Hayley Haskett is the Administrative Assistant to Student Engagement at Lake Land College. Photo by Hayley Haskett.
Hayley Haskett shines as the Student Engagement Administrative Assistant, a role that intertwines her passion for student involvement and the growth of a welcoming campus culture. Growing up just 30 minutes away in Shelbyville, Illinois, Hayley’s journey to Lake Land began when she came for the 8th-grade career conference, an event the college hosts annually. After graduating from high school, she enrolled at Lake Land College.
After a year at Lake Land College, Hayley embarked on a journey in the workforce, taking a break from academic pursuits. However, she was determined to complete her associate degree and returned to Lake Land. In Dec. 2022, she proudly achieved this milestone and walked in the May 2023 commencement ceremony.
She applied for the Student Engagement Administrative Assistant role on the Lake Land College website. As the Student Engagement Administrative Assistant, Hayley’s mission is clear: to be a guiding light for students seeking connections, involvement, and a sense of belonging within the college community.
Central to her role is assisting and facilitating events for student organizations. Hayley’s commitment goes beyond simple administrative duties. She actively strives to empower students and make them feel appreciated as they navigate their college journey. Whether it’s directing students towards helpful resources or aiding them in finding their place within the campus community, Hayley is unwavering in her dedication to student success.
One of her key strategies is networking—both within Lake Land College and beyond. Hayley serves on multiple college committees, fostering connections that lead to collaborative and impactful events. By creating casual and inclusive settings, she aims to make students feel comfortable and empowered to ask questions, fostering an environment where every voice is heard and valued.
Yet, with the enthusiasm to do so much, Hayley acknowledges her challenge in managing overwhelming tasks. She has learned the invaluable lesson of embracing imperfection, realizing that the small details she stresses over often go unnoticed by students who simply enjoy the events she helps create.
The rewards of her role are abundant, especially in witnessing the growth of students under her care. Hayley considers every achievement to reflect Lake Land College’s dedication to student engagement. Hayley said, “The students are great. I love Lisa so much, she is the best supervisor I have ever heard.”
To stay updated with the latest trends and ideas, the student life office keeps a pulse on student life beyond Lake Land, drawing inspiration from other colleges’ events and engaging with social media for fresh ideas. For her, student engagement isn’t just about events; it’s about fostering a sense of community, creating friendships, and developing skills that last a lifetime.
As Hayley reflects on her journey, she finds deep fulfillment in knowing that she plays a vital role in shaping the Lake Land College experience. Through her dedication and passion, she hopes to continue empowering students to find their voice, build connections, and thrive in a vibrant and inclusive campus environment.
