AU student earns prominent award from National Association for Campus Activities

ASHLAND, Ohio – Maeve Kelly, a psychology major at Ashland University, was named the winner of the Outstanding Undergraduate Student Leader award within the six-state Mid America region of the National Association for Campus Activities (NACA) recently.

Kelly has served as the co-leader of AU’s Campus Activities Board (CAB) for two years and is responsible for organizing social events that will engage the resident student population. She oversees the day-to-day operations of the student organization, while constantly seeking out ways to develop and enhance campus programming.

“NACA has a long tradition of recognizing excellence in college activities on a national level. This is quite an honor,” noted Robert Pool, vice president for student activities at AU.

This marks the first time an AU student has ever earned an individual honor from NACA and it is CAB’s first award from the organization since 2013.

Kelly, from Medina, Ohio, became a member of CAB’s executive team at one of its most pressing times – the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. With the uneasiness of socialization for some students returning to campus in the fall of 2020, Kelly and the CAB team went to work to provide entertaining, safe events for all. “When we got back from COVID, I could see how it was more important than ever to have these fun events,” she said.

Kelly took over as co-leader in the fall of 2021 and has continued to build back CAB and then some. This past semester, the organization put together the always-popular Grocery Bingo, a number of activities during Homecoming week, holiday-themed events like Fall Fest and Trick-or-Treat, blood drives, bowling nights and Stress Less Fest, a relaxing night before final exams that had a “huge turnout,” according to Kelly.

“All of the events we’re trying to make are pretty original or unique to AU. They wouldn’t be possible without all of our members having that passion. It’s really cool to see different members plan them,” said Kelly.

With her award-winning passion for student life, Kelly has set a new standard for student experience at AU. “College is so much more than going to classes. CAB provides that experience, which is such an important and vital part to our campus. It is such an honor to lead the group and work with students,” she said.

In addition to leading CAB and majoring in psychology, Kelly is working towards a minor in communications, as well as serving as manager of the café in the College of Business and Economics and treasurer of the College Democrats. She is grateful for the many leadership opportunities AU has afforded her.

“Ashland has totally lived up to my expectations,” she said. “I’m involved in so many different organizations. It’s been awesome building my leadership background, which will be very helpful in the future.”

Ashland University is a mid-sized, private university conveniently located a short distance from Akron, Cleveland and Columbus, Ohio. Ashland University (www.ashland.edu) values the individual student and offers a unique educational experience that combines the challenge of strong applied academic programs with a faculty and staff who build nurturing relationships with their students.