an
introduction to the major theories, practices, and issues relevant to the administration of
student services in a college or university setting. Students are examining administrative
processes and functions from a variety of theories and perspectives.
Field Experience in
Integrative Studies
Winter 2012 & Fall 2012
HS 402 is the capstone course for the Bachelor of Integrative Studies program. The
course is designed to integrate and explore knowledge integration, specifically how the
areas the students have encountered through their education relate to individual and
community well-being, as well as broader social contexts. This course provided students
with the ability to formulate an interdisciplinary lexicon in order to be able to effectively
communicate the relevance of an integrative methodological approach and to develop
meaningful connections between their educational goals and a complex issue in society.
Introduction to
Organizational Behavior
Winter 2013
Organizational Behavior 330 provides the students with an introduction to theory and
research as it applies to the understanding of human behaviors and attitudes in various
organizations. The theoretical content discussed provides the students the ability to
identify problems systematically, analyze alternatives and make sure that the preferred
alternative is feasible. This training in organizational behavior and theory assists the
students in constructing a framework for meeting the demands of a management position.
Collegiate
Communication
Fall 2009 – 2012
COM 101 is a first-year seminar course dedicated to helping new students make a
successful transition to Oakland University. Designed to meet the needs of first-year
students in adjusting and succeeding at Oakland University. COM 101 helps students: set
goals for the first semester, learn how communication skills impact academic success, find
opportunities for on-campus involvement, and think about academic and career options.
Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan
Student Leadership
Course
Spring & Fall 1999,
Spring 2000
Taught a 15-week course on Leadership to 25 undergraduate students at MSU. The
course covered a broad range of areas associate with effective leadership. These areas
included: leadership language, theories and styles, personal management such as time and
stress, group member behaviors, and productivity through appropriate uses of delegation,
meetings, decision-making models, and diversity.
Christopher D. Jensen
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RESEARCH EXPERIENCE
Towson University, Towson, Maryland
Program Coordinator
Sept. 2014 to present
Program Coordinator for the Multi-Institutional Study of Leadership (MSL). The MSL is
an international research program focused on understanding the influences of higher
education in shaping socially responsible leadership capacity and other leadership related
outcomes (e.g., efficacy, cognitive skills, and resiliency). Designed as a collaborative
research program, participation in the MSL provided Towson University with a platform
from which to engage in evidence-based practice while contributing to the knowledge
base on college student leadership development.
Program Coordinator
Sept. 2015 to present
Coordinated the Personal Social Responsibility Inventory (PSRI) An Institutional Climate
Measure is a campus climate survey developed originally as part of an initiative called
Core Commitments: Educating Students for Personal and Social Responsibility.
Oakland University, Rochester, Michigan
Program Coordinator
Sept. 2009 to May 2012
Program Coordinator for the Multi-Institutional Study of Leadership (MSL).
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
Graduate Student
Research Assistant
May 2007 to May 2008
Graduate Research Assistant for Dr. Eric Dey on the Associations of American Colleges &
Universities, Core Commitments project. Revised the ‘Climate Survey’ that was
administered to faculty, staff, and students at 23 colleges and universities throughout the
United States. Liaison to seven campuses.
Sept. 2003 to May 2004
Research Assistant for Dr. Richard Alfred on developing a ‘Cultural Assessment’ for
liberal arts colleges. Researched current literature on strategic planning for institutions of
Higher Education.
Graduate Internship
Sept. 2003 to July 2005
Researcher for the Office of Student Activities and Leadership. Working with the W.K.
Kellogg Foundation Report on “Leadership Reconsidered: Engaging Higher Education in
Social Change. Designed a model titled “Leadership for the Public Good” that is being
utilized to create curriculum for their leadership programs and to assess the development
of leadership skills. Working with the conceptual model titled “Leadership for the Public
Good” created curriculum for the leadership program, “Leadership Connection”.
Facilitated workshops for the 30 student organizations on collaboration, recruitment, and
inclusion. Presented a workshop on teamwork at a week-long leadership program titled,
International Leadership Symposium. Interim Administrative Coordinator for the U of M
Student Government. Provided support to the elected student officers along with
administrating their budget.
Christopher D. Jensen
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SERVICE
♦ Maryland-DC Campus Compact, Senior Advisory Group for Engagement, Towson University
Represent the university on a working group committee that advises the Executive Director with strategic
planning and implementation
♦ University Senate, Vice Chair, Towson University
The University Senate is the primary policy-making body of the university as well as the academic
community's primary advisory body to the president.
♦ Towson University Staff Council (TUSC), Chair, Towson University
TUSC is the advocate body for all University staff employees. Through its advisory role with the
University President, TUSC seeks to further the prominence of the University by promoting the value and
talents of its staff employees.
♦ Student Affairs Diversity Coordinating Council, Towson University
Contribute to the overall diversity and inclusion initiatives with the Division of Student Affairs including
co-chair for the Intergroup Dialogue sub-committee
♦ Student Affairs Assessment Committee, Towson University
Provide leadership and support in the development of annual assessment plans utilizing Campus Labs and
Compliance Assist tools.
♦ NASPA – Civic Learning & Democratic Engagement Conference Committee
Assisting with the preparation for the CLDE conference in Baltimore, Maryland in June 2017
SERVICE previous institution
♦ Retention Committee, Oakland University
Charged with examining the policies and practices effecting student retention. In addition, assisted with
the planning for the Retention Conference at Oakland University, March 2013.
♦ Student Affairs Learning Outcomes Committee, Oakland University
Coordinated resources and professional development to the learning outcomes assessment process for the
Division of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management.
