Student Engagement Executive Director Helps Students Make the Most of Their Time as Chargers

Meet Greg Overend, executive director for student engagement, leadership, and orientation at the University of New Haven, a devoted family man who makes a mouth-watering homemade mac and cheese.

The lifeblood of the University of New Haven are the faculty and staff members who dedicate their lives to helping our students reach their goals. Periodically, we'll introduce you to a member of the staff so you can learn more about him or her – beyond their day to day work.

Next up is Greg Overend, who recently celebrated the start of his 17th year at the University.

Renee Chmiel: What do you consider to be your greatest accomplishment?
Greg Overend: At the University, I've had the opportunity to create my department – the Center for Student Engagement, Leadership, and Orientation – to help foster a close-knit community. My team and I are very proud of our efforts to develop a vibrant atmosphere in which our students are active and engaged and experience a sense of belonging. I also take great pride in my ability to collaborate and bring a team together for a common goal.

RC: What's your favorite time of year?
GO: I love when everyone comes back to campus – it is alive.

RC: If you could have any super power, what would it be?
GO: I'd love to be able to fly. I love to travel, so to be able to go anywhere I want would be awesome.

RC: What's the best compliment you ever received? Who was it from?
GO: That I'm a good brother, son, grandson, uncle, and friend. I've heard it from my family and friends. They mean the world to me and there is nothing I wouldn't do for them.

"My team and I are very proud of our efforts to develop a vibrant atmosphere in which our students are active and engaged and experience a sense of belonging."Greg Overend

RC: What's something that you can cook well?
GO: I make a great mac and cheese from scratch and I make a really good homemade Caesar dressing.

RC: What was your least favorite job?
GO: Cutting lawns! I am not an outdoorsy kind of guy. I do like to cut my own grass because it takes only 45 minutes and I listen to music, but when it was my summer job, I hated it.

RC: Do you have any pet peeves?
GO: I don't like when people that say they are going to do something and then they don't. Also, drama. I do not like drama.