5 Minutes with a McKendrean
Craig Robertson
Director of Campus Activities
Throughout the years, McKendree’s faculty and staff members make their own unique mark on the university and the community, shaping students’ lives and helping them on the path to success. One of the university’s most well-known and beloved staff members, Director of Campus Activities Craig Robertson, has been making a daily positive impact on campus since 1996.
What’s your favorite part of the day or school year?
New Student Orientation and opening day are two of my favorite parts of the school year. There is so much excitement across the board for the start of the academic year, especially for the incoming students and their families.
Do you have a favorite CAB memory?
My favorite Campus Activities Board (CAB) memory is not necessarily a particular activity that we have had on campus, but more of the process of getting to the completion point of the event or activity. Having a group of students working together to plan an event, execute that event, receive feedback from those in attendance, and growing together through that process creates “proud papa moments.” Those moments for some have extended beyond McKendree as several former student leaders have chosen to continue as campus activities or student affairs professionals following graduation.
Why have you chosen to serve McKendree for all these years?
Each year brings about various opportunities for growth and learning for me as a professional. I love being able to collaborate and share what I have learned with others.
How did your McKendree journey begin?
Being from Carlyle, I have always been familiar with the city of Lebanon but not as much with McKendree other than some baseball games I had attended when I was younger. At my undergrad (Millikin University), I worked in the student union for four years in general staff roles, and later as a manager. During that time, I was also a student athlete on the football team until an injury my junior year. I served as a student assistant and later as an assistant position coach under then Head Coach Carl Poelker. After graduation, I was also a graphic artist for the local newspaper in Decatur.
In 1996, McKendree College introduced the start of several campus programs, one of which was the beginning of McKendree Bearcat football. McKendree was experiencing tremendous growth at that time. I applied and was accepted for the positions of Residence Hall Director and Intramurals. I was elected as Running Backs Coach for the start of the 1996 season.
Through the years, I have served McKendree through a number of other additional roles, including New Student Orientation Director, Campus Activities and Recreation Director, and serving as an advisor for various Registered Student Organizations (RSOs).
The opportunities for growth and guidance I have received from Coach Poelker, former President Dr. Jim Dennis, former Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. Todd Reynolds, current Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. Joni Bastian, President Dobbins, and so many other colleagues have been invaluable.
What are your hopes for the future?
My hope for the immediate future is that we can increase involvement and growth within our RSOs and return to student engagement levels that existed prior to the pandemic. Updates to The Lair will definitely assist as a catalyst to overall engagement as it will present a fresh new look for the campus community. I am very excited for its completion and opening.
What would students or alumni be surprised to know about you?
I like various science fiction. One of my favorite shows growing up was Dr. Who.
How do you like to share your Bearcat pride?
Wearing McKendree purple with our logo. It alone may spark a question or conversation, but above all, it puts our name out there for all to see. My neighbors used to joke that their children would always say, “There goes Mr. Craig to work, wearing purple again.”
Favorite thing to order from Ames?
Pizza and chocolate chip cookie bars.
What song do you wish someone would pick for karaoke nights in The Lair?
There are so many, but I love songs that are upbeat and can get the crowd singing along or ones that show good vocal range and the crowd is just like, “Wow,” at the end.
What are you reading right now for fun?
“Infinite Inspirations” by David Coleman and Lenny Dave.