♦ Administrative Professional (AP) Assembly, Oakland University
Provided advisory for the staff members to the University President. Served as the treasurer
♦ Association for Integrative Studies Conference Committee, Oakland University
Assisted with the conference preparation for the International conference at Oakland University in 2012
♦ Big Brother/Big Sister Program of Greater Flint
Served as a role model for a local student for eleven years. Awarded Big Brother of the Year, 2009
Christopher D. Jensen
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PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT EXPERIENCES
StrengthsQuest Coaching Certification
Coalition of Urban & Metropolitan Universities
National Association of Student Personal Administrators
LeaderShape®, Multiple Campuses (Co-Lead facilitator)
Association for Integrative Studies
American College Personnel Administrators member
National Association of Campus Activities
Association of Fraternity Advisors Conference
Association of American Colleges & Universities, University of Vermont
International Leadership Association, Washington, DC
Mid-America Greek Conference Association, Chicago, IL
Upper Mid-West Region Association of College and University Housing
Officers, Oconomowoc, WI
♦ Interfraternity Institute, Bloomington, IN
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2016 - 2017
2014 - 2017
1997 - 2017
2001 - 2017
2011 - 2013
1997 - 2013
2002 - 2011
1997 - 2011
2006 - 2007
2003 - 2005
1998 - 2001
1997 - 1996
July 1995
PRESENTATIONS
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LeaderShape®, Towson University, January 2017
Co-lead the 6-day Institute.
Maryland Student Affairs Conference, February 2016
Presented: Creating the Essential Elements of an Effective Learning Community.
William Beaumont School of Medicine at Oakland University, 2012, 2013, & 2016
Presented: Leadership Styles for Medical Students.
Engagement Academy, Coalition of Urban & Metropolitan Universities, October 2015
Worked with a four-person team to create a clear action plan designed to deepen
institutional commitment to and capacity for high quality community engagement at
Towson University.
NASPA Civic Learning & Democratic Engagement, June 2014
Presented: Developing Political Engagement through Connecting Course Objectives to
Current Events.
Teaching and Learning Conference, May 2013
Presented: Integrating Service and Knowledge to Foster Community Engagement.
Association for Integrative Studies Conference, Oct. 2012
Panel presentation: Approaches to Teaching Interdisciplinarity: Theory and Process
Co-presented: Scaffolding Student Success in Interdisciplinary Research.
Michigan Campus Compact Institute, Jan. 2012
Research presentation: Leadership for the Engaged Campus Community.
Association of American Colleges (AAC&U), University of Vermont, July 2007
Co-presented the Personal Social & Responsibility Inventory (PSRI) to participating
colleges and universities
Michigan Association of Intuitional Research, Ypsilanti, Michigan, November 2004
Presented finding on Leadership for the Public Good.
Michigan Leadership Connection, University of Michigan, May 2001, 2003 & 2004
Lead workshops on leadership development and organizational competences.
Michigan LeaderShape®, University of Michigan, August 2001 & 2003
Facilitated a family cluster for the 6-day program.
Association of Fraternity Advisors, Columbus, OH, 2002
Presented a session on developing your Mentor/Mentee Relationship.
Michigan Personnel College Association (MPCA), Ann Arbor, MI, 2001
Facilitated a roundtable on Service-Learning.
Christopher D. Jensen
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PRESENTATIONS continued
♦ IMPACT, Northwest Missouri State University, Marysville, MO, 2001
Facilitated a cluster for the weekend program.
♦ Delta Chi Regional Leadership Conference, Ohio State Campus, 2000
Lead presenter for the weekend; similar to an IMPACT session.
♦ Mid-America Greek Conference Association, Chicago, IL, 2000
Presented a Pathway on Community Service “Leading Through Service.”
♦ 21st Century Women - Kettering University, Flint, MI, 1999
Presented a session on Time Management and goal setting to women high school
students.
♦ Franklin Covey –What Matters Most, Flint, Michigan
Presented Time Management workshop to incoming students and organizations.
♦ Mid-America Greek Conference Association, Chicago, IL, 1999
Presented a Pathway on Community Service “Leading Through Service.”
♦ Michigan State University Leadership Conference, East Lansing, MI, 1999
Presented a leadership session on Mission statements and Long-range Goals.
♦ National Society of Black Engineers Regional Conference, Detroit, MI, 1999
Presented a session on Time Management and goal setting to high school students.
♦ Delta Chi Leadership College, Iowa City, Iowa, 1999
Presented two workshops, Leadership Styles and Leading through Diversity.
♦ Undergraduate Interfraternity Institute, 1998 & 1999
Facilitated a one-week session on Greek leadership.
PUBLICATIONS
♦ Surak, S., Jensen, C. D., Pope, A., & McCartney, A. R. (in press). Teaching faculty to teach
civic engagement: Interdisciplinary models to facilitate pedagogical success. In McCartney,
A. R.. Bennion, E. A, Matto, E. C., & Simpson, D. (Eds.), Teaching civic engagement
across the disciplines in the twenty-first century. Publisher: American Political Science
Association.
♦ Crabill, S. L. & Jensen, C. D. (2015). Integrating knowledge through academic servicelearning. In Delano-Oriaran, O., Penick-Parks, M. W., Fondrie, S. (Eds). The SAGE
sourcebook of service-learning and civic engagement. Los Angeles: SAGE Publications,
Inc.
UNDERGRADUATE EXPERIENCE
University of Michigan
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Resident Advisor
Orientation Leader
Intramural Referee
Regional Fraternity Conference Chair
Student Assistant at the Department of Public Safety
Avid golfer at the University of Michigan Golf Course