Asa Alexander Townsend

725 Hilda Pine Drive, Chesapeake, VA 23322 USA

Cell: 757-739-3831; asa.townsend.13@cnu.edu

Summary
Interdisciplinary Studies major with a leadership studies core, supplemented by psychology and philosophy.
Experience in and developed understanding of the fields such as community engagement, organizational
leadership, and social sciences.
Education
Christopher Newport University, Newport News, VA
Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies, Leadership and Spanish Double Minor; May 2017
3.91 GPA
National Residence Hall Honorary
Alpha Chi
Presidents Leadership Program
Hickory High School, Chesapeake, VA
Advanced Studies High School Diploma, June 2013
National Honor Society
National Spanish Honor Society
Community Engagement Experience
Hampton Roads Center for Civic Engagement Hampton, Virginia
Lead Intern, September 2014 to Present

Provides a link between community stakeholders and high school students through the American
Graduate Initiative, in partnership with WHRO Public Media, in order to promote an ever-increasing
number of on-time graduation rates in schools throughout the Hampton Roads region.
Designs logic models that create the groundwork for new, regionally-focused initiatives.
Emphasizes asset-based community development as a crucial element in engaging citizens.
Guides new interns in the early stages of developing their own initiatives by providing constructive input
at weekly meetings.

Center for Community Engagement, Christopher Newport University Newport News, Virginia
Bonner Service Scholar, August 2013 to Present

Fulfills a yearly 300-hour community service contract with AmeriCorps that includes direct service,
training and enrichment events, and fundraising for organizations.
Represented the Bonner cohort of Christopher Newport University at the annual Bonner Summer
Leadership Institute, to develop skills such as deepening community partnerships, supporting students to
develop and engage fully, and building sustainable infrastructure for campus-community engagement.
Facilitates issue-based community conversations for students and community partners.

Civic Engagement Learning Community, Christopher Newport University Newport News, Virginia
Unit Liaison, January 2014 to May 2015

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Formed and led a group of 14 scholars committed to serving Newport News and becoming more
knowledgeable about its community.
Represented the group in proposing the new learning community to the Office of University Housing.
Engaged in discussions and shared service opportunities with members of the learning community.

Youth Development Department, South Morrison Center Newport News, Virginia

Volunteer, September 2013 to April 2014

Tutored middle school and high school students in subjects such as math and English.
Added new sports and games to teach to students for the after school program.

Administrative and Leadership Experience

Presidents Leadership Program, Christopher Newport University Newport News, Virginia
Ambassador, March 2014 to Present

Trains students to conduct interviews and to host overnight visits for prospective students.
Communicates professionally to inform prospective students and their parents about the university, its
programs, and the admissions process.
Builds schedules using Microsoft Excel to coordinate interviews and overnight visits.

Orientation Facilitator, April 2014 to June 2014

Introduced incoming first-year students to the university and to the Presidents Leadership Program.
Co-facilitated a team of twelve students, leading discussions and team building exercises focused on
developing teamwork and leadership skills.
Maintained relationships with first-year team members in order to serve as a resource and a guide
throughout the following year.

Marching Captains Athletic Band, Christopher Newport University Newport News, Virginia
Drum Major, August 2014 to Present

Conducts the marching band at football games and exhibition performances for thousands of spectators
each year.
Oversees individual sections and evaluates progress, assisting with issues both logistical and musical.
Builds relationships with members that boost morale and comradery within the organization.

Boston Crusaders Drum & Bugle Corps Boston, Massachusetts

Tour Operations Intern, May 2015 to August 2015

Assisted in day-to-day operations involved with touring the US with a musical performance group.
Acted as a liaison for kitchen staff, drivers, instructional staff, and performing members.
Handled cash management and receipt tracking for all of the organizations purchases made on tour.
Coordinated travel for staff and members entering and leaving tour throughout the summer.
Set up housing sites prior to the drum corps arrival to ensure that all amenities were accessible.

Research & Academic Experience

Department of Leadership Studies, Christopher Newport University Newport News, Virginia
Conference on Leading Change, January 23rd, 2016

Will chair a presentation that provides a synthesis of case studies analyzing teaching and leading
behaviors in professors from various cultural backgrounds

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Coffeehouse Speaker, October 21st, 2015

Gave a presentation open to all students and faculty titled Leading Giants, which covered lessons of
leadership learned from touring with the Boston Crusaders Drum and Bugle Corps.

Department of Psychology, Christopher Newport University Newport News, Virginia

Research Lab, April 2014 to May 2015

Managed a study that evaluated the effects of motorized massage chairs on healthy adults.
Trained lab assistants in proper lab protocol in order to ensure consistently valid results.
Organized lab shifts for researchers and participants, effectively handling any issues in a timely and
professional manner, with minimal supervision.
Collected, input, and analyzed results using IBM SPSS.

Paideia Conference, April 11th, 2015

Presented a poster discussing belongingness in adolescents and its effects on mental health.

Miscellaneous Experience
Office of University Housing, Christopher Newport University Newport News, Virginia
Student Worker, August 2015 to Present

Acts as public relations liaison for Housing Administration, answering student and parent inquiries
referencing housing and residence life policies.
Receive, provide, and process necessary documents for students and office staff.
File records containing housing documents for active and inactive students.

International Exchange Program, Christopher Newport University Newport News, Virginia

World Leader, August 2015 to Present

Serves as a guide and a mentor for international students studying at the University.
Partakes in planning of gatherings and events that will enrich international students cultural experience.
Represents CNU professionally as it continually pursues a commitment to international perspective.

Norfolk Festevents Norfolk, Virginia

Programming Team Member, May 2014 to August 2014

Maintained a fountain park that held events, hosted vendors, and provided public space for visitors.
Performed tasks on event planning staff for larger events such as creating art projects, setting up and
taking down tents, and serving and informing visitors.