By Coen North
BLUFFTON, Ohio — From working with student organizations to finding a new meaning of community, Taylor Zerkle feels right at home as the new Student Engagement Coordinator though she’s only worked at Bluffton for a couple months.
Zerkle got her bachelor’s degree from Bowling Green State University and her master’s degree from Ohio University, where she worked before transferring to Bluffton University.
Zerkle, originally from Vanlue, Ohio, was no stranger to Bluffton before being hired by the university.
“We would actually come to Bluffton for field trips,” she said. “It was kind of serendipitous that this job opened up.”
She has fond memories of writing workshops hosted for high school students on the university’s campus.
Zerkle was drawn to Bluffton by their mission statement. “When I read the mission statement, I immediately felt like Bluffton would be a place where I would be safe and welcomed, and that my growth and success would be supported here,” she said. “I definitely wanted to be a part of a community that values respect and lifelong learning.”
Zerkle’s previous experience at bigger universities has made the small size of Bluffton stand out to her.
“You can feel community in big spaces, but not like the kind you feel at Bluffton,” she said. “The day of my interview, Mark Bourassa was walking me around campus, and everyone we passed he said ‘Hello’ to and addressed them by name. I had never really experienced that before. That level of familiarity and genuine community that you feel when you walk around campus was really unique to me.”
One of Zerkle’s favorite spots on campus is the walk across the Beeshy bridge to Riley Court. “The bridge and nature are so peaceful and serene, especially with the sun hitting just right.”
Zerkle also loves all of the student organizations on campus. “They constantly put on events that highlight different cultures and perspectives, and I feel like Bluffton is a place where curiosity and learning aren’t just limited to the classroom. There are other opportunities for students to engage,” she said.
She made note of this year’s intramural coordinators, Gabby Williams and Sergio Muniz, who she says, “are hyped, engaged, excited, and get people to participate in intramurals.” Zerkle is thankful for the great work they and all the student organizations are doing to help students feel engaged and supported.
During her time in administration in her previous job, she missed advising student groups, which is something she has been able to do more of while at Bluffton. She loves working with the Marbeck Activities Council in particular.
“They are a really great group of students who are eager, excited, dedicated, and have really awesome ideas, and they’re just genuinely fun to be around and engage with,” said Zerkle.
She greatly appreciates her Student Life team, who she calls, “the coolest team around.” She feels that she thrives at Bluffton because of them. Zerkle recalled, “During my interview, I was like I hope I get to work here with them.”
Zerkle’s time so far working as the Student Engagement Coordinator has been a refreshing change for her, and she looks forward to her continued work at Bluffton University.
