Iowa Student Leadership Experience

Want to be successful as you transition into or out of your role within your organization? Come as a group to find out how to effectively transition your organization with Kevin Merrill.

Kevin Merrill is dedicated to fostering student engagement and leadership at Iowa State University. A 2005 ISU graduate with a degree in Advertising, he also holds a master’s in College Student Personnel from Western Illinois University. In his role, Kevin supports student organizations, oversees leadership and service initiatives, and helps students build meaningful campus connections, championing leadership as a catalyst for action and lasting impact.

Explore the essential elements of creating and sustaining a healthy student organization culture with Ian Van Anden. This session will address common barriers, strategies for overcoming conflict, and the importance of trust and accountability. Participants will learn practical tools like the Golden Triangle framework, radical candor, and approaches to surface issues and unmet needs. By fostering a healthy leadership culture, student organization can thrive and positively impact campus life.

Ian Van Anden has 15 years of experience working with student leaders, Ian focuses on student engagement, leadership development, and civic responsibility. His leadership philosophy emphasizes humility, empathy, and resilience. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time outdoors with family, sports, baseball games, and relaxing in a hammock.

Learn Practical tools to support yourself and others through challenges using open-ended questions, change talk and other motivational interviewing strategies with Megan Cahalan. Then put your skills into action with a hands-on mock coaching experience designed to build confidence, strengthen real-time communication, and deepen your understanding of effective helping conversations. 

Megan Cahalan serves as the Health Promotion Coordinator for Student Wellness Services at the University of Northern Iowa. She holds a B.A. in Public Health with a certificate in Women's Health and Specializes in engaging students through wellness education and one-on-one wellness coaching. Using motivational interviewing and a strong focus on human connection, Megan helps students navigate challenges, access resources, and strengthen their overall well-being.

We'll explore key hiring trends, including what makes a resume stand out, how to cultivate a meaningful professional network, and how the interview process is shifting with Matthew Neuse. Whether you're currently employed, navigating a recent layoff, or exploring your next career move, this session will provide valuable insights to help you stay ahead in a competitive landscape.

Matthew Neuse services with UNI Career Services, the professional development hub for the University of Northern Iowa's 9,000 students. Guided by the mission, "We help students succeed!", Matthew supports students throughout their career journeys while partnering with more than 1,000 hiring organizations annually. His work helps connect students to meaningful career opportunities through over 125,000 job and internship postings each year, while collaborating with economic development organizations, nonprofits, and regional communities.

Leadership goes beyond holding a title — it requires self-awareness, understanding others, and recognizing context to make intentional, ethical decisions. in this interactive session with Rhonda McRina, participants will explore leading with awareness by examining group dynamics, personal values, and situational cues that influence leadership effectiveness. Through reflection, discussion, and real-world scenarios, students will gain practical strategies for setting healthy boundaries and leading authentically on campus and beyond.

Rhonda McRina is the Director of Student Connection and Experience at Hawkeye Community College, with over 24 years of experience in student services, counseling, and administrative leadership. She holds an MEd in Counseling from the University of Montevallo and a PhD in Higher Education Leadership from Iowa State University.

Rhonda previously served as Assistant Director for TRIO at the University of Northern Iowa and began her career as a mental health crisis counselor and sexual assault survivor counselor, shaping her commitment to trauma-informed practice and student advocacy. She is the founder of SecureHER Safety Initiative, a women-centered organization promoting awareness, preparedness, and empowerment through personal safety accessories and education. She also serves as Executive Director of the nonprofit Minority Mental Health and Wellness Group, advancing community health through a culturally informed approach.

Rhonda has served on the Waterloo School Board and was appointed by Governor Reynolds to two terms on the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners. She is Executive Board Vice Chair and Distribution Chair of the Scholtz Foundation, a member of the Black Hawk County Board of Health, and President of the Waterloo alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

A proud grandmother, Rhonda is guided by a commitment to ethical leadership, equity, and empowering individuals and communities to thrive.