New Bearkat OneCard Director Named

Bearkat OneCard Director, Kristy Vienne

"Students are my first priority," said Kristy Vienne, the new director of Bearkat OneCard Services.

Vienne said she is always ready for a challenge and enjoys starting new projects. She wants the students of Sam Houston State University to utilize the ease of the Bearkat OneCard through marketing and education.

Vienne arrived at the director's position in January 2006 with extensive experience under her belt. She implemented a similar OneCard program at Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, La. This service had never been offered before and Vienne described it as a great system for students to follow their spending.

"It was my baby for three years; it was a new opportunity and experience for me," Vienne said. "The program was a great segue into the Bearkat OneCard."

She describes her new position as "an opportunity to create a better customer service environment, where new services and benefits can be offered for students."

Most of her work is interdepartmental and working directly with student concerns.

"Everyone here is so welcoming," Vienne said. She said that Frank Parker, interim vice president for Student Services, has been very supportive of her work and ideas.

Currently she is making the Bearkat One Office, located in the Lowman Student Center Suite 330, easier to navigate so as to serve students better.

For faster service Vienne has set up five computers and has two dedicated phone lines where students can call about their card concerns. Educating students on the proper usage of their Bearkat OneCard is a top priority she said.

"We want to help students make the best decision possible," Vienne said.

Vienne received her Bachelor of Arts in business administration and her Master of Arts in student personnel services at Northwestern State University in Natchitoches. She has applied for the Sam Houston State University doctorate program in Education Leadership.

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SHSU Media Contact: Kristin Sulak
March 6, 2006
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