Boyd named September Student of the Month
Sept. 29, 2021 CHADRON - Chadron State College student Natalie Boyd is the Project Strive/TRiO Student of the Month for September. Boyd, a senior from Stratton, Nebraska, said she chose Chadron State College because of its exceptional Justice Studies program. She also liked that CSC is just a short drive to Custer State Park because she enjoys hiking and being outside.
Boyd is a Legal Studies and History major, and a member of the Rural Law Opportunities Program (RLOP). After graduating, Boyd plans to attend law school. She is still unsure what area of law she plans to enter, but she has considered criminal defense law after interning with the public defender in Chadron. She enjoys this area of law because she feels people should have access to competent defense, regardless of their ability to pay.
Boyd is also a member of Student Senate, an event coordinator of Zeta Alpha Kappa (ZAK), a peer mentor in the Learning Lab and the Campus Activity Board (CAB) representative for the United Club.
ZAK is working with the DOVES Program to aid victims of sexual assault, which is important to Boyd.
“As a part of ZAK, I have the opportunity to raise awareness for the DOVES Program. It’s important for people to not only know that there are resources available to them, but also how to access those resources,” Boyd said. “Educating people is our goal.”
Justice Studies Professor Dr. Lissette Leesch recognizes Boyd’s contributions to the community and the classroom.
“The Justice Studies faculty is delighted that Natalie is the September TRiO Student of the Month. Natalie is a bright and witty addition to both the classroom and the campus community. She doesn’t hesitate to volunteer her time and, as a Student Senator-at-Large, her decision-making is governed by a genuine regard for her fellow students. This recognition is well-deserved,” Leesch said.
Jennifer Schaer, director of TRiO, is pleased with Boyd’s involvement in Project Strive.
“Natalie has been a valuable member of Project Strive. She is always willing to go above and beyond to help the students and the program. This last summer, she was the main speaker for our video and she did a wonderful job. It has been great to watch her grow and learn as a student,” Schaer said.
When Boyd isn’t in school or participating in something on campus, she enjoys reading. One of her recent favorites is Normal People by Sally Rooney. Although this book doesn’t pertain to the sci-fi genre she usually finds herself reading, she found it fascinating because it presents a lot of information about mental health, which is important to Boyd.
—Molly Langhorst
Category: Campus News, Student Awards & Achievements